Fall is the perfect season to get outside and make some memories. One of my favorite ways to soak in all the autumn goodness is a good old-fashioned fall scavenger hunt!

Whether you're wrangling a bunch of excited kids, planning a cozy classroom activity, or just looking for something fun to do with friends, scavenger hunts are simple, fun, and always full of surprises.

And the best part? we’ve got printable scavenger hunts ready to go! From snapping silly selfies to showing a little gratitude, there’s something for every fall mood.

What Is a Fall Scavenger Hunt?

It’s like a treasure hunt, but with leaves, pumpkins, squirrels, and smiles! You get a list of things to find or do, then head out to explore your neighborhood, a park, or even your backyard. It’s a mix of nature, adventure, and just plain fun.

You can do it solo, with friends, or as a family. Even classrooms and youth groups love them!

Where to Do a Fall Scavenger Hunt

The beauty of a scavenger hunt? You can do it just about anywhere! Try:

• Your backyard or garden

• A local park or hiking trail

• At school 

• Around your neighborhood

• Indoors (if the weather's not playing nice)

Mix it up and try new places each time, it keeps the fun fresh!

Classic Fall Scavenger Hunt

This is the one that screams cozy fall vibes. Kids look for all sorts of autumn-themed things like:

✅ A red leaf
✅ A pinecone
✅ A squirrel
✅ A pumpkin
✅ Something that smells like cinnamon
✅ A scarecrow
✅ A crunchy leaf
✅ A hay bale
✅ Something orange
✅ A cozy sweater

Want it all ready to print? Grab the Fall Scavenger Hunt and just hand it out. Easy peasy!

Fun idea: Give everyone a brown paper bag to collect some of the items. Add stickers and markers to decorate the bags first!

Fall Selfie Scavenger Hunt

Alright, this one is SO fun, especially for tweens, teens, or even adults. Instead of just finding things, you take selfies with them!

Snap a pic with:

📸 A pile of leaves
📸 A pumpkin (bonus if it’s carved!)
📸 A cozy drink
📸 A fall wreath
📸 Your favorite boots
📸 Something plaid
📸 A fall-themed store display
📸 A friend wearing a scarf
📸 A scarecrow
📸 A fall treat (mmm, donuts!)

Grab the Fall Selfie Scavenger Hunt for a ready-made version that’s phone-friendly and giggle-approved.

Pro tip: Turn it into a contest, who can take the most selfies in 30 minutes?

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

This one’s close to my heart. Fall is also the season of thankfulness, so why not turn that into a meaningful activity?

Look for things that spark gratitude, like:

🌟 Something that makes you smile
🌟 Something you’re thankful for at home
🌟 A person who helps others
🌟 Your favorite food
🌟 A book you love
🌟 Something soft and warm
🌟 Something that makes a nice sound
🌟 A memory you’re grateful for
🌟 A teacher or mentor
🌟 Something that makes you laugh

Use the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt to guide kids (or yourself!) through a little reflection mixed with fun.

Fun twist: After each item, pause and share why you’re thankful for it. It turns into such a sweet moment!

Thanksgiving Selfie Scavenger Hunt

This one is PERFECT for Turkey Day gatherings. It’s a fun way to get people moving, laughing, and taking goofy pics before the food coma sets in.

Take a selfie with:

🦃 A turkey (real or decoration!)
🦃 Someone in a funny Thanksgiving outfit
🦃 A plate full of food
🦃 A family member you’re thankful for
🦃 The dessert table (yum!)
🦃 The couch (we all end up there eventually…)
🦃 Fall decorations
🦃 A football game on TV
🦃 Someone napping
🦃 A board game in progress

Grab the Thanksgiving Selfie Scavenger Hunt and pass it around after dinner. Everyone will be laughing in no time!

Idea for teens: Create a TikTok challenge or Instagram story using the selfies—just keep it family-friendly!

Ways to Use These Scavenger Hunts

Here are a few fun ways to use them:

1. Make it a game!

Set a timer and see who can find the most items. Offer silly prizes like a mini pumpkin, a candy apple, or "leaf collector of the year" bragging rights.

2. Use in the classroom

These scavenger hunts are great for indoor or outdoor learning. They get kids moving, thinking, and noticing the little things.

3. Turn it into a scrapbook

After the scavenger hunt, print photos or glue in leaves, wrappers, or notes. It becomes a memory book full of fall magic!

4. Gratitude journals

Use the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt as a journaling prompt. Perfect for quiet time, homeschool days, or after Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Family walks

Print the Classic Fall or Gratitude Scavenger Hunt and bring it along on a walk. Kids won’t even notice they’re exercising, they’ll be too busy hunting!

Tips for the Best Fall Scavenger Hunt Ever

• Dress for the weather! Think cozy layers, boots, and warm drinks.

• Bring a clipboard or something hard to write on if you're heading outdoors.

• Use a camera or phone to capture the fun (and prove you found the squirrel!).

• Add bonus challenges like “find something NOT on the list” or “take a silly team photo.”

• Keep it relaxed. The goal is fun, not perfection. Let the kids take the lead!

A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to slow down, explore the world around you, and create memories that stick.

Whether you’re gathering leaves, snapping selfies with pumpkins, or sharing what you’re thankful for, there’s a scavenger hunt for every mood and every group.

And hey, if it means your kids spend 20 minutes outside hunting for “something orange and crunchy” while you sip your coffee in peace? That’s a parenting win.