Fall Nature Study for Kids

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Every day my children beg to go outside to play. While I love nature in all seasons, I think many will agree with me that fall is the perfect time to be outdoors. While the summer here is sticky and sometimes downright unbearable, fall brings crisp mornings, trees that put on a spectacular color show, and dazzling sunsets.

If you’ve never done nature study with your kids before, fall is the perfect time to dive in! I do nature study in my Charlotte Mason preschool as well as with my older children. I just love these fall nature study tips.

I have collected some fun fall nature study ideas for kids. Many of these ideas are from our own observations while being outside during the fall season. Children are extremely observant.

Fall nature study ideas for a Charlotte Mason education.

For example, it didn’t take long for my kids to realize that the days were getting shorter and it was getting dark much earlier! When they ask a question like that, it is the perfect time to dig a little deeper and really find out the “why,” even if you don’t really know yourself!

Observe and Identify Trees

This may seem obvious, but now is the perfect time to observe and identify trees. Which trees are brilliant red? What are they called? Which trees do not change color at all? Some trees have yellow leaves and some trees are orange.

While you are observing the leaves, have your child also make note of the bark. Collect some leaves for a neat little leaf collection, or try to make leaf rubbings. Check out these leaf activities!

Acorns, Acorns, Everywhere!

Yesterday we were at my parents and there were acorns everywhere! There were so many acorns they were crunching under our feet. Now is the perfect time to talk about these fun little seeds?

Dissect an acorn with your child. Find out what acorns can potentially become. What animals store acorns for the winter? Collect some acorns and find out more! Check out the activities in our seeds, leaves, and trees lesson plans.

Why Is It Dark So Early?

I mentioned it earlier, but children catch on quickly that the days are getting shorter. Let’s find out why? Do a mini-study on seasons and talk about Earth’s rotation around the sun, as well as the tilt of the Earth. Learn about the autumnal equinox and what it means. Why is the weather getting cooler? Answer all of these questions with your child.

This is also a great time to learn about the moon. You can do a study on the moon’s phases and so much more!

Hibernation

In autumn, animals begin getting ready for hibernation. We have a little critter or two outside who has decided he needs to make his winter home under the hood of our vehicles. We have found grass clippings and leaves packed away in the air intakes of both of our vehicles. While it is an annoying problem, and we aren’t sure exactly what kind of animal is doing it, the issue does present a fun science lesson for our kids.

Why is this animal packing away leaves and grass clippings? These animals are getting ready for winter! Some animals are storing food, and some animals are preparing to hibernate. Find out which ones.

Of course, this is also a great time to study the animals themselves, too. You can study squirrels, bears, raccoons, foxes, and so much more. Our forest animal unit study pack is a great tool for this!

Fall is also a great time of year to study turkeys! We have a super fun turkey leaf craft that your little ones will enjoy.

Apples and Pumpkins

We love learning all about apples and then pumpkins in the fall. It’s a great time to visit the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch and really learn how everything works.

Favorite Fall Picture Books

You may be wondering how you will answer so many questions about nature! Books are our favorite way to explore all sorts of topics, especially nature. Check out our favorite fall nature book list here!

DIY Nature Journal

Have your child keep track of their discoveries with a nature journal. My DIY nature journal tutorial is the easiest nature journal your kiddos can make!