There are many things you can do with leaves you find while walking the dog, walking to school, or being outside at the weekend. Autumn is the perfect time to be outside, especially when the sun is shining – there is such a warm light!

1. Leaf animal pictures

Some animals are hard to spot when you’re out exploring, but you can make your own forest friends using fallen leaves. Look for leaves shaped like a hedgehog’s snout, an owl’s feather, a squirrel’s bushy tail or a fox’s face, then build up a picture. You can use acorns and conkers for eyes and noses too.

2. Leaf printing

Printing with leaves is a creative way to make an autumn painting. Youngsters can experiment with leaves of different shapes and sizes and make all sorts of interesting patterns. You can even make cards to send to family and friends.

First, head outside and hunt for freshly-fallen leaves. (Flat ones are better as it’s tricky to get a clear print from curled up ones.) Now you’re ready to paint. Choose seasonal colours like yellow, orange and red. Paint the bumpy side of the leaf (look for the raised veins) and press it firmly onto some paper. Gently peel the leaf away to reveal colourful prints.

3. Leaf rubbings

Autumn is the ideal time to make leaf rubbings as there are so many fallen leaves around. They come in many shapes, sizes, colours and textures – encourage your kids to study the leaves they find and compare them with leaves from different trees. Can they spot similarities and differences?

At home, lay your leaves on a table with the veins facing up and put a sheet of paper over the top. Using the side of a crayon, colour over the leaves until you see the shapes and patterns magically emerge! Try to get all the details like the veins and crinkly edges.

4. Leaf crowns

I make golden leaf crowns with my daughter every year. It’s a lovely activity we enjoy doing together and she adores wearing her crown as she roams the woods.

Gather some fallen leaves, stick them to a strip of card and fasten it around your child’s head. You can even add berries, acorn cups or small conkers as jewels!

5. Leaf rainbow

Rainbows have become a symbol of hope for all of us this year. So have a go at making one with your kids using autumn leaves.

Can you find vivid reds, bright oranges, sunny yellows, gorgeous greens and deep purples? Once you’ve gathered your leaves, lay them out in a semi-circle on the ground to make a cheerful rainbow. When you’ve finished, why not take a photo and send it to friends or family to brighten their day?