16 Apple Crafts for Kids That Are So Cute, You’ll Want to Make Them Too
Let’s be real—crafts for kids are loved, especially when there’s an apple theme! We love crafts, and things can get wild (and a little sticky) when art supplies come out.
When you add apples into the mix? Instant fun and more fun crafts, along with a little bit of fall magic.
Apple crafts are a perfect way for us to get creative together, keep little hands busy, and help kids learn while sneaking in some learning without anyone even noticing.
We’re diving into a super cute lineup of wonderful craft apple crafts that work for any skill level (yes, even if you’re not the “Pinterest Mom”).
Whether it’s rainy out, you’re celebrating fall, or you just need some fresh ideas, we’ve got you.
1) Paper Plate Apple Craft with paint and googly eyes
Okay, this one is a total crowd-pleaser! We grab simple paper plates for some quick crafts , then go wild with red, green, or yellow paint—no perfection required here.
Messy is actually on-brand for us. Once the paint dries (or let’s be real, when we can’t wait any longer), we glue on some giant googly eyes.
For extra fun, let the kids use different sizes. Check out these easy steps to make your own paper plate apple craft.
2) Apple Stamp Art using cut apples and paint
Let’s grab some apples and get a little messy with these fun apple crafts ! We just cut an apple in half, dip it in paint, and press it onto paper—hello, easy craft win.
Every print comes out a little different, and the kids think it’s magic. For a fun twist, we can add real leaves for stems, like in this apple stamping activity.
No fancy supplies, no stress, just totally cute, squishy fun.
3) Tissue Paper Apple Tree Collage
Let’s get a little messy with our handprint craft tissue paper apple tree collage!
We just grab green and red tissue paper, tear it up, and start making apple trees that totally look like something from our fridge gallery.
Scrunching up the tissue paper is so fun, and glue gets everywhere (as usual).
We can even add cute little paper apples for a hands on approach or get wild with buttons for extra “apple” flair.
If you need inspo, check out this tissue paper apple tree craft for a super simple guide and a free template .
4) Marble Painting Apples with rolling paint
Real talk—marble painting apples is pure magic for little hands!
We just toss some marbles and paint in a box with our paper, and the rolling action does all the work.
Watching the colors swirl around is kinda hypnotic…and there’s no wrong way to do it.
After everything dries, we can cut our painted paper into apple shapes and add stems or leaves if we feel extra fancy.
Check out even more tips from this marble painted apples craft.
5) Paper Weaving Apple Craft for back to school vibes
We are absolutely obsessed with this paper weaving apple craft for that cute back to school energy!
It’s super easy—cut slits in a big apple shape and weave colorful strips through like we’re mini basket pros.
We love sneaking in fine motor skills without anyone catching on (shh, don’t tell the kids).
Check out all the details at this simple paper weaving apple craft tutorial.
6) Bubble Wrap Apple Printing activity
Who doesn’t have random bubble wrap hanging out in a drawer?
For this craft, we get to use it for something way more fun than just popping!
We dip the bubble wrap in red or green paint, press it onto paper, and—bam—apple art with the cutest dots ever.
The kids get such a kick out of the texture and pattern.
For even more details, check out this cute bubble wrap apple craft idea.
7) Caramel Apple Craft with colorful paper and cotton
Let’s grab those bright papers and make our own “caramel” apples—no sticky mess in sight!
We just cut out apple shapes, add some colorful “caramel” tops, and glue on a puff of cotton for that whipped cream vibe.
We can even let the kids decorate with sprinkles, stickers, or any glittery thing their hearts desire.
It’s quick, super cute, and honestly way easier than scrubbing caramel off counters.
8) Apple Slice Stamping with washable paint
Let’s be real—who knew apples could be this fun?
We just cut one in half, dip it into some washable paint, and basically let the crafting chaos begin.
We love how each stamp turns out a little different. It’s like art with snacks, minus the sticky hands (well, mostly).
Want to see how easy it is? There’s a step-by-step on this apple stamping art project.
Let the kids pick their favorite colors and get creative!
9) Sensory Apple Dough with cinnamon scent
We love any excuse to get our hands messy, and sensory apple dough? Total win!
Mixing in cinnamon brings on all those cozy fall vibes—just like apple pie baking in the kitchen.
We can help the kids knead, squish, and even make pretend apples while chatting and giggling.
This activity smells amazing and just feels so good in our hands.
If you’re looking for a fun fall sensory activity or an engaging apple craft activity , this homemade apple cinnamon playdough is a must-try!
10) Pom-Pom Apple Toss Game
Let’s turn craft time into game time with this Pom-Pom Apple Toss!
We just grab a few red pom-poms and a basket, and suddenly our living room is an apple orchard—without the bug bites.
The rules are simple: we take turns tossing our pom-pom apples into the basket and cheer everyone on.
It’s silly, active, and great for those energy-packed afternoons.
If we’re feeling fancy, we can even swap in fake apples or red bean bags—whatever’s handy.
Find more apple game ideas here.
11) Pipe Cleaner Stem and Leaf Apple Craft
Let’s get twisty with this cute craft!
We grab a red pom-pom or even a red paper circle for our apple base, then jazz it up by adding a brown pipe cleaner for the stem.
For the leaf, we bend a little piece of green pipe cleaner into a loop and twist it onto the stem.
That’s it! Easy, mess-free, and it’s perfect for little hands still working on those fine motor skills.
For a little inspo, check out these adorable pipe cleaner apple crafts that come with a free apple template .
12) Painted Rock Apples for garden decor
Let’s grab some rocks from the yard and turn them into the cutest little apples. All we need is red paint, green paint, and maybe some tiny twigs or felt for stems.
Honestly, this apple rock craft is easy enough for all ages. If you want some visual ideas to get started, check out these apple rock painting inspirations.
13) Apple Basket Craft from paper rolls
Paper rolls are always hanging around our house just waiting to become something cute! For this apple basket craft, we grab a paper roll, snip it in half, and get creative with some red and green paint.
Boom, instant basket base. We stack those “apples” right inside, using paper or pom-poms, whatever’s closest.
No two baskets ever look the same. If you want another twist on this, check out these adorable printable apple baskets for even easier crafting.
14) Apple Shape Suncatchers with tissue paper
Nothing is brighter than our kitchen windows filled with colorful apple suncatchers. We just need some tissue paper, clear contact paper, and a black marker for the outline.
Let the kids do the tearing or cutting (it counts as fine motor work). Stick the tissue all over the sticky side, slap on another contact sheet, and boom—instant apple glow.
If you want a ready-to-go template, grab a free printable from this easy apple suncatcher tutorial.
15) Apple Themed Popsicle Stick Puzzle
This printable template apple popsicle stick puzzle is a winner for rainy days or any day you need a quick boredom buster. We just grab a few popsicle sticks, paint a big red apple across them, and let it dry.
Then, break it apart and let the kids put their cute apple back together, piece by piece! For even more inspo, check out this apple popsicle stick craft idea that’s perfect for little hands.
16) Apple Print Name Tags for classroom fun
Let’s talk about a cute and easy win for the classroom—apple print name tags! We just grab some apples, cut them in half, and dip them in paint.
We let the kids stamp their apple shapes on cardstock, then write their names on top. Our classroom looks so fun and personal with these on every desk.
You can even find some printable simple apple craft name tags to save a little time.
Mess-Free Apple Crafting Tips
Apple crafts for kids are fun, but nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing paint off the table (or, let’s be real, off their kids). We can totally keep our sanity and still have a blast making these cute projects.
Supplies You Probably Already Have
No one wants to make an extra Target run just to do a craft. We usually have enough good stuff hiding in those junk drawers and cabinets!
Think construction paper, old magazines, egg cartons, brown lunch bags, and leftover yarn. For painting, basic washable kids’ paint or even fingerprints with a dab of food coloring can work.
Markers, crayons, and glue sticks are essential materials and craft staples. And don’t forget about toilet paper rolls—they are gold for easy apple crafts!
Here’s a quick look at what to grab before you start:
Craft Supply | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
Washable paint | Art kit or kitchen (food coloring) |
Glue sticks | Pencil case or school supply box |
Scissors | Kitchen drawer or desk |
String/Pipe Cleaners | Junk drawer or craft bin |
Construction paper | School project leftovers |
Egg cartons | Recycling bin |
TP rolls | Bathroom or recycling |
We can get creative using what we already have and avoid extra mess by choosing washable and non-toxic supplies every chance we get.
Quick Clean-Up Tricks (From Moms Who’ve Been There)
Crafts are fun—spending forever cleaning up is not. We always start by setting up in a spot that’s easy to wipe down, like the kitchen table.
Lay down an old shower curtain or garbage bags as a no-stress catch-all. Trust us, it saves the day.
Keep baby wipes or damp paper towels close for fast hands and face clean-up. We like to use disposable plates as mini paint palettes.
Set up a “craft scraps” bowl for all the little bits. That way, clean-up goes way faster.
Dress everyone in old t-shirts or “painting clothes.” Washable everything if possible, from paint to glue to smocks.
For more ideas on activities and supplies, you can check out these easy apple crafts for kids.
