If you’re looking for a fall activity to do with your kids, be sure to print this Nature Scavenger Hunt! Pictures paired with words makes this a great outdoor scavenger hunt for kids of all ages.
One of my most viewed posts in the last few years is my Backyard Scavenger Hunt. It comes as no surprise to me as it’s still something the girls enjoy doing!
Of course, they are quite a bit older now so I usually come up with a bit more difficult items to find or just make the number higher, but they do still enjoy it! I’ve always thought it is a great way to get them outside enjoying fresh air and exploring their world.
But my original outdoor scavenger hunt is more geared towards Spring items, because that’s when I first made it. So, I decided to remake it with a few more Fall finds. It’s definitely still considered a nature scavenger hunt as it should definitely be done outdoors.
Fall is a great time to have a nature scavenger hunt for kids because the days are getting cooler. It’s also a great time to explore the differences in your surroundings from what it looked liked in the Spring and Summer to Fall.
On this list, I decided to include more items that you’ll likely find in the fall. If there are items that you don’t have in your backyard, like pumpkins and apples, you can talk about where they are found or go on a hunt where you will find them!
You’ll also see some of these on the fall nature scavenger hunt list:
- Leaves – Encourage your child to find leaves of all colors.
- Sticks or Twigs
- Pinecone
- Acorn
- Flower
- Mushroom
- Bird
On items that you don’t want them to touch, or for birds for example, just let them point them out to you.
Here’s what you’ll need to get your kids started on a Nature Scavenger Hunt:
- Printable scavenger hunt [print it for free here]
- Clipboard
- Marker or crayons
This nature scavenger hunt can be used for homeschool activities or just a weekend family fun day. It’s a great time to connect with one another and the Earth.
Doing activities like this is when my kids open up the most. I like to take some time to reflect on what we’ve done and it often sparks even deeper conversation.
Here are some great questions and conversation starters to do after the nature scavenger hunt.
- Which item was your favorite?
- Which was most difficult to find?
- What nature item did you find first?
- What senses did you use on your hunt? Did you smell anything? Feel? Did you hear any sounds during your nature scavenger hunt?
What to do with your Nature Scavenger Hunt finds after the hunt?
Your child won’t be able to keep all the beautiful things they collect from this nature scavenger hunt, but some of them would make great nature keepsakes. Here are some ideas of how your kids can create nature collection displays
Nature Bookmark: One way that my girls love to keep nature artifacts is to turn them into bookmarks! Keep in mind that flat items work best. Also if you plan on adding leaves or flowers, you will want to let them dry out a bit before you put them into your bookmark. Here’s a great tutorial on how to make a Nature Bookmark.
Pocket Nature Display: This pocket sized nature collection idea is so fun and could be used with a variety of natural items that your child collects.
Nature Terrarium: I love making terrariums with my girls. We’ve done several since they were little and making a Nature Terrarium is a great idea to keep all their favorite finds.
Nature Collection Journal: This is really great, especially if you are homeschooling! Let your kids create a journal and write down a few things about each item they collect.
I have lots more scavenger hunts for kids! Check them out below: