Free Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable: Fun With Nature
The fall is an exciting time of year. Get little kids engaged in the changing seasons with this free fall scavenger hunt printable, and learn how to expand the activity!
As the leaves change colors, the air turns crisp, and we have shorter days, it’s the perfect time to take the kids outside to explore the great outdoors and discover everything unique to the season – the smells and sounds of fall. And the PERFECT way to do it is a fall scavenger hunt.
In a fall scavenger hunt, your kiddo and their partners (siblings, older kids, you?!) work together or compete against each other to find the seasonal items on this list.
And it’s also a fun way to get everyone outside, breathe in the fresh air, practice their observation skills, and appreciate the beauty of the fall season. So, gather everyone up and embark on an exciting scavenger hunt adventure that’s sure to create lasting memories!
Love printable scavenger hunts? We have more! Check out these free printables:
Planning the Perfect Fall Scavenger Hunt
Fall is a fantastic time to organize a scavenger hunt for your family and friends. This activity offers endless fun for all ages!
To help you plan the perfect fall scavenger hunt, consider the following suggestions.
To begin the game, you and the participants will use this free printable. Gather the items or capture photos of them – and don’t forget to cross them off on the paper!
Preparation is key. You can make it easy by using this free fall scavenger hunt printable that includes items like colored leaves, pine cones, acorns, scarecrows, pumpkins, and more.
Equip your hunter. Equip any and all hunters with a clipboard, pen or crayon, and a bag to collect the items that will fit inside.
Safety first. Encourage your kiddo to dress appropriately for the weather and the outdoor environment. Wear suitable shoes for walking through leaves, grass, and uneven terrain, as well as warm clothing if needed.
Consider all ages. You could have younger children working together as a team while teenagers and adults compete against each other! So fun!
There you have it – a well-planned fall scavenger hunt that will get everyone outside seeking the items on this printable and getting exercise.
Ways To Use Scavenger Hunts With Kids
Scavenger hunts are a great way to engage kids in outdoor or indoor activities, and they can easily be tailored to fit different age groups and interests. These aren’t just for little kids! Younger kids AND older kids love them!
Here are some ways to make this neighborhood scavenger hunt a fun fall activity for the entire family (or class):
Create team-based scavenger hunts: Divide the kids into teams, and let them work together to find items on their list. This encourages teamwork and can make the game more engaging and challenging. If you have a larger group of kids, you can make it more competitive by setting a time limit and having the teams race against the clock to find their items.
Use scavenger hunts at home or school: No matter where you are, scavenger hunts can be adapted for indoor or outdoor settings. For example, a rainy day at home can be brightened up with an indoor scavenger hunt, where kids search for items around the house. Alternatively, take a scavenger hunt to school for a fun and educational twist on a classic game, incorporating elements of nature or academic subjects into the list of items.
Incorporate fall elements: With the changing colors and crisp air, fall is the perfect time for a themed scavenger hunt. Include items like fallen leaves, acorns, and pine cones in your list, or take a more focused approach with a nature-based scavenger hunt by adding different types of bark, berries, and moss.
For a competitive twist, you can set a time limit and divide the participants into teams, nurturing a spirited and healthy challenge.
Download This Free Printable Fall Scavenger Hunt
Grab it now so you can get outside and get started hunting as soon as you start to see the first signs of fall!
Images Included On This Fall Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
This printable fall scavenger hunt list includes a variety of items:
- pumpkin
- colored leaves
- acorn
- rake
- pinecone
- scarf
- boots
- apple
- sunflower
- sweater
- pile of blankets
- mug of hot chocolate
- scarecrow
- squirrel
- pie
- candle
Other fall-themed scavenger hunts may include images such as a pile of leaves or an apple orchard, but I love that this one makes it possible to go to a local park or wak through the neighborhood or along a nature trail while doing this activity together. There is SO much to see out there!
How To Check Off Scavenger Hunt Items
I HIGHLY recommend printing out this free PDF and sliding it into a plastic page protector to keep it from getting wet or stained. Then, mark off the items you find with dry-erase markers!
Once you have your list of items and printable, consider incorporating additional elements to make your scavenger hunt more engaging:
- Capture photos of the items on the list instead of physically collecting them.
- Add trivia questions related to the items or the season for participants to answer along the way.
- Include riddles for participants to solve that will lead them to certain items.
Getting The Most Out Of This Fall Scavenger Hunt
Incorporating various elements into your fall scavenger hunt can make the activity more engaging and enjoyable, while also providing outdoor adventures and opportunities for learning and growth. Here are some ways to get the most out of your fall scavenger hunt.
Enhance the vocabulary skills of the participants by asking them to provide descriptive words and phrases about these scavenger hunt list items. For example, look for a “vibrant red maple leaf” or a “velvety smooth acorn.”
Appreciating the beauty of fall is an essential part of this activity. Encourage participants to take the time to admire the colorful foliage and the calming fall atmosphere. This will not only make the experience more enjoyable but also help instill a sense of reverence for nature.
Autumn is a season full of sensory experiences. As you explore, pay attention to the sounds of crunching leaves underfoot, the smell of the crisp air, and the feel of the autumn breeze. Incorporating sensory-based tasks into your scavenger hunt, like listening for a specific bird call or feeling different tree barks, can provide a richer experience for participants.
Outdoor activities should be the primary focus of your fall scavenger hunt. Encourage participants to:
- explore their surroundings
- hike through wooded areas
- go on a leaf scavenger hunt
- jump into a pile of leaves
- Visit pumpkin patches and pick a pumpkin
- collect items to do a fall nature craft
- engage in other outdoor pursuits
Lastly, use a page protector for your scavenger hunt list. This will keep your list safe from dirt and moisture while outdoors.
Fall Scavenger Hunt FAQs
For a fall-themed scavenger hunt, you could include items such as colorful leaves, pinecones, acorns, and pumpkins or gourds. You might also want to challenge participants to find specific fall flowers like sunflowers, chrysanthemums or items related to fall festivals and holidays, like Halloween. Feel free to customize the list based on your local surroundings, weather, and traditions.
This activity is perfect for kids of all ages! For younger children, you can include simple tasks like spotting a specific color of leaf, collecting a pinecone, or finding a smooth rock. For older children and teenagers, you could add more challenging tasks such as identifying a local tree species, solving riddles related to fall, or finding a hidden item in a park.
Grab this printable Fall Scavenger Hunt PDF then simply gather your list, crayon, and plastic bag.
I hope this fun fall scavenger hunt helps your family have so much fun and make priceless memories together during (IMO) the best time of the year!
More Fall Fun For The Whole Family
If you’re looking for more fun fall activities, check out these ideas!
