Simple Autumn Nature Walk Ideas for Preschoolers

October is such a wonderful time to head outside with your preschool class. The air is cooler, the leaves are colorful, and the ground is full of “treasures” that children love to discover. An autumn nature walk preschool activity encourages curiosity, builds early science skills, and gets kids observing the world in new ways — even on a short walk.

What to Look For

• Count how many colors of leaves you can find.
• Compare big leaves and small ones.
• Notice squirrels, birds, or bugs and talk about what they’re doing.
• Listen for the sounds under your feet—crunchy, soft, or squishy!

Back in the Classroom

• Make leaf rubbings or collages.
• Start a “nature table” where kids can share what they collected.
• Read a fall story and connect it to things you saw outside.

Teacher Tip

Keep the walk short and let the kids set the pace.
The magic often happens when children stop to look closely at something you might have walked right past.

A fall nature walk can be one of the simplest and most meaningful outdoor learning experiences in your preschool classroom. With just a few minutes outside, children practice observing, comparing, listening, and asking questions — all while enjoying the beauty of the season. Pair your walk with fall worksheets, leaf art, or a nature-themed center to keep the learning going back inside.

Explore More Fall Worksheets →Fall Worksheets Hub

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