Get Creative for Harvest Festival: Fun & Free Activities for the Whole Family

Harvest Festival is a wonderful time to celebrate the abundance of nature and to think about where our food comes from. It's a tradition that's all about gratitude, community, and sharing the bounty of the season. At The Crafty Case Company, we believe that the best way to celebrate is by getting creative! We've put together a list of free, at-home activities that use simple, everyday items and the natural world around us. So, grab your little ones, and let's get ready for a creative harvest!

1. Nature’s Art Palette

The outdoors is a treasure trove of art supplies during autumn. Go on a walk and collect fallen leaves, acorns, conkers, and small twigs. These natural materials can be transformed into beautiful works of art.

Activity 1: Leaf Printing

• What you need: Fallen leaves (the ones with strong veins work best), paper or card, and paint.

• How to do it: Spread a thin layer of paint onto the veined side of a leaf. Carefully press the leaf onto your paper, and then peel it off to reveal a beautiful, detailed print. Experiment with different colours and leaf shapes to create a colourful autumn scene.

  
  

Activity 2: Acorn & Conker Characters

• What you need: Acorns, conkers, googly eyes (or a permanent marker), and a little bit of glue.

• How to do it: Turn your collected acorns and conkers into tiny characters! Glue on googly eyes to create a family of "conker people" or draw little faces with a marker. You can also use twigs for arms and legs, creating a whole harvest family to play with.

  
  

2. Kitchen Crafts

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s a perfect place for harvest-themed creativity. These activities are a great way to talk about food and where it comes from.

Activity 1: Veggie & Fruit Printing

• What you need: A few firm vegetables or fruits (like a potato, an apple, or a carrot), a small knife (for an adult to use!), and paint.

• How to do it: This classic activity is always a winner. An adult should carefully cut a potato in half, or in half and then into a shape. Dip the cut side of the vegetable into paint and stamp it onto paper to create patterns or pictures. You could make a field of pumpkins using a potato cut in half or create colourful repeating patterns.

  
  

Activity 2: Salt Dough Harvest Loaves

• What you need: Flour, salt, and water.

• How to do it: Salt dough is a fantastic, versatile craft material. Mix 1 cup of flour with ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of water to create a dough. Knead it until it's smooth. You can then shape the dough into a mini harvest loaf, a pumpkin, or a corn on the cob. Once your creations are complete, you can bake them at a low temperature (around 120°C) until they are hard. Once cooled, you can paint them!

  
  

3. Nature Walk and Talk

One of the best ways to celebrate Harvest Festival is by going on a nature walk. This activity is not only fun but also educational. You can discuss the different plants, trees, and animals you encounter.

What to Look For

• Fallen Leaves: Collect different types of leaves. Talk about their colours, shapes, and sizes.

• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and other creatures. Discuss their habitats and how they prepare for winter.

  
  

4. Story Time with a Twist

Reading is a wonderful way to connect with your children. Why not add a harvest twist? Choose books that focus on nature, farming, or the changing seasons.

Suggested Books

• "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

• "We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio

• "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

  
  

After reading, encourage your children to draw their favourite scene or character from the story. This will help them express their creativity while reinforcing what they've learned.

5. Harvest Festival Celebration

Why not throw a mini Harvest Festival celebration at home? Invite family or friends over for a fun-filled day of activities.

Ideas for Your Celebration

• Potluck Style: Ask everyone to bring a dish made from seasonal ingredients. This is a great way to share recipes and enjoy delicious food together.

• Craft Stations: Set up different craft stations where kids can rotate and try out various activities. This keeps them engaged and allows them to explore their creativity.

  
  

We hope these ideas help you and your family celebrate the spirit of Harvest Festival in a fun and creative way. What are your favourite harvest traditions? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Evlynne x

The Mini

Buy Now