6 Easy Indoor Plant Projects to Do With Kids in Fall

I really enjoy hanging out with my kids indoors once the air turns chilly. Fall just feels like the right time to dive into plant projects together—even if we’re short on outdoor space.

These easy indoor plant projects are such a good way for my kids to connect with nature and have a blast. It’s a simple excuse for us to get creative, bond, and add some green to our home.

1) Create a mini pumpkin succulent garden

Honestly, I can’t resist making mini pumpkin succulent gardens every fall. These little gardens are adorable, and they’re surprisingly easy to put together.

First, I look for small pumpkins with flat tops so the succulents don’t wobble around. I scoop out just a bit from the top—no need to hollow the whole thing.

A little potting soil or even moss goes on top. Moss is great because it keeps the succulents in place.

Now comes the fun part—choosing tiny succulents in all sorts of shapes and colors. I gently tuck them into the soil or moss.

If I’m short on succulents, I’ll use cuttings. They’ll root eventually, and it’s kind of cool to watch.

I use my fingers or a spoon to nudge the plants just right. I try not to press too hard—those roots are delicate.

A quick mist of water is all they need. I avoid soaking the pumpkin, since too much water just leads to rot.

I keep the pumpkin garden near a sunny window. Bright, indirect light is perfect.

Kids love this project because it’s not messy or complicated. The pumpkins are light, and they can carry their creations around.

Sometimes we add pebbles or tiny toys for extra flair. The kids get a kick out of making each garden their own.

Watching the succulents grow through fall is really satisfying. Plus, these little gardens double as cute Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations.

Once the pumpkin starts getting mushy, I just move the succulents into a regular pot. That way, we can keep enjoying them after fall.

2) Paint and decorate small terracotta pots

Painting and decorating small terracotta pots with kids is one of my favorite fall activities. It’s such an easy way to make our indoor plants feel special. All we really need are some clean pots, paint, and a few brushes.

I always put down newspaper first—otherwise, the mess is just too much. Acrylic paint works best, and I let the kids pick their own colors.

We go for stripes, dots, silly faces—whatever they’re in the mood for. Markers and stickers add a fun twist too. I try to be patient and let everything dry before we plant anything.

Sometimes I spray a clear sealer on the finished pots so the colors last. It helps keep them looking bright, which the kids love. A quick reminder to wash hands after painting never hurts.

Once the pots are dry, we plant a seed or small houseplant. Seeing their decorated pots on the windowsill makes the kids proud and way more interested in plant care.

Decorating pots together is simple and gives us a chance to be creative without leaving the house. The finished pots make sweet gifts, too. I love how every child’s design is different.

3) Make leaf print plant markers

Making plant markers with real leaves is a go-to project for us. I like picking leaves from the backyard or park—different shapes make it more interesting.

I grab a handful of clean, dry leaves, looking for ones with cool veins. A quick coat of paint on the leaf is all it takes.

I press the leaf onto cardstock or a wooden stick, just enough to transfer the pattern. When I lift it up, the print is always a surprise.

Once it’s dry, I write the plant’s name under the print, usually with a bold marker so it stands out. It’s a creative way to label our plants.

I tape or glue the marker to a popsicle stick and pop it into the pot. Suddenly, it’s way easier to remember which plant is which.

This project is small but really fun. Kids love seeing their art in the pots and checking on their plants.

4) Build a fairy garden with moss and small plants

Fairy gardens are just plain magical. I like making them because they let me and the kids get really creative.

All you need is a shallow container, some moss, and a few small plants. It’s honestly not complicated.

I pick a pot or tray with drainage holes, fill it with soil, and cover the top with moss. Moss feels soft and looks like something out of a storybook.

Then I plant a few tiny plants, like baby ferns or mini succulents. Kids can help with this part, and they usually love it.

We add little pebbles, fairy houses, or tiny animal figures. The kids always have opinions on which decorations to use.

Watering is easy—a spray bottle does the trick. I put the garden near a bright window so the plants stay happy.

Building a fairy garden is a great way to spend time together. We get to use our hands, our imaginations, and our love for nature all at once.

It’s a perfect fall project since we can do it indoors, rain or shine. Plus, having a tiny green world inside just brightens the whole room.

5) Plant fall-themed window herb garden

Bringing a bit of autumn inside with a window herb garden is something I look forward to every year. It’s an easy way to enjoy fresh herbs, even as the days get shorter.

I choose herbs that feel cozy for fall—sage, thyme, rosemary, and chives are my favorites. They smell amazing and come in handy for cooking.

First, I pick a sunny windowsill. Small pots or clean jars work fine, and I add pebbles for drainage before filling them with soil.

The kids sprinkle in seeds or tuck in small herb plants. They always want to get their hands dirty, and honestly, I can’t blame them.

Watering is simple. We keep the soil damp but not soaked, usually with a spray bottle—it’s easy for little hands.

Every day, we check the herbs and look for new leaves. It’s fun to see the tiny changes.

When the herbs are big enough, I snip a few leaves for dinner. The kids get so excited when we cook with something they grew.

Labeling the pots helps everyone remember which herb is which. Decorating the labels with markers and stickers makes the project even more personal.

Growing herbs together is a cozy way to spend time with my kids and get fresh ingredients for our meals. It’s such a simple way to bring green into our home in the fall.

6) Decorate clay plant pots with autumn colors

Making plant pots pop with autumn colors is a quick, cheerful project. Kids can help with every step, and it’s honestly a lot of fun.

I grab some plain clay pots and set them up on a table covered with newspaper. Less mess to deal with later.

We pick out paint in warm colors—orange, yellow, brown, red. It’s hard not to think of falling leaves.

Big brushes for the base, little ones for details. Sometimes we use fingers, sponges, or stamps to make leaf shapes or acorns.

When everything’s dry, the pots are ready for plants or herbs. The colors really brighten up the windowsills and make the whole space feel festive.

These decorated pots are great as gifts, too. I always have the kids sign or initial the bottom—it’s a nice touch.

Clean-up is easy with washable paint and wipes on hand. I love seeing the kids come up with their own designs.

Decorating pots like this is a cozy way to spend a fall afternoon. It gives kids a chance to get creative and show off their work. I always look forward to seeing what they dream up.

Benefits of Indoor Plant Projects for Kids

Working with indoor plants gives kids all sorts of skills. I see them learn by doing, and they start picking up responsibility without even realizing it.

Hands-On Learning and Exploration

Watching kids dig in the soil, water leaves, and check for roots is honestly the best. These activities make science and nature real in a way books just can’t.

Plant projects are a chance to show kids how plants need sunlight, water, and air. We get to watch leaves change or seeds sprout right before our eyes.

Kids ask questions and try new things. Like, what if we water this one more than that one? It’s fun to guess and see what actually happens.

Indoor gardening mixes learning with play. I’m convinced kids remember what they do way more than what they’re told.

Encouraging Responsibility and Patience

Taking care of a plant is a gentle way to teach life skills. I give the kids a simple watering schedule, and they start to stick to it.

Responsibility grows as they care for something living. If they forget to water the plant, the results are pretty obvious.

Plants take their time. Kids have to wait days or weeks for a seed to sprout or a flower to show up. I’ve noticed it really helps them learn patience and appreciate small changes.

Patience pays off when their plants finally grow, and the kids are always so proud.

Tips for a Successful and Enjoyable Experience

I try to keep our plant projects easy and low-stress for everyone. Picking the right plants and setting up a good space makes a huge difference.

Choosing Kid-Friendly Plants and Materials

I go for plants that are safe, sturdy, and easy to care for. Some favorites:

• Spider plants
• Pothos
• Succulents
• Aloe Vera

I skip anything with thorns or that might be toxic, like peace lilies or oleander. Lightweight pots and kid-sized tools make things a lot easier.

Potting soil can get everywhere, so I lay down a plastic tablecloth or some newspaper. I stick with materials that are easy to clean and won’t ruin clothes. For younger kids, I keep sharp tools and glass out of reach.

Creating Engaging Project Spaces

I set up a bright, open workspace where the kids can spread out. Tables at their height, little stools, and good lighting make everything more inviting.

Sometimes I play music or let the kids pick what to listen to. I organize supplies in small trays or bins, with pictures and labels so they know what’s what.

Wipes and paper towels are always close by for spills. Keeping things cheerful and organized helps the kids focus—and makes the projects way more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

I really enjoy working on indoor plant projects with kids, especially in the fall. When we’re stuck inside more often, indoor gardening is a lifesaver.

It’s a fun way for children to get creative and learn about plants. Plus, hands-on activities with everyday stuff? Always a win.

What are some simple gardening projects for children to enjoy indoors this fall?

I’d go with a mini pumpkin succulent garden or maybe let the kids decorate terracotta pots with paint. Both are super simple, and you probably already have most of what you need.

If you want to add a bit of magic, try making a fairy garden with moss and small plants. Kids love that kind of thing.

How can I create a budget-friendly indoor garden space for kids?

Honestly, I just grab old jars or containers and use them as plant pots. It saves money and feels a little eco-friendly too.

Let the kids decorate the pots with paint or stickers—it’s messy, but they have a blast. I always set the plants by a sunny window so they get enough light, no fancy lamps needed.

Which plants are best for a 6-year-old to grow inside during the fall season?

Succulents, spider plants, and pothos are my top picks for young kids. They’re pretty forgiving if someone forgets to water them (which, let’s be real, happens).

Herbs like basil or mint are also great. They’re easy to grow indoors and it’s fun for kids to pick leaves when you’re cooking together.

Can you suggest easy-to-grow indoor plants from seed for a child’s garden project?

Definitely try basil, chives, and lettuce seeds. They sprout quickly, so kids won’t get bored waiting weeks to see something happen.

A little windowsill herb garden is such a satisfying project for them.

What gardening activities can I plan for school-aged kids this fall?

I’m a fan of making leaf print plant markers—it’s crafty and useful. Planting a window herb garden is another go-to.

For kids who like a bit more of a challenge, building a fairy garden and designing the tiny spaces can keep them busy for ages.

Are there any fall-themed indoor plant projects suitable for 10-year-olds?

Kids around age 10 will probably have a blast making a mini pumpkin planter with succulents. It’s a fun, hands-on project that’s just messy enough to be interesting.

They might also enjoy building a fairy garden, using different plants and tiny decorations—think little mushrooms, pebbles, or even a toy dinosaur if that’s their thing. Letting them plan and decorate their own garden space really helps them feel involved and proud of what they’ve made.

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