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Fall’s cooler weather and colorful foliage make it the perfect time to enjoy nature. And with winter around the corner, we need to get out there and soak up the last of the warm(ish) days! So, what better way to explore the outdoors and have some extra fun than with a Fall Scavenger Hunt?!
A Scavenger Hunt is a Fun Way to Experience Fall
It’s tough to say goodbye to summer. And with fall schedules and the changing weather, it can be challenging to get outdoors as much as you like. But a scavenger hunt can add a little competition or excitement to your fall outdoor adventures!
It’s also the perfect way to experience fall. You’ll look closer at your surroundings and notice things you wouldn’t usually see on a regular fall hike or outing. You’ll pause to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of fall! You’ll feel more connected to nature – which is something we all need as we spend more and more time indoors.
Prepare for your scavenger hunt.
There’s not much to do to prepare for a fall scavenger hunt. Just print out one or all the printables below, grab a writing utensil and go! But, depending on the weather and where you hunt, you might want to do a little extra prep.
What to take with you:
- Printable scavenger hunt(s). Print them on cardstock or place them in a plastic sleeve. And a clipboard is handy, especially if you printed them on regular paper.
- Markers, crayons, pens, or pencils.
- Layered clothing and waterproof shoes or boots – depending on the weather. You want to stay comfortable during your scavenger hunt!
- Drinks and snacks! Might we suggest a thermos of hot apple cider?
- Camera (or phone). You might want to photograph your finds, especially if you’re having a friendly competition with friends or family!
Kids Scavenger Hunt
A fall scavenger hunt is an excellent way to get kids outdoors! They’ll have so much fun hunting for objects they’ll forget they’re getting fresh air and exercise. Plus, it’s a great way to spark their curiosity about nature!
Use the printables below to check off all the items, reach a specific goal (find six things), or make it into a BINGO game. Also, you might take photos of found items or even collect some of the objects to take home.
We have two different kids’ fall scavenger hunts below. One is a nature hunt, best done in the park, woods, or around your neighborhood. The other is for the pumpkin patch!
Kids Fall Scavenger Hunt

Pumpkin Patch Hunt

Scavenger Hunt for Adults
Adults enjoy scavenger hunts too! It’s an excellent way to get out and explore nature. And it can be a ton of fun, whether you make it a competition or do it alone.
For the adults, we created a fall scavenger hunt with more items, some of which might be tougher to find. You can do your search alone, with your family, or with a group of friends! If you want, make it a game to see who can find the most items first (take photos to prove your finds!)

More Fun Ideas
- Make up your own fall scavenger hunt.
- Hold an indoor scavenger hunt.
- Make it a treasure hunt – create a series of clues that lead to the “treasure.”
- Place items outdoors (or indoors) for others to find.
- Head out with a group. Everyone has a list, and whoever takes photos of all the items first wins.
- Go geocaching.
- Make a scavenger hunt for anything: architectural features, signs, landmarks, items, animals, cars, etc.
- Make it more challenging and have participants identify types of trees, leaves, weeds, animal tracks, berries, etc.
- Consider a scavenger hunt app for your phone.
Recommended Fall Activities and Books
If you’re looking for more fall fun, check out the books and activities below!
Fall kids activities
- Felt Thankful Tree
- Leaf Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
- Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids
- Hello Autumn Coloring & Activity Book
- Fall Leaf Suncatcher Window Ornaments
- Fall/Halloween Foam Pumpkin Craft Kits
Fall kids books
- Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
- Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn: A Fall Book for Kids
- The Leaf Thief
- There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
- Too Many Pumpkins
- The Scarecrow: A Fall Book for Kids
For adults
- Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America
- The Ultimate Book of Scavenger Hunts: 42 Outdoor Adventures to Conquer with Your Family
- The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You
- Creative Haven Autumn Charm Coloring Book
- Fix It and Forget It Best of Fall Recipes: Quick & Delicious Slow Cooker Meals
- Purely Pumpkin: More Than 100 Seasonal Recipes to Share, Savor, & Warm Your Kitchen
Further Reading
- Try a Fun Winter Scavenger Hunt to Beat Cabin Fever! [+ free printables]
- Iowa Fall Colors: Best Times, Places, and Road Trips For Fall in Iowa
- Camping With Kids: How to Get Ready for Fun and Relaxing Kid-Friendly Camping