November Eco-Activity: Leaf Play!
Eco-Friendly Fall Fun: Leaf Play for Kids 🍁
November is the perfect time to get kids outside exploring the colors, textures, and shapes of fall leaves. Leaves are more than just pretty—they’re perfect for hands-on, creative, and sustainable play. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
🍂 Leaf Garlands & Mobiles
Collect colorful leaves on a walk and turn them into decorations for your home.
Thread leaves onto yarn, string, or twine to make a garland.
Hang leaves at different lengths from a stick to create a simple mobile.
Press leaves between wax paper first to keep them flat and vibrant.
Mix in other natural finds like acorns or small pinecones for extra interest.
🍁 Leaf Wreaths
A cut out paper plate or cardboard ring makes a perfect base for a fall wreath.
Layer colorful leaves around the ring and glue or tape them in place.
Add twigs, berries, or other natural bits for texture.
Let kids arrange leaves however they like to practice patterns and creativity.
🌿 Leaf Nature Weaving
A small cardboard or twig loom opens up endless possibilities for weaving leaves, grasses, or twigs.
Cut small slits on the top and bottom of a cardboard rectangle and tie yarn as vertical threads.
Weave leaves and grasses over and under the yarn, overlapping for a textured look.
It’s a great way for kids to experiment with patterns and get hands-on with natural materials.
🍃 Leaf Confetti
Use a hole punch on colorful leaves to create natural confetti.
Sprinkle the confetti into art projects, sensory bins, or onto a table for festive fall fun.
Punching leaves is also a great way for kids to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
🍁 Leaf Pile Play
Sometimes the simplest activities are the most fun.
Jumping in, burying toys, or sorting leaves by color and shape encourages gross motor skills and sensory exploration.
Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty or of a few scrapes—the joy is worth it!
Add in other outdoor toys, like a trampoline, slide, or wagon, to make leaf play even more exciting.
Leaves are all around this time of year and make a perfect tool for creative, eco-friendly, and hands-on play. Encourage kids to explore, craft, and enjoy the beauty of fall while learning about textures, colors, and nature.
🍂 Happy leaf play!
— The Rutabaga Toy Library Team 🌈🖌️
