These fall scavenger hunt ideas for kids are just perfect for this time of year!
My kids love scavenger hunts of any kind, so I try to incorporate the current season (fall) or upcoming holidays (in this case, Halloween) into our scavenger hunt activities.
When September rolls around, we are always looking for fun fall activities to do with our kids. Bonus points are given to any activities that get the kids outside (because after a sweltering summer, some time in fresh, non-stagnant air is much needed).
These fall scavenger hunt ideas do exactly that!
Why should you do scavenger hunts for kids?
The benefits of doing scavenger hunts with your kids are myriad (the Institute for Educational Advancement says so!).
First, and most obviously, it entertains them. This is especially important if you’re a stay at home mom trying to fill your days or a preschool teacher or daycare provider trying to teach and occupy several kids simultaneously.
Beyond that, scavenger hunts are a great way for kids to practice hands-on problem-solving and team work (if you have kids work together on these fall scavenger hunts; you can also have them compete against one another, depending on your tolerance for whining and fighting).
It also allows them to exert control over their own activities, and control is something young kids crave (and rarely get). They can decide what to look for, where, and in what order. Don’t underestimate the draw that this has for young children whose every moves are generally dictated by others.
Can I use these fall scavenger hunt ideas with my kids if they can’t read?
Yes! I’ve included a picture-version of the fall scavenger hunt and a text version as well. I have a seven-year-old, five-year-old, and two-year-old, so having a scavenger hunt they can all participate in simultaneously is key.
You can print as many copies as you need, but another fun way to save ink and paper is to laminate them and give your child a dry-erase marker. Then you can just wipe off the fall scavenger hunt list and re-use again and again.
(If you’re in the market for a reasonably-priced laminator, I have this one and I LOVE IT! It’s always relatively affordable and it’s incredibly easy to use. You just plug it in, put your paper in the plastic envelope, and send it through the laminator — done).
To get your free, downloadable copies of the fall scavenger hunt ideas, sign up here for my newsletter and access to the (password-protected) resource library. You’ll receive 1-2 emails/month (I’ll never SPAM you), as well as access to all the other files in the library.
When you have finished, let me know what you think below in the comments and follow me on Pinterest for more awesome crafts and parenting ideas!
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These are super cute! I love this idea!
Thank you so much!
I can’t wait until my little one is older so I can do these fun activities!
Hi Sarah,
Scavenger hunts (and any kind of sensory play) have been a favorite activity in our house for years, with no end in sight! It is so fun when the kids get old enough to do these types of activities!
Charissa
I don’t have kids yet, but I remember doing some really fun fall scavenger hunts at school and home when I was a kid. I always enjoyed it.
This is the first time I’m hearing of scavenger hunt. I like the idea that children of all ages can play it without feeling lost or cheated, looks like fun.
P.S: Your boys are soooo cute
Thank you so much! I do find them pretty cute myself… wild and crazy, but cute.
Scavenger hunts are such a fun activity for kids. The best part is that, when they get a little older, you can give them more difficult and/or longer scavenger hunt lists. That can keep them busy for a long time! (hooray peace and quiet! haha)
Super sweet idea! I miss my guy being little like that but can still remember pushing him around in a stroller with a clipboard and a scavenger hunt list of pictures similar to yours. Those were such special days! Enjoy!
Looks like a lot of fun! I may do this for our little kids group at church!