Easy Autumn Squirrel Paper Craft for Kids

Autumn is the perfect season to bring a touch of woodland magic into your home or classroom, and a cheerful squirrel craft is a fun way to do it! This cute paper squirrel, clutching an acorn, is a hands-on activity that children of all ages will love.

It’s ideal for practicing fine motor skills, sparking creativity, and celebrating fall themes. The project is simple enough for preschoolers while still offering opportunities for older kids to add extra details and personality.

Whether you need a weekend activity, a classroom craft, or a seasonal decoration, this squirrel project has you covered. With just a few basic materials and a printable template, kids can cut, color, and assemble their own woodland friend. Adding paper leaves or real twigs makes it even more festive and adds texture to your autumn décor.

Materials You’ll Need:

Brown cardstock (light and dark shades)

Tan cardstock

Red, orange, and yellow cardstock for leaves

Black marker or pen

Glue stick or white craft glue

Child-safe scissors

Small twigs (optional, for decoration)

Printable squirrel template (included below)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Out the Template Pieces
Print the squirrel template on cardstock. Cut out each part—the body, head, arms, tail, acorn, and facial features. For younger children, you may want to pre-cut smaller pieces to make assembly easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Body
Start by placing the main body of the squirrel on your workspace. Attach the head to the top of the body, then glue on the arms, making sure they angle to hold the acorn. Finally, attach the large, curly tail to the back of the body to give it dimension.

Step 3: Add Facial Features
Use the pre-cut pieces or draw directly on the face to add eyes, a nose, and a friendly smile. Googly eyes can make the squirrel extra playful. Use a fine-tip black marker to define the features.

Step 4: Attach the Acorn and Leaves
Place the acorn between the squirrel’s paws and glue it down. Decorate the scene with paper leaves in red, orange, and yellow. Arrange them around the squirrel or create a leafy background for a full autumn vibe.

Step 5: Add Natural Elements and Final Touches
If you like, add real twigs for a rustic effect. Kids can also use crayons or markers to add details to the tail and leaves. Once everything is dry, your squirrel is ready to display!

Fun Customization Ideas

Squirrel Puppet – Attach a popsicle stick to the back to turn the squirrel into a puppet for storytelling.

Googly Eyes & Glitter Acorns – Swap paper eyes for googly ones, and sprinkle brown glitter on the acorn for extra sparkle.

Autumn Forest Scene – Mount the squirrel on a larger sheet of paper and add trees, more leaves, or other woodland creatures to create a full fall scene.

Educational and Seasonal Benefits

This craft is more than just fun—it’s a great teaching tool. It can be used during lessons about fall, forest animals, or trees. It encourages seasonal vocabulary, fine motor development, and visual storytelling. Teachers can display the finished squirrels around the classroom or use them on bulletin boards.

At home, this project makes a wonderful autumn keepsake. It’s also perfect for a rainy day or weekend activity that inspires screen-free creativity.

Printable Template

We’ve included a printable squirrel template to make the craft easier. Print it on white or light-colored cardstock so children can color the pieces before cutting.

If you’re short on time, print the template on colored paper for a simple cut-and-glue activity—no coloring required. Either way, the template keeps the process easy and enjoyable for kids of all ages.

Conclusion

Creating this autumn squirrel craft is a fun way to celebrate the season, explore woodland animals, and make lasting memories. With just a few supplies and some imagination, you and your kids can create a charming squirrel that’s perfect for decorating walls, bulletin boards, or your fridge. Give it a try, share your creations, and enjoy the cozy, crafty spirit of fall!