Fall is the perfect time of year to get outside! And what better way to experience all the season has to offer than by taking a walk? Walking is fun and easy, plus it provides a boost to your physical and mental health. Going on a walk with your kids lets them notice new things and meet new people along the way.
For more walking and hiking ideas check out our article on Fall Foliage Hikes for Des Moines Families and visit our Fall Fun Guide for more things to do this season. Lastly, be sure to sign up for our FREE Weekend Fun Guide to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.
Here are 8 fall themed walks that you and your children can take around your neighborhood:
Sensory Walk
On this walk, have your child focus on their senses. Ask them what colors they see. Touch the fallen leaves. Smell the air and ask if it smells different than in the summer. Listen to the birds or squirrels. Don’t forget to taste fall, too by sampling some apple cider when you get home.
Scavenger Hunt
There are so many printable scavenger hunts available, dsm4kids happens to have our own tips here. Have your kids look for distinctly autumnal items like fallen leaves, acorns or pumpkins. Once they find the items have them check it off their list.
Talk the Walk
Use descriptive words to encourage your kiddo to talk about fall while walking. Ask them if they like fall and why? Then share what you like about it.
Bird Watching Walk
Does fall bring the arrival or departure of different birds in your area? Talk about the birds you saw this summer and imagine where they live now. Notice which birds fly in V-shaped formations as they prepare to head south. Keep track of how many different birds you see on a walk in a field journal.
Art Walk
The object of an art walk is to collect as many items related to fall as you can and then take them home to create something. You can glue leaves and twigs together to make forest creatures or try your hand at leaf printing.
Nighttime Walk
Just because the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside when it gets dark. On your nighttime walk, see if you can find constellations, like the Big Dipper. Watch for the blinking lights of planes or see if you can find the space station. You could also take a long flashlights or headlamps to look for critters in your neighborhood.
Buddy Walk
Sometimes all that is needed to make a walk more exciting is a friend. Invites one or two buddies to traverse the neighborhood with you or pick a new location for your walk. Go for a walk around the block or try out any of the ideas listed in this article.
Science Walk
The change in seasons is a great time for kids to make some scientific observations. Take along a magnifying glass, binoculars or print out some observation sheets to take along on your next walk. This is a great time to encourage your little scientists to really engage with nature. Pick a topic to focus on like leaves, butterflies, caterpillars, etc.
