As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a vibrant array of colors, autumn becomes the perfect time to take learning outdoors! With so much to see, touch, and explore, the season provides endless opportunities for curious preschoolers to connect with nature and nurture their curiosity. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we embrace the changing seasons to create engaging, nature-based activities that foster a love for learning. Let’s dive into an array of autumn adventures that inspire curiosity and discovery!

Autumn is a busy season for animals, especially squirrels as they gather and store food for the winter. Take your preschooler on a “Squirrel Search” during a nature walk. Bring along some binoculars and encourage children to look for squirrels darting up trees or gathering acorns. Talk about how squirrels prepare for the colder months and what hibernation means. Afterward, preschoolers can act out the behavior of squirrels—pretending to gather food and hide it—transforming the lesson into a fun, interactive game that reinforces what they’ve learned.

Transform an ordinary walk into an auditory adventure by focusing on the sounds of autumn! Encourage preschoolers to close their eyes and listen to the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and crunching footsteps. Afterward, ask them to describe the different sounds they heard and what might have made them. You can even create a “sound map” by drawing symbols or pictures that represent each sound along your walk. This sensory-rich activity promotes mindfulness and helps preschoolers develop their listening skills while connecting more deeply with nature.

Select a favorite autumn-themed book and take storytime outside! Find a cozy spot under a tree or next to a pile of leaves, and read stories like “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert or “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson. This setting helps immerse preschoolers in the seasonal theme of the story, making it more relatable and vivid. After reading, engage your preschooler in a discussion about the book’s themes or have them create their own autumn-inspired stories based on what they see and hear around them.

While on your nature walk, collect various natural materials like pinecones, small twigs, and smooth stones. Set up a nature art station back home where preschoolers can create art using these materials. Let them explore the different textures by gluing items onto cardboard to create a nature mosaic or simply arranging them to form shapes and patterns. This tactile experience allows preschoolers to appreciate the diverse textures found in nature while developing their fine motor skills and creativity.

Exploring the wonders of autumn through outdoor learning and nature walks is a wonderful way to nurture a love for nature in preschoolers. By engaging with the world around them, children learn valuable lessons about the environment, seasons, and themselves. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we encourage families to make outdoor adventures a part of their seasonal routine to deepen these experiences. Head outside this fall and watch your preschooler’s curiosity grow as they discover the beauty of autumn!

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family. Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Oakbrook located in Norcross, Georgia? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.