How a fall scavenger hunt works
A scavenger hunt gives a walk a purpose. Players get a list of things to find outside, such as a red leaf, an acorn or a spider web, and check them off as they go. It needs no special equipment, works in a backyard, a neighborhood or a park, and can be adjusted for almost any age.
Many printable versions exist online, but you can make your own in a few minutes with pencil and paper.
Set the rules
Decide how items will be collected before you start.
- Look only. Players point to items and check them off. Best for protected areas and the youngest children.
- Photo hunt. Players take pictures with a phone or camera. This leaves nature in place.
- Collect fallen items. Players gather things already on the ground, such as leaves and acorns, in a bag. Only do this where it is allowed.
Agree on boundaries so no one wanders out of sight, and set a time limit or a meeting spot.
A starter checklist
Pick 10 to 15 items from ideas like these, adjusting to what grows where you live.
- A red, orange or yellow leaf
- A leaf bigger than your hand
- A leaf smaller than your thumb
- An acorn or other nut
- A pinecone
- A feather
- A smooth stone
- Something that feels rough
- A seed or seed pod
- A spider web
- Mushrooms (look but do not touch or eat them)
- A bird or a squirrel
- A pumpkin or gourd
- Something that smells good
- A sound you can hear but not see
Versions by age
Preschoolers. Use pictures instead of words, keep it to five or six items and walk with an adult.
School-age children. Use a written list, add a few riddles and let them keep score or tick items off themselves.
Teens and adults. Make it a photo challenge with creative categories, such as the best leaf shape or a good fall composition, or add a time limit.
Team and party variations
- Teams. Split into groups and see who finds everything first, or who finds the most unusual items.
- Bingo. Make a 3 by 3 or 5 by 5 grid of items and aim for a row.
- Color hunt. Everyone finds something in each fall color.
- Senses hunt. Find something to see, hear, smell and touch.
- Story hunt. Collect photos, then tell a short story using them.
Where to play
- Backyard. Easy and private; hide pumpkins or small objects if you want a mix of found and hidden items.
- Neighborhood. Good for short walks, with attention to traffic.
- Park or trail. More variety. Stay on marked paths. If you want ideas for outings, see our fall season activities.
If leaves are the main focus, our fall leaf activities pair well with the hunt.
Leave no trace
- Take only what is allowed, and leave living plants alone.
- Do not pick or eat mushrooms, berries or plants you cannot identify.
- Do not disturb animals or nests.
- Pack out trash and any leftover items.
FAQ
What age is a scavenger hunt good for? Children as young as preschool can play with a simple picture list and adult help, and older kids and adults can enjoy more challenging versions.
Can we do this without printing anything? Yes. Write the list on paper or in a phone note, or call items out one at a time.
What if there are few leaves? Change the list to match the setting, with things like clouds, stones, or sounds.