Fall Nature Walk Ideas for Pre-K

It’s October and fall is here!

Even though it might not exactly feel like it since we’re still experiencing 80 degree weather some days here in Atlanta. I’m hoping cooler weather is right around the corner and will be here to stay. 

It’s the perfect time of year to bring students outdoors for some hands-on learning activities! And here are some simple activities if you’re looking for ideas.

Every year, our class does a field trip to our local park to go on a nature walk. You could also just take a walk outside the school building or on the playground.

A nature walk is such a great way to connect with what we’re learning in the classroom! 

We look for any signs of fall and have students collect leaves, nuts, pine cones, etc in a bag. And then we bring what we find back to the classroom.

We’ll add some of our items to our science center. It’s a great way to build language as they get to describe what they found and how they compare to each other.

We’ll also use the leaves we found and do a leaf rubbing activity. To do this, you place a leaf on the table and place a white paper on top. Using the side of an unwrapped crayon, gently rub across the paper over the leaf. The outline and vein details will start to show!

Another great idea is doing a fall collage! Watch out with this one because kids can go crazy with the glue! But have them create a fall tree or a face or shapes.. Let them get creative with this one! But again, just keep a close eye on them with the glue!

Sometimes, we even do a scavenger hunt! Students are given a clipboard with a checklist and team up to find various things - a leaf, squirrel, mushrooms, etc. My kids always enjoy this activity and it keeps them engaged!  I have the scavenger hunt here if you’d like to check it out! 

I hope you find any of these ideas helpful! Fall is a favorite theme of mine to teach in the classroom. So, I love sharing any ideas that keep it simple enough, yet engaging for the kids.

Happy Fall!