Fall is the perfect time to lace up your sneakers, grab a cozy sweater, and head outside for a little adventure. The air is crisp, the colors are bright, and nature is full of treasures waiting to be discovered!

One of the best ways to explore the great outdoors this season is with a Nature Walk Treasure Hunt — a fun, hands-on activity that turns an ordinary stroll into a scavenger hunt full of fall magic.

 

Turn a Walk into an Adventure

A nature walk treasure hunt is easy to set up and works for any age group. All you need is a simple checklist (or a keen eye for detail!) and a sense of curiosity. As you explore a nearby park, trail, or even your backyard, keep an eye out for all the wonders of fall.

Here are a few ideas to get your treasure list started:
• A red leaf, a yellow leaf, and a brown leaf
• An acorn (with or without its cap!)
• A smooth rock
• A mushroom or a fungus
• A squirrel or bird gathering food
• Something that smells like fall—pine needles, damp leaves, or fresh earth

Encourage campers to use all their senses — listen for rustling leaves, feel the textures of bark and moss, and take in the autumn scents around them.

 

Create and Collect

For younger kids, make the treasure hunt extra fun by giving them a small bag or basket to collect a few “non-living” items like fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Once the walk is done, bring your treasures home for some creative projects!

Try these ideas:

Leaf Art: Use crayons and paper to make leaf rubbings or create a collage of colorful foliage.

Acorn Creations: Turn acorns into tiny animal figures or necklace charms with a bit of glue and imagination.

Nature Sorting: Sort collected items by color, size, or texture to sneak in a little learning disguised as play.

 

Make It a Seasonal Tradition

The best part of a fall nature treasure hunt? No two walks are ever the same! Each week brings new colors, new discoveries, and new ways to connect with the world around you. Whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or with family, you’ll see the beauty of the season up close — and create memories that feel a little bit like camp magic.

So grab your treasure list and step outside. Adventure (and a pile of crunchy leaves) awaits!