17 Fun and Easy Scarecrow Crafts for Kids to Make This Fall
You know what’s crazy? I was helping my neighbor’s 6-year-old with a craft project last fall when she asked me why farmers use scarecrows. Honestly, I had no clue they’d been around for 3,000 years! That little question sent me down a rabbit hole that completely changed how I think about these straw-stuffed helpers.
Turns out, scarecrows aren’t just farm decorations – they’re like ancient security guards that have been protecting crops since Egyptian times. Pretty wild, right?
What really got me excited though was realizing how perfect scarecrow crafts are for teaching kids. I mean, you’ve got history, agriculture, creativity, and seasonal fun all rolled into one messy, glittery project. The best part? Kids actually learn while they’re having a blast.
The mistake I made early on was overthinking it. My first attempt involved way too many steps and ended up being more stressful than fun. Now I keep supplies simple and let the kids lead the creative process.
These projects also save your sanity during those “I’m bored” moments that hit right around 3 PM. Plus, your house ends up decorated with the most adorable fall decor that actually means something to your family.
Popsicle Stick Pocket Scarecrows
Turn plain popsicle sticks into cute little scarecrow puppets with a hidden twist! Start by gluing 4–5 sticks side by side for the body, and add a triangle-shaped cardstock hat on top. Use raffia or yellow yarn for hair, googly eyes, and a felt triangle for a nose. Now attach a small pocket made of felt or cardstock to the back — perfect for holding mini notes, candy, or tiny leaves kids collect outside. Let each child create a unique personality with buttons, mini overalls, and smiley faces. Bonus: make a whole scarecrow family and act out a fall-themed puppet show. These are great for classroom displays or mantelpiece fall décor. They’re flat enough to slip into cards or lunchboxes as a fall surprise. Perfect for kids aged 4 and up with minimal mess. Plus, they double as bookmarks when dry!
Paper Bag Scarecrow Puppets with Moveable Arms
Grab a brown lunch bag and let the creativity soar! Kids draw a scarecrow face on the bag’s flap, then glue raffia or straw-colored yarn inside the flap so it peeks out like hair. The body can be decorated with plaid paper scraps, buttons, and fabric patches for a rustic look. Now here’s the twist: make arms from paper accordion folds and attach them with mini paper fasteners so they can flap around! Add details like a mini corn cob in one hand or a paper bird perched on the arm. You can even fill the inside with crinkled paper so the puppet stands up. Use it for storytelling time or play pretend farmer games. Great for preschool through early elementary. They’re a blast to make and display on classroom windows or fridge doors.
“Scarecrow in a Jar” Fall Terrarium Craft
This one turns recycled jars into magical autumn scenes! Kids build tiny scarecrows using pipe cleaners, mini felt hats, and yarn for hair, then “plant” them inside mason jars filled with shredded paper “hay,” fake leaves, and mini pumpkins. Add a twig for a fall tree and a felt crow to perch on top. Screw the lid on and decorate it with a gingham ribbon and tag that says “Autumn’s Guardian.” It’s like a little fall world they can shake, admire, or give as a gift. This craft makes a stunning centerpiece or gift for grandparents. Let kids write tiny scrolls with harvest wishes to tuck inside. It encourages storytelling, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. Plus, it’s a great reuse for jars and leftover craft scraps!
Cupcake Liner Scarecrow Faces
All you need are cupcake liners, markers, and construction paper for this cheerful fall activity. Flatten a liner for the scarecrow’s face and draw on eyes, nose, and a big smile — don’t forget the rosy cheeks! Cut a triangle hat from colored paper and glue it on top, adding fake leaves or a mini flower to decorate. Use yarn for hair, buttons for added flair, and glue everything onto a cardstock background. Kids can write a name for their scarecrow and turn it into a hanging banner for a classroom or bedroom door. Try making one for each letter of your child’s name — instant personalized fall bunting! They’re quick, budget-friendly, and make great party crafts. You can even laminate them to last all season. A fantastic sensory and scissor-skills activity for ages 3–7.
Leaf-Cloaked Stick Scarecrows
Take a nature walk to gather twigs, colorful fall leaves, and a few acorns — they’re going to be your building blocks! Kids bundle twigs into an X shape using string or rubber bands, then glue pressed leaves around the “body” as a rustic scarecrow cloak. Add a paper hat and draw on a tiny face with marker or glue on a wooden bead head. You can even give them tiny twig brooms or felt scarves for personality. Display them in a flower pot or use them to decorate fairy gardens and window boxes. They’re biodegradable, tactile, and give kids a fun reason to go exploring outside. Each one is totally unique based on the nature items used. Great for forest school or fall weekend play. Bonus: add cinnamon sticks to make them smell like autumn!
Coffee Filter & Clothespin Dancing Scarecrows
Dye white coffee filters with watercolors or food coloring to make colorful scarecrow skirts. Pinch them onto wooden clothespins that have been turned into scarecrow bodies using markers, raffia, and googly eyes. Add tiny boots made from cut paper and let kids decorate hats with pom-poms or stickers. Stand them up in cardboard bases so they look like they’re dancing in a fall breeze! You can even attach string to make a puppet show or mobile. Great for preschoolers with short attention spans. Minimal prep and cleanup required. Use them as table toppers or play characters in a harvest party. They’re wiggly, whimsical, and completely kid-powered!
Felt Patch Pocket Scarecrow Banner
Create a banner of felt scarecrows with working patch pockets that can hold mini notes or treats! Cut scarecrow faces from tan felt, decorate with fabric patches, and use fabric glue to attach a pocket on each belly. Add button eyes, yarn hair, and little hats made from burlap scraps or old jeans. Thread them onto a string or ribbon to hang across a mantel, shelf, or classroom wall. Kids can hide jokes, mini drawings, or gratitude notes inside the pockets throughout the week. A great combo of fine motor skill development and festive décor. Perfect for older preschoolers and up. Let each child personalize their scarecrow with silly faces or themed colors. A family craft that doubles as fall home decor!
Paint Stick Scarecrow Pals
Grab a few leftover paint stir sticks from the hardware store — they make the perfect base for tall, skinny scarecrow friends. Kids can paint the sticks with acrylics or markers, then add felt hats, fabric scarves, and googly eyes. Raffia or yarn glued behind the head makes fun, straw-like hair. Use mini buttons or paper patches to decorate their “clothes” along the handle. Display them by sliding into flower pots or attach magnets for scarecrow fridge buddies. It’s a great vertical-format craft for small hands. Older kids can create whole families with different outfits. Inexpensive, no-sew, and great for group settings. Bonus: write silly fall jokes on the back for extra smiles!
Pumpkin Cap Scarecrow Planters
Mini terracotta pots become charming scarecrow heads when flipped upside down and painted with smiley faces. Add faux hay for hair and top with a pumpkin-shaped paper hat or real gourd cap. Kids can decorate each face differently — sleepy, silly, surprised! Place them in a row on the porch or table for a scarecrow “choir.” Or flip them right-side-up and plant herbs in them with scarecrow plant markers. Great sensory combo of painting, gluing, and gardening. Makes a perfect fall gift for teachers or grandparents. Can be reused every year with different personalities. Adds a natural, cozy charm to windowsills or garden nooks.
Window Cling Scarecrow Scene
Use transparency sheets or clear contact paper as a base, and let kids design their own scarecrow-themed window clings. Cut shapes from tissue paper, felt, and foam (think hats, patches, birds, pumpkins), then press onto the sticky side of the contact paper. Once sealed, trim around the shapes and stick to windows for instant fall magic. Make scarecrow families, fields, or even a whole barnyard. It’s like a storytelling game on your windows! Great for tactile learners and fine motor practice. No mess, no glue — perfect for classrooms or rainy days. Easy to peel off and reposition. Let sunlight shine through their masterpieces!
Popsicle Stick Scarecrow Farm Gate
Kids glue popsicle sticks together to make a mini “fence” that acts as the base for their scarecrow. Add a paper or foam scarecrow character, leaves, mini animals, and pumpkins for a full farmyard scene. Use mini clothespins to attach signs like “Welcome Fall” or “No Crows Allowed!” Make it stand upright by gluing cardboard supports behind. It becomes a little autumn diorama that can decorate desks, windowsills, or play shelves. Great teamwork craft for siblings or classmates. Add a touch of glitter to make it extra festive. Everything can be customized — no two scarecrow gates will look alike. It’s like building a little harvest world!
Shoebox Stage Scarecrow Puppet Show
Turn a shoebox into a mini puppet theater and let kids craft their own scarecrow puppets using paper bags or craft sticks. Decorate the shoebox like a barn or cornfield, complete with cotton ball clouds and drawn-on crows. The scarecrow puppet can have movable arms made from brads, or yarn legs that dangle. Let kids perform their own fall-themed puppet show, complete with silly voices and sound effects. This project encourages creativity, storytelling, and pretend play all in one. Add animals or a tiny pumpkin patch to round out the set. Great for classroom centers or weekend fun. It doubles as a fall decor piece. And best of all — it’s made from things you probably already have at home.
Recycled Lid Scarecrow Medals
Gather plastic lids from jars or containers and transform them into wearable scarecrow “medals.” Paint the lids with silly scarecrow faces and punch a hole at the top to string ribbon through. Add yarn “hair,” felt hats, or even pipe cleaner glasses for flair. Let kids wear them as badges during a fall parade or classroom harvest day. You can even create different “awards” like Silliest Smile or Best Hat. It’s upcycling with personality! They’re easy to make, easy to personalize, and just the right size for preschool hands. Great for making in bulk at a party. And you’ll never look at a peanut butter lid the same way again!
Baggy Sock Scarecrow Buddies
Use mismatched socks to make squishy scarecrow dolls—just stuff them with cotton balls or fabric scraps and tie off the top. Kids can decorate the face with fabric markers, googly eyes, or puffy paint, then glue on felt hats and yarn hair. Create “clothes” by wrapping fabric or paper around the body and tying with twine. These soft, no-sew scarecrows are great for pretend play and easy to hug. Each one will have its own quirky personality. Add a cinnamon stick inside for a fall scent surprise. Or fill them with rice to turn them into sensory shakers. They also make adorable shelf-sitters or desk mascots.
Cereal Box Scarecrow Mailbox
Cut the top off an empty cereal box and let kids turn it into a scarecrow-themed mailbox for collecting notes, jokes, or fall-themed drawings. Paint or cover the outside in paper, then decorate with a friendly scarecrow face and raffia fringe. Make a “hat” from construction paper to act as a lid. Encourage family members or classmates to leave “thankful notes” or silly crow jokes throughout the week. It turns into a sweet autumn tradition! Great for literacy practice, gratitude exercises, or just fun communication. Easy to transport, store, or hang up. And it’s a great way to reuse packaging with personality.
Coffee Filter Scarecrow Bunting
Let kids paint or dye coffee filters with fall colors—orange, yellow, brown—then turn them into mini scarecrow faces. Fold and glue them onto a string to create a cheerful autumn bunting! Each face can be different: sleepy, wacky, giggly. Add mini felt hats, raffia bangs, and button noses for a full cast of scarecrow personalities. Hang it across a mantel, wall, or classroom for an instant fall festival vibe. It’s a great group project and uses everyday materials. No sewing, just glue and imagination. Perfect for even the littlest crafters. And when light filters through, the colors absolutely pop.
Envelope Puppet Scarecrow Notes
Transform regular envelopes into flap puppets by gluing them shut and cutting a slit for a movable “mouth.” Kids decorate the front with a scarecrow face and tuck tiny “secret messages” inside the flap. Use yarn or shredded paper for hair and add a mini paper straw hat. They’re part puppet, part card — great for sending notes to teachers, grandparents, or friends. Add fall jokes or kind messages inside for a surprise! Super simple, no special supplies needed. Encourages writing, drawing, and pretend play. And you can make a whole scarecrow “mail family” for storytelling fun.
Creating scarecrow crafts with kids opens up a wonderful world of imagination, learning, and family bonding! From simple paper projects that boost fine motor skills to elaborate outdoor installations that teach agricultural concepts, these activities offer something special for every age and skill level.
The beauty of scarecrow crafting lies not just in the adorable finished products, but in the memories you’ll create along the way. Watch as your children’s faces light up when they see their handmade scarecrow protecting the garden or decorating the mantle! These projects also provide perfect opportunities to discuss seasons, farming, and helping others – valuable lessons wrapped in creative fun.
Ready to start your scarecrow adventure? Gather your materials, roll up those sleeves, and let your creativity run wild. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with friends and family – they’ll be asking for your crafting secrets! What scarecrow project will you tackle first?
