Fall Scavenger Hunt: 60 Ideas for Kids, Families and Adults (Free List)

Crunchy leaves, cool air and pumpkins on every porch make autumn the perfect season to get outside. A fall scavenger hunt turns an ordinary walk into an adventure, and it works for toddlers, teens and even a group of grown-ups at a backyard party.

Below you’ll find ready-to-use lists for different ages and settings, plus simple rules, prize ideas and tips to keep everyone safe and having fun. Pick a list, grab a bag, and head out.

How to Set Up a Fall Scavenger Hunt

You don’t need much to get started. Here’s the basic setup:

1. Pick your location. A backyard, park, nature trail, apple orchard or your own neighborhood all work.
2. Choose a list. Use one of the lists below or mix items from several.
3. Give each player or team a bag and a pencil or crayon to check items off.
4. Set a time limit. 20 to 30 minutes is great for kids. Adults can go up to an hour.
5. Explain the rules. Stay within boundaries, don’t pick living plants from private gardens, and come back when the timer ends.
6. Award prizes. Give something small for the most items found, the best photo, or the most creative find.

Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids (Nature List)

This classic list works for kids ages 5 to 10 in a yard or park.

1. A red leaf
2. A yellow leaf
3. An orange leaf
4. A brown leaf
5. A pinecone
6. An acorn
7. A stick shaped like a letter
8. A smooth rock
9. A feather
10. A squirrel
11. A bird’s nest (look, don’t touch)
12. Something that crunches when you step on it
13. A mushroom (look, don’t touch)
14. A seed pod or helicopter seed
15. A tree with no leaves left

Fall Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers

Little ones do best with fewer items and things they can spot by color and shape. Turn this into a picture list so non-readers can play too.

1. Something orange
2. Something round
3. A big leaf
4. A tiny leaf
5. A pumpkin
6. A rock
7. A stick
8. Something soft
9. A flower
10. A bug (just look)

Fall Photo Scavenger Hunt (Teens and Adults)

A photo version is perfect for older kids, teens and adults because nothing needs to be collected. Teams snap a picture of each item. Bonus points for creative shots.

1. A team selfie in a leaf pile
2. Someone holding a pumpkin bigger than their head
3. A scarecrow
4. A hay bale
5. A porch with fall decorations
6. A pumpkin spice anything
7. A flannel shirt
8. A cup of hot cider or cocoa
9. A tree with leaves in three colors
10. Someone jumping into leaves
11. A corn stalk display
12. A sign that says “fall” or “autumn”
13. A football or a football game in progress
14. A candle or a cozy blanket
15. A sunset through orange trees

Indoor Fall Scavenger Hunt

Rainy day? Bring the hunt inside. Hide these items around the house or ask kids to find things that already match.

1. Something that smells like cinnamon
2. A sweater or scarf
3. A book about autumn or Thanksgiving
4. Something shaped like a leaf
5. A can of pumpkin
6. An apple
7. Socks in fall colors
8. Something with a turkey on it
9. A candle
10. A blanket you’d use on a chilly night

Fall Scavenger Hunt Riddles

Riddles make the hunt feel like a real treasure hunt. Write each clue on a card and hide it where the answer is.

• “I’m round and orange, and I sit on your porch. Carve me a smile and give me a torch.” (Pumpkin)
• “I fall from the oak, small, brown and neat. Squirrels love me as a winter treat.” (Acorn)
• “I’m piled up high and fun to jump in. Rake me together and do it again.” (Leaf pile)
• “I keep you warm when the wind starts to blow. Wrap me around your neck before you go.” (Scarf)
• “I’m red or green and crunchy to bite. One a day keeps the doctor in sight.” (Apple)

For more clue ideas, see our Thanksgiving scavenger hunt and Christmas scavenger hunt lists, which use the same rhyming style.

Fun Ways to Change Up the Game

Keep your fall scavenger hunt fresh with these twists:

• Color hunt: Find one item in every fall color: red, orange, yellow, brown and gold.
• Alphabet hunt: Find something for each letter, from A for acorn to Z for zipper on a jacket.
• Bingo hunt: Put items on a 5×5 card. First to get five in a row wins.
• Sensory hunt: Find something that crunches, smells good, feels rough, feels soft and makes a sound.
• Neighborhood walk: Count pumpkins, scarecrows and wreaths on porches.
• Orchard hunt: At an apple or pumpkin farm, find the biggest pumpkin, a green apple and a tractor.

Prize Ideas

Small prizes keep kids excited. Some easy, low-cost ideas:

• Caramel apples or apple cider donuts
• Fall stickers or temporary tattoos
• A mini pumpkin to decorate
• A coloring book or new crayons
• Hot cocoa packets
• For adults: a gift card to a local coffee shop or bakery

Safety Tips

• Set clear boundaries and a meeting point.
• Pair young kids with an adult or older buddy.
• Teach kids to look at, not touch, mushrooms, berries and nests.
• Wear bright colors if you’re near roads, especially close to sunset.
• Check for ticks after hunting in tall grass or woods.
• Bring water and a light jacket, since fall afternoons cool off fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a fall scavenger hunt good for?

Any age. Use a picture list for preschoolers, a nature list for kids, and a photo hunt or riddle hunt for teens and adults.

How long should a fall scavenger hunt last?

About 20 to 30 minutes for young kids and 45 to 60 minutes for older kids or adults. Shorter hunts keep the energy high.

Can you do a fall scavenger hunt indoors?

Yes. Use the indoor list above, or hide fall-themed items around the house for a rainy-day version.

What do you need for a fall scavenger hunt?

A printed or handwritten list, a bag or basket, a pencil, and a phone if you’re doing a photo hunt. A small prize is a fun bonus.

Final Thoughts

A fall scavenger hunt is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the season together. It’s free, it gets everyone outside, and kids remember it long after the leaves are gone. Pick the list that fits your crew, set the timer, and see who can find the most autumn treasures this weekend.