Fall is my absolute favorite season! Between the beautiful changing leaves, cooler weather, and pumpkin spice everything, I just can’t get enough of it.
And of course, that means it’s the perfect time for some fun fall activities with the kids!
One of my favorite things to do with my kiddos is set up an invitation to create. They’re simple, inexpensive, and give kids the freedom to use their imaginations.
For this particular activity, I headed to Dollar Tree and grabbed a bunch of fall-themed goodies. Then I set everything out and let the kids create their very own fall pictures!
And let me tell you, they absolutely loved it!
Read: Nibbles the Book Monster Craft
What Is an Invitation to Create?
An invitation to create is exactly what it sounds like!
Instead of giving your child step-by-step instructions to make a specific craft, you provide different materials and invite them to create whatever they want.
There’s no example they have to copy, no right or wrong way to do it, and no expectation of what the finished project should look like.
The goal is to encourage creativity, imagination, and independent thinking.
I love activities like this because every child approaches them differently. One might carefully arrange everything into a pattern, while another might pile all their favorite colors together.
And both are perfectly fine!
Sometimes the best thing we can do is give our kids the supplies, step aside, and see what they come up with.
Supplies for Our Fall Invitation to Create
I found our supplies at Dollar Tree, which made this activity super budget-friendly!
Here’s what we used:
- Artificial fall leaves in different colors
- Mini pumpkins and acorns
- Small decorative fall pieces
- Wooden craft pieces to make picture frames
- A flat surface or tray for arranging everything
You can use whatever fall decorations you already have at home, too!
How to Set Up a Fall Invitation to Create
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
Start by collecting different fall-themed materials. I chose colorful leaves, little pumpkins, acorns, and wooden pieces.
Try to include a variety of colors, shapes, and textures to make the activity even more interesting.
Step 2: Create a picture frame.
For our activity, I arranged the wooden pieces into a square to look like a picture frame.
This gave the kids a space to create their own little fall masterpieces!
You could also use an empty picture frame or a tray if you already have one at home.
Step 3: Set everything out.
Place your fall materials where the kids can easily see and reach them.
You can organize the supplies into little bowls or baskets, or simply spread everything out on the table.
The idea is to make the materials inviting and easy to explore.
Step 4: Invite your kids to create!
Now comes the fun part!
Let your kids arrange the leaves, pumpkins, and other decorations inside their wooden frames to make their own fall pictures.
They can move things around, experiment with different designs, and change their minds as many times as they want.
There’s no need to glue anything down unless you want to turn the activity into a permanent craft.
Step 5: Admire their masterpieces.
Once they’re finished, take a picture of their creations!
I loved seeing how differently the kids arranged their fall materials. Each picture was completely unique.
And since nothing was glued down, they could start all over and make something new!
Why I Love Invitations to Create
One of my favorite things about invitations to create is that they take the pressure off both parents and kids.
You don’t have to spend forever preparing an elaborate craft, and your children don’t have to worry about making something look a certain way.
They simply get to play, explore, and create!
These activities can also help children practice problem-solving, fine motor skills, and decision-making as they choose and arrange their materials.
Plus, they’re a wonderful way to encourage independent play.
And honestly, watching your kids get completely absorbed in their own little creations is pretty special.
A Simple Fall Activity Worth Trying
If you’re looking for an easy fall activity for preschoolers or elementary-aged kids, I definitely recommend trying this one!
All it takes is a few inexpensive fall decorations, a little space to create, and some imagination.
You might be surprised by what your kids come up with!
And remember, the fun is in the creating, not in making a perfect finished product.
