Mess Free Finger Paint Leaves

A brilliant way to create fall leaves and have the kids play with finger paint -- all without making a mess.  Moments of mommyhood squishes dabs of fall colored paint onto paper, covers with wax paper and then lets the little ones squish to their hearts content.  She then removes the wax paper and after the paint dries cuts into pretty fall leaves.  The messy option is great too so long as you don't mind cleaning up the mess.

Good for ages 1 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.momentsofmommyhood.com/2011/09/oldie-but-goodie-no-mess-fingerpainted.html

Leaf Dream Catcher

Inspired by the traditional dream catcher handmade charlotte uses leafs instead of feathers to create leaf catchers.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-leaf-catcher/

Rhythm of the home uses autumn leaves for her version.

Get the instructions here:
http://rhythmofthehome.chttp://rhythmofthehome.com/2011/08/nature-collage-frame-autumn-children-crafts/om/2011/08/nature-collage-frame-autumn-children-crafts/ 

Mom to 2 posh lil divas glues the leaves a paper plate and adds yarn.

Get the instructions here: 
http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2011/11/kid-craft-fall-leaf-dream-catchers.html

Glitter Topped Pencils

Glitter is glued onto the top of pencils to make them dazzle with brunch at saks.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://brunchatsaks.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-glitter-pencils.html

Tissue Paper Leaf Wreath

Colorful tissue paper is cut into leaf shapes and glued into a wreath with inner child fun.  She uses a brown paper bag for the wreath backing.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://innerchildfun.com/2010/11/easy-leaf-wreath.html

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Fall is a great time to get kids outdoors and explore nature.  U create with kids has this great autumn scavenger hunt having the kids look for the images on the bag.

Good for ages 2 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.ucreatewithkids.com/2012/11/brown-bag-fall-hunt-by-cami-at-tidbits.html

Fit family has a similar version.

Get the instructions here:
http://fitfamily.hubpages.com/hub/Get-Kids-Moving-with-a-Fall-Scavenger-Hunt 

Imagination soup includes some really creative ideas in her list including listening for bird sounds.  She also asks questions about what the kids find and how they're different and offers activities such as bringing them home for art and crafts. 

Get the instructions here:

http://imaginationsoup.net/2010/10/autumn-fall-scavenger-hunt-for-kids/

Reading List Bookworm

Kids can record the books they read on this bookworm.  Every fifth segment offers them a hidden surprise they can flip over and read.  Find all of the details at Martha Stewart.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/275175/after-school-crafts/@center/277005/back-school#203743

Strawberry Acorn Magnet

Acorns find a new purpose as they are painted to look like strawberries with crafts by amanda.  She then glues magnets onto the back.  Or you could leave them outside to fool some squirrels.

Good for ages 10 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://craftsbyamanda.com/2012/08/strawberry-acorn-magnets.html