The last days of summer are upon us. The autumnal equinox is on September 22.
Fall is a wonderful and fun season that's stellar for family activities. It's also a great time to get messy outside, where it's not too hot or cold. That makes it prime time for crafting, too!
Change is in the air, and your kids are feeling it, too. Regardless of what it looks like, we're back into the school schedule. The holidays will be here before you know it. It's nice to stop and reflect on a fleeting season. The autumnal equinox is perfect for just that.
The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun passes the equator from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere. The North Pole begins to tilt away from the sun. It results in days that are the same length at all points on Earth's surface but the poles themselves.
Equinoxes are nice to appreciate as a nod to nature. They also mean a lot to different cultures around the world. With these activities and crafts, you can celebrate the autumnal equinox with your family.
Leaf Print Collage
Making a leaf print collage is an easy and fun way to interact with the changing fall landscape. Simply collect some cool leaves outside, then grab some acrylic paint and blank paper.
Carefully dip the leaves into the paint, then press to the paper. It makes for beautiful prints that kids of all ages can have fun making. First Palette shares a lot of awesome projects you can do to take it to the next level once you've got the basic technique down.
Leaf Wreath
All you need are some card-stock or foam rings, glue, and leaves to make beautiful leaf wreaths, like these by Crafts for All Seasons. Use regular school glue for card stock or hot glue for foam. Once you've got the base down, get creative! You can use glitter, ribbons, and more.
Leaf Crowns
As the seasons change, flower crowns give way to leaf crowns. We can't get enough of this cute way of jumping on board this trend. Red Ted Art offers a beautiful tutorial that uses all-natural supplies to make beautiful crowns for kids.
Twig Weaving
Older kids will enjoy making a unique keepsake that mixes nature and craft. It requires a little more prep than some of the other projects, but it will be well worth it when kids can display their finished weaving projects. A Faithful Attempt breaks down the best way to make it happen.
Harvest Feast
Enjoy a meal with all the best foods that are harvested during the fall. From squash to corn to pumpkins, there are so many delicious ideas to explore with your kids. Taste of Home has a great list to get you started. Make a day of it by letting the kids help out in the kitchen.
Harvest Sensory Bin
Adventures and Play shares a creative way to engage with younger children through a harvest sensory bin. Use differently textured cereals and some toy tractors to create a fun harvest setting inside a large bin. Also recommended is a fake grass mat as the bottom layer.
Scavenger Hunt Hike
Fall is the perfect time of year to get outside. Hiking is a fun and family-friendly activity that you can enjoy while keeping your distance from others. Mom blogger Trish Sutton shares a great scavenger hunt list that will keep kids engaged during the hike.
Thankful Tree
Gather real leaves and branches from outside, then make your own thankful tree! Autumn is a great time to focus on gratitude, especially for the things we get from the earth. Rhythms of Play has a detailed walk-through explaining how to make the beautiful and meaningful craft.
Tree Bark Rubbing
All you need is easel paper, unwrapped crayon bits, and a tree to make some fun tree bark rubbings. Your kids will have fun noticing all the different textures they can find on trees, even in the same area. These rubbings are fun to hang up as seasonal artwork, too!
Thankful Pumpkins
These sweet crafts can serve as a desktop reminder of all the things we have to be thankful for. Simply cut strips of orange construction paper and write what you're thankful for on them. Then staple them together in the shape of a pumpkin. The Moffatt Girls give an awesome walk-through.
