Fall is the perfect season for children to explore nature through their senses. The crispy crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, earthy smells from rain and decomposing plants, and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage create a sensory feast for kids. When children take the time to connect with nature in this way, it helps them form a deeper, more meaningful bond with the natural world.

To help foster this connection, print out my Fall Sensory Scavenger Hunt and Fall Sensory Bingo Cards for kids and head outside to start your autumn adventure together! Download your free printables below and let the exploring begin!”

Starting at a very young age, children experience and learn about the world through their senses. Babies instinctively put hands, toys, and other objects into their mouths to explore textures, shapes, and even tastes. As they grow and begin to move around, this sensory exploration becomes even more exciting and sometimes a little terrifying for us parents.

However, supporting our children in developing a healthy sensory system is very important. Typically this means providing them with plenty of opportunities to use their senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell in a variety of ways. While it’s possible to do this indoors (hello sensory tables!), nature is truly the ideal place for sensory development. It offers our children a rich, ever-changing environment that simply can’t be replicated indoors. But there’s more—when we support sensory exploration and play outdoors it helps children develop a deep, lasting connection to the natural world, laying the foundation for a generation that will love and care for our planet for years to come.

Going on a fall sensory nature adventure is a simple, low-prep activity that’s perfect for busy families (my kind of outdoor fun!). Start by printing out either the Fall Sensory Scavenger Hunt or the Fall Sensory Bingo Cards. If you’re exploring with a group, there are four versions of the bingo cards to mix things up and keep everyone engaged.

Once you have the printables ready, bundle up your child in weather-appropriate layers. Not sure what to wear for fall weather? Check out this post for helpful tips: Fall Dressing Tips for Kids.

When it’s time to explore, I love following my kids’ lead, offering gentle guidance as we go. I might ask questions like, What does this feel like? Smell like? Sound like? I might point out things here or there or offer help if they’re stumped about something they are looking for.

I also make sure my children steer clear of anything that could be harmful. If you’re ever unsure whether a plant or insect is safe, err on the side of caution—take a picture and research it at home using a plant or insect ID app.

Looking for a fun way to engage with nature this fall? Download my free Fall Sensory Nature Scavenger Hunt and Fall Sensory Bingo Cards! Simply click the link below and subscribe to my monthly newsletter to access these and all my other free resources.

Prefer not to subscribe? No worries! You can also purchase these printables for a small fee through PayHip—just follow the link below.

I’ve compiled a list of all the fall sensory items (plus a few bonus ones!) featured in the Fall Sensory Nature Scavenger Hunt and Fall Sensory Bingo Cards. Download the PDF below to keep the fall sensory explorations going strong!

Sight

• A golden, red or orange leaf
• Abandoned spider web wet with dewdrops
• Long shadows on a sunny day
• Woolly bear caterpillar curled up
• Leaves falling from trees
• Shiny acorns on the ground
• Brown mushrooms growing on trees, logs, or grass.
• Sleepy insect hiding away (ladybugs, ants)
• Leav with two or more colors
• Red berries or rose hips on bushes
• Tree with no leaves
• Tree with colorful leaves
• Plant seeds spreading on the ground
• Wildlife tracks in mud
• Clouds moving across the sky

Sound

• Leaves rustling in the wind
• Acorns or nuts falling to the ground
• Stepping through crispy leaves
• The call of honking geese
• Quacking ducks on a pond
• Raindrops and dripping water on surfaces
• Chattering squirrels in trees
• Wind whistling through skeletal trees

Smell

• Earthy scent of fallen leaves
• Sweet scent of pine or evergreens
• Musky smell of wet wood
• Smell of wet dirt after rain
• Smoke from chimneys or outdoor bonfires
• Freshly harvested hay
• Crisp autumn air

Touch

• Damp moss on a rock
• Rough tree bark
• Smooth stone from a beach or near a stream
• Prickly pine cones
• Soft feather on the ground
• Squishy mud between fingers and under boots
• Crusty lichen on a rough boulder
• Cool breeze or chilly air
• Sticky sap from pine trees
• Soft milkweed seeds
• Velvety leaves

Taste

• Nibble of hardy herbs like mint, rosemary or thyme
• Crunchiness of fall carrots or apples
• Sweetness of harvested pears.
• Earthiness of harvested walnuts.

Nature is brimming with surprises that delight our senses — all it takes is a little time to stop and engage with the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around us. This experience becomes even more enjoyable when we share our discoveries with others. I’d love to hear how your Fall Sensory Nature Scavenger Hunt went! Leave a comment below or join our Fall Outside Facebook Group to connect with fellow nature-loving parents and share your adventures with the community. Join the Fall Outside Facebook Group