Autumn Scavenger Hunt

As the hot days of summer give way to cooler temperatures you can begin to see the tell-tale signs of fall appearing all around. Autumn is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature’s seasonal sights.

To learn more about the fall autumnal equinox and fun ways to celebrate the changing seasons click on the link.

If you live in the southern hemisphere check out the signs of spring scavenger hunt. To learn more about the signs of winter and signs of summer click on the links.

Search for Signs of Autumn Scavenger Hunt

As the fall approaches, my daughter and I like to point out the signs we see, hear, smell, and feel as a scavenger hunt on our daily walks.  I find that it is a great way to study nature and teach her about the seasons and their differences. It’s become a game that we like to play whenever the seasons begin to turn. To learn all about the fall autumnal equinox complete with fun ways to celebrate click on the link.

Searching for the signs of Autumn is also an educational activity. While learning about the leaves of trees changing colors in the fall, children will begin to learn about the differences in trees. Most trees lose their leaves while evergreen trees don’t. Their curiosity will lead them to wonder why, and this opens the door to more learning opportunities. Some animals migrate or hibernate while others don’t, some crops ripen while others go fallow. Each of these observations will turn your child into a scientist discovering new things about the world we live in.

Below I have provided a list of some of the common signs that fall is approaching. Different areas can have different signs based on where you live. I’d love to hear all about the signs that you are noticing appearing around you in the comments.

Fall Scavenger Hunt

Look for the signs that the fall is on its way with the following ideas.

Related: Nature Scavenger Hunt with Sensory Card 

Weather and the Sun Signs that Fall is on its Way:

• The air begins to feel crisper, especially in the morning.
• Temperatures begin to drop.
• The air begins to smell a bit different.
• Morning dew begins to appear.
• The angle of the sun in the sky changes.
• The light of day begins to soften – the strength and quality of light changes.
• The days get noticeably shorter as it gets darker earlier each night.
• The direction of the wind changes and windy days become more common.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms begin to happen.

 

Plant Life Signs that Autumn is Approaching:

• The leaves of trees begin to change colors and fall to the ground. (except evergreen trees)
• Autumn colors begin to appear everywhere. Reds, oranges, yellows, and browns begin to make the world a lovely place.
• Acorns, pinecones, and sycamore “helicopters” fall to the ground.
• Grass doesn’t grow as fast.
• Fall flowers such as Aster, Margarets, Goldenrods and Spider Lilies begin to bloom.
• Fall harvest plants become ripe for the picking (pumpkins, apples, winter squash, almonds, walnuts, pecans) while the rest of the garden goes fallow.
• Mushrooms and other fungi can be spotted popping up everywhere in nature.

Wildlife Signs that Autumn is Approaching: Animals in the fall

• Our pets begin to shed less and grow thicker fur.
• Squirrels, blue jays, and other animals can be seen collecting and gathering their winter stash.
• Birds begin to migrate south for the winter (geese, swallows, hawks, etc.)
• Invertebrates such as butterflies and ladybugs begin to seek shelter for the cooler months.
• Mammals that hibernate for the winter such as bears and hedgehogs can be found gorging to build up their fat stores.
• Animals such as bats, deer, elk and wild boar can be seen looking for mates and mating.
  • The bugling of the bull elk looking for a mate can be heard.
  • Bats can be found singing for their mates around the entrances to caves and tunnels.
  • Deer and wild boar can be found fighting for a mate.

Other Random Signs that Fall is on its Way:

• Your energy bill gets lower as the air conditioner is needed less and less.
• Football season begins.
• Fewer people can be seen on beaches.
• Fall decor begins to appear.
• Halloween costumes are for sale in stores.

Get outside and look for the seasonal changes occurring all around. So tell me… what signs have you noticed?

This post is a part of the Get Outside & Connect series. For more information click on the link.

You may also like

• Nature Arts & Crafts Printable Activity Pack
• Top 10 Fall Nature Crafts
• Apple Orchard Field Trip ideas for Kids
• Pumpkin Patch Family Field Trip Ideas
• Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities and Crafts