Free Autumn Scavenger Hunt Worksheet for Families in 2025

Last Updated on 24 September 2025

There’s something magical about autumn that I love. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and those gorgeous colours that transform our landscapes. Apart from the spiders that start making an unwelcome appearance in my house, autumn is one of my favourite seasons.

And one way to make it fun is through an autumn scavenger hunt. This is a great activity to do as a family, as it combines learning, exploration, and quality time. Whether you’re in the UK or further afield, these outdoor family activities create lasting memories that encourage children to appreciate the world around them.

Ready to turn your next family outing into an exciting treasure hunt?

Let’s read on to find out more!

A scavenger hunt kit. Autumn scavenger hunt. Photo by Suhash Villuri on Unsplash — Photo by Suhash Villuri on Unsplash

What is an Autumn Scavenger Hunt?

An autumn scavenger hunt is a treasure hunt where you search for specific seasonal items or complete nature-based challenges during the autumn months. Think of it as a structured way to explore the outdoors, while your children learn something instead of just moaning about being cold.

My children love seasonal outdoor games, such as scavenger hunts, whenever we head out on an adventure. Whether it’s wildlife spotting, leaf-collecting activities, or conker collecting, there’s something for everyone.

A good autumn scavenger hunt will include items like acorns, different-coloured leaves, interesting bark textures, or seasonal flowers. But the beauty of these hunts is their flexibility. You can do them in your local park, during a woodland walk, or even in your back garden.

Get Your FREE Autumn Scavenger Hunt Worksheet

What You Might Find on Your Autumn Nature Walk

Here are some of the things we find on our autumn scavenger hunts:

Brown leaves
Pumpkins
A black cat
Acorns
Spiders
Apples
Pinecones
Bugs

My kids love acorn hunting when we go on our woodland scavenger hunt. Getting outside, despite the cooler weather, is great for outdoor family bonding. And when we get home, we love sitting down at the table and making autumn crafts with natural materials. Last year, we made twig photo frames, autumn leaf pictures, and painted acorns.

What will you find and make on yours?

Red autumn leaves. Photo by Justin Cron on Unsplash — Photo by Justin Cron on Unsplash

How You Should Plan for Your Autumn Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Planning an autumn scavenger hunt isn’t hard, but here are a few pointers to create a memorable time when you’re out on your family nature walks.

Choosing Your Location

I’ve had great success at places like local parks with varied tree species, woodland areas with clear paths, and even National Trust properties during autumn. These provide perfect opportunities for you and your kids to practice your nature observation skills.

Tip: Look for decent parking, accessible paths for pushchairs, if needed, and a variety in natural features.

Woodlands give you the classic autumn experience with different leaf types and wildlife, while parks often have better facilities like toilets and benches.

Age-Appropriate Planning

When my kids were little, I kept scavenger hunts short and simple, around 20-30 minutes. My girls loved finding “big leaves” or “small stones” rather than something specific.

School-age kids (5-11) can handle more complex challenges like “find three different-shaped leaves” or “spot a blackbird,” which is great for autumn wildlife spotting.

For teenagers, photography challenges work well, such as “capture five different autumn textures” or “document evidence of animals preparing for winter.” They get to use their phones (bonus!) whilst engaging with nature.

Wet autumn leaves. Photo by Clark Wilson on Unsplash — Photo by Clark Wilson on Unsplash

Weather and Clothing Essentials

Autumn weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out. I tend to pack for every possibility, just in case. Layering is your best friend, so start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with waterproof outer shells. You’ll want to wear waterproof boots, too.

And don’t forget your hats and gloves, as autumn mornings can be chilly, especially in woodland areas where the sun doesn’t penetrate much.

Safety Equipment

I always carry a basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief suitable for kids’ safety. Autumn brings extra hazards, such as slippery leaves and uneven ground from fallen branches.

A whistle for each family member is brilliant if you’re in larger areas. It’s much better than shouting if someone wanders off. I also bring a fully charged mobile phone and let someone know our planned route and return time.

Final Thoughts on Your Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Autumn scavenger hunts offer families an incredible opportunity to connect with nature while creating cherished memories together. From the excitement of discovering the perfect golden leaf to the satisfaction of completing challenges as a team, these adventures nurture curiosity and appreciation for nature.

Remember, the best scavenger hunt is one that matches your family’s interests and abilities. Start small, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun exploring the wonders that autumn has to offer. We always come away from these having learnt something new while having fun outside.

Why not plan your first autumn adventure this weekend? The changing seasons wait for no one, and there’s never been a better time to step outside and discover the magic that’s waiting just beyond your doorstep!

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy scavenging!

Have you found this autumn scavenger hunt guide useful? What do you look for on your scavenger hunt adventures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!