Fall Family Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas and Printable

Originally Published October 6, 2024
Last Updated: January 22, 2025

Autumn is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature with your family. The leaves are turning beautiful colors, the air is crisp, and there are so many seasonal treasures to find. A fall scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep kids entertained while making the most of the season. Fall has always been one of our favorite times of the year—we have so many wonderful memories of taking our kids on autumn walks, collecting colorful leaves, and just enjoying the outdoors together. In this post, we’ll show you how to create a fun and easy fall scavenger hunt for the whole family—complete with free printables, creative ideas, and ways to make special memories.

a family on a scavenger hunt in the woods

Essential Items for a Successful Fall Scavenger Hunt

Free Printable Checklist: To ensure everyone has fun, make sure the checklist you print out makes sense for your area and your kids. You can download and print one from our list below, or make your own. If you want it to last for multiple outings, consider laminating it so it doesn’t get damaged.
Clipboards and Markers: Bring along a clipboard and some markers or pencils for each participant. This makes it easy for everyone to check off items as they find them.
Bags or Baskets for Collecting Items: If your hunt involves collecting small items like pinecones or acorns, bring along reusable bags or small baskets. This way, kids can gather their treasures and take them home to use for crafts or decorations.
Camera or Smartphone: A camera or smartphone is great for capturing special moments and taking pictures of items that can’t be collected, like beautiful trees or animals. Plus, it’s a fun way to document your family adventure and create lasting memories.
Comfortable Clothing: Since you’ll be spending time being active outdoors, make sure everyone dresses comfortably. Layers are great for fall weather, as temperatures can change throughout the day. Don’t forget sturdy shoes for walking and exploring!
Snacks and Water: Bring along some snacks and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated. Exploring can make kids hungry, and having a few fall-themed treats like apple slices or pumpkin muffins can make the adventure even more special.

The Original Outdoor Nature Scavenger Treasure Hunt Card Game for Kids and Families. Ages 3+. Travel Pocket Game gofindit is a unique scavenger hunt card game that engages all your senses, allowing players to learn about nature through play. his travel game can be easily carried in your pocket, making it a perfect companion for any outdoor game or camping accessory.

Printables

To help as much as possible, we put together a short list of fun and easy-to-use printable checklists. These are designed to keep kids engaged and make sure everyone has a great time exploring the outdoors. Download, print, and start your hunt!

Creative Ideas for Your Fall Scavenger Hunt

To make your fall scavenger hunt even more exciting, try adding some creative twists! Here are a few fun ideas to keep everyone engaged:

Color-Themed Scavenger Hunt: Challenge younger kids to find items based on color. For example, they can look for red leaves, orange pumpkins, or brown acorns. This makes the activity more visually stimulating and helps younger children learn their colors.
Interactive Family Roles: Assign special roles to each family member to make the hunt more interactive. One person can be the “Nature Photographer,” taking pictures of each item found, while another can be the “Leaf Expert,” who has to identify different types of leaves. These roles make everyone feel involved and add a sense of teamwork.
Scavenger Hunt with Riddles: Instead of just listing items to find, turn each item into a riddle. For example, “I’m orange and round, and you might carve me for Halloween. What am I?” (Answer: A pumpkin!) This adds a layer of problem-solving and makes the hunt more challenging and fun.
Physical Challenges: Make the hunt more active by including some physical challenges. If you’re planning more hikes with the family, be sure to read our Fall Hiking Safety Tips to stay prepared. For example, after finding a pile of leaves, kids could do a “leaf jump” or hop on one foot to the next item. Adding these playful challenges keeps kids moving and makes the scavenger hunt even more engaging.
Nature Art Collecting: Have the kids collect small natural items—like leaves, pinecones, and acorns—that they can use to create art afterward. When the scavenger hunt is over, you can all sit down and make nature collages or decorations to remember the day.
Sensory Hunt: Encourage kids to use all their senses. Have them find items they can see, hear, smell, and touch. For example, they could find something that smells like fall (like a pinecone) or something that makes a crunchy sound (like fallen leaves). This makes the experience more immersive and memorable.

a family on a scavenger hunt in the woods looking at fall leaves

Adding an Educational Twist

Fun Facts About Fall Items: Sprinkle your checklist with fun facts! For instance, “Did you know squirrels stash acorns for winter but often forget their hiding spots? This little mishap helps new trees sprout!” These tidbits not only make the activity more engaging but also spark kids’ curiosity about nature.
Changing Seasons: Ignite your child’s curiosity with the magic of changing seasons. Explain how autumn transforms leaves into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as chlorophyll fades away. This simple lesson unveils nature’s hidden palette and opens their eyes to the wonders of the natural world.
Importance of Harvest Time: Autumn is a vital season for farmers, bursting with the vibrant energy of harvest time. It’s when fields transform into treasure troves of pumpkins, apples, and countless other crops ready to be gathered. These seasonal gems are not just harvested; they’re celebrated in pies, cider, and festive decorations that capture the essence of fall’s bounty.
Wildlife in Fall: Discuss how animals prepare for winter. You might also want to explore our Easy Ways to Learn to Identify Animal Tracks so you can identify animal tracks you find during the hunt. For example, talk about how squirrels gather food, how birds migrate, or how some animals grow thicker fur.
Leaf Identification: Bring along a guide to help kids identify different types of leaves you come across. Learning to recognize maples, oaks, and other common trees can make the hunt more educational and give kids a new appreciation for the variety of nature around them.

Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors (Exploring for Kids Activity Books and Journals) Track, explore, discover, and create! This nature book for kids is full of activities they can bring on their adventures through the backyard, the park, the woods, and beyond.

Craft-Tastic Scavenger Hunt Journal - Nature DIY Craft Kit - 32 Page Journal with Over 500 Stickers - Ages 6+

In Conclusion:

Spending time together outdoors is one of the best parts of fall, and a family scavenger hunt is the perfect way to explore the season’s beauty. Use our free printable and these ideas to make it a memorable day that your family will talk about for years to come. Happy hunting! For more ideas on outdoor activities, take a look at our Weekend Microadventure Ideas to inspire your next family outing.

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.