Fall Leaves Wreath Craft for Kids

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Last updated October 24, 2026.

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Looking for an easy fall craft to make with your kids? This fall leaves wreath is a fun way to turn colorful autumn leaves into a beautiful decoration for your home!

It’s simple, inexpensive, and a great excuse to get outside and explore nature. All you need is some cardboard, glue, and leaves you collect along the way.

My kids and I love making crafts with things we find outdoors. Gathering the leaves is half the fun, and every wreath turns out a little different!

Why Do Leaves Change Color In The Fall?

I always try to find teaching moments in the activities we do. While collecting leaves, I explained to my kids why leaves change color and they were excited to learn about it.

Leaves make food for trees during the spring and summer months, but stop during the fall and winter because there is less day light and the temperature gets colder. Chlorophyll, the chemical in leaves that helps to produce food, gives the leaves their green color. When the leaves’ food production shuts down during the fall, the chlorophyll breaks down and the green color disappears, revealing the leaves’ true colors.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Leaves Wreath Craft

• Budget-friendly: Most of the supplies are free or things you already have at home.
• Great for different ages: Younger kids can collect and arrange leaves, while older kids can help with more of the assembly.
• Nature-inspired: Encourages kids to get outside and explore the changing seasons.
• Educational: A great opportunity to talk about why leaves change colors in the fall.
• Creative: Kids can personalize their wreaths with different leaves and natural materials.

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the season, check out these fun fall activities to do with the family.

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

I always love finding little teaching moments in the activities we do. While collecting leaves for our wreath, we talked about why leaves change color in the fall.

During spring and summer, leaves use sunlight to make food for trees through a process called photosynthesis. A pigment called chlorophyll helps with this process and gives leaves their green color.

As the days get shorter and temperatures cool, many trees begin preparing for winter. Chlorophyll breaks down, allowing yellow and orange pigments that were already in the leaves to become visible. Some leaves also produce red pigments during the fall.

Eventually, the leaves fall from the trees, and the cycle begins again in spring!

Try this with your kids: While collecting leaves, see how many different colors, shapes, and sizes you can find. Can you find leaves that have more than one color?

How to Make a Fall Leaves Wreath

This easy fall nature craft requires just a few supplies and lets kids get creative with their favorite autumn finds.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cardboard (an old shipping box works perfectly)
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Optional: Small pine cones, twigs, or other natural decorations
• Optional: Ribbon or string for hanging

Step 1: Collect Your Fall Leaves

Take your kids outside for a nature walk and gather colorful fall leaves. Look for different shapes, sizes, and colors to give your wreath some variety.

You can also collect small pine cones, twigs, or other interesting natural materials to add to your wreath.

Tip: Leaves that are still flexible work best. Very dry leaves can crumble when you’re gluing them onto the wreath.

If your kids enjoy collecting treasures from outside, try our Nature Scavenger Art activity with free printables on your next nature walk!

Step 2: Make the Cardboard Wreath Base

Use a large bowl or plate to trace a circle onto a piece of cardboard. Then, trace a smaller circle inside it to create a donut shape.

Cut out the center and outer circle to make your wreath base.

This step is best done by an adult, especially if you’re using thick cardboard.

Step 3: Prepare Your Leaves

Trim the stems off the leaves so they’ll be easier to arrange and glue onto the cardboard.

This is a great job for kids who are comfortable using child-safe scissors.

Step 4: Glue the Leaves Onto Your Wreath

Arrange your leaves around the cardboard wreath, overlapping them to cover the base.

Once you’re happy with the arrangement, glue the leaves into place. Add pine cones, twigs, or other decorations if you’d like.

Let the wreath dry completely before picking it up.

Step 5: Display Your Fall Wreath

Your fall leaves wreath is ready to display!

Attach a ribbon or piece of string to the back and hang it on an interior door or wall. You can also prop it up on a shelf as part of your fall decorations.

Since the wreath is made with real leaves, it’s best to keep it indoors in a dry spot. The leaves will naturally dry out and become more fragile over time.

Tips for Making a Fall Leaves Wreath With Kids

Use freshly fallen leaves. Choose leaves that aren’t too brittle or wet. If they’re damp, gently pat them dry before gluing.

Let kids take the lead. The wreath doesn’t need to look perfect! Let your children decide which colors and decorations to use.

Experiment with different materials. Try adding small twigs, seed pods, or pine cones for extra texture. Heavier decorations may need stronger glue and adult assistance.

Make it a learning activity. Sort the leaves by color, compare their shapes, or try identifying which trees they came from.

Favorite Fall Books for Kids

Pair this fall wreath craft with a fun autumn-themed story! Here are two books to enjoy together.

More Fall Crafts and Activities for Kids

Looking for more fall activities to try with your kids? Here are a few more fun ideas!

• Nature Scavenger Art with Free Printables — Turn a nature walk into a creative art activity.
• Fall Leaves Fairy Wand – Easy Kids Craft — Combine hands-on math with fall-themed sensory play.
• Learning Fractions with Pumpkin Pie Playdough — More ways to make memories together this autumn.

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