20 Outdoor Autumn Science Activities
20 Fall science experiments and Autumn science activities for preschoolers, kindergarten & elementary age kids!
I just LOVE Fall!
Especially getting outside to enjoy the weather -- which always leads me to think about a few fun Fall themed science activities for kids like these leaf science experiments & activities.
So today I hope to inspire you with some seasonal science -- activities and experiments with leaves, apples, pumpkins and more Autumn favorites!
Fall Science Experiments & Activities
There's a LOT of science that happens outside during the Fall season:
- leaves change colors
- animals start hibernation, migration or adaptation behaviors
- the night sky begins to shift - kids probably notice you can see the moon both at night & in the morning
- the days become shorter and cooler
- and trees begin to shed both their leaves and seeds
With all the seasonal changes, science in the Fall can be so easy to come by and so colorful too -- kids will typically ask questions like "why do leaves change colors?", they look forward to making leaf rubbings and eagerly collect various nature items like pinecones & acorns for projects!
And one of the best parts about exploring science in the Fall is being able to make a mess outside :)
In addition to talking with kids about the seasonal changes they see around them, try a few of these hands-on activities and experiments that introduce your kids to different science concepts. We've included affiliate links to some of our favorite items that are great for exploring science in Autumn too!
Fall Science Experiments
Explore The Art & Science of Leaf Rubbings || Edventures with Kids
Or if you don't have a variety of leaves in your area, try these Leaf Rubbing plates for kids with leaf guide!
Look at The Hidden Colors in a Leaf || Share it! Science
And you can also watch a leaf breathe with this awesome experiment || Edventures with Kids
Learn how a leaf gets water || Learn, Play, Imagine
Create a Pinecone Weather Station (this is so cool!) || Science Sparks
Autumn Science Activities
Go on a Leaf Scavenger Hunt {free printable included} || Edventures with Kids
Test Gravity with Apples || Little Bins for Little Hands
Track migration patterns with this Bird Watching Kit for kids!
Track the Phases of the Moon with these hands-on science activites || Edventures with Kids
Play Name that Tree! leaf & tree identification activity using these free printable tags || Edventures with Kids
Learn about bats with these Bat books & nighttime activities || Edventures with Kids
Explore life after dark with this FREE printable Nocturnal Scavenger hunt || Edventures with Kids
Take an evening walk with these Constellations Knowledge Cards
More Fall Science Projects
Explore Citizen Scientist Projects for Kids to do at home || Edventures with Kids
Grow a pumpkin inside a pumpkin! || Life with Moore Babies
Learn what animals do in the Fall with these books on hibernation & migration || Edventures with Kids
Use your 5 Senses & Guess what's in the Fall Bag || The Pleasantest Thing
Set up an Animal Tracking Station in your yard! || Creekside Learning
Create an Autumn Nature Table (The Imagination Tree) or Fall Nature Science Tray and get an up close look at seasonal changes!
Younger kids will enjoy exploring the season with this Sunflower & Corn cob activity || Happy Hooligans
Looking for more outdoor science? We also recommend the Outdoor Science Lab for Kids!
Halloween Science Experiements for Fall
Another fun time to explore science is during Halloween so I wanted to include some bonus science activities for the holiday.
Try these fun outdoor ideas for trick or treat learning -- most are perfect for a class party too!
Turn a Pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern with this easy Halloween Optical Illusion! || Edventures with Kids
Exploding Ghost Experiment || Three Ghost Friends
Experiment with Melting Halloween Hands || Happy Hooligans
Make your Jack o'lantern erupt! || Growing a Jeweled Rose
See what happens when a Jack o'lantern rots || Kids Activities blog
Create a Ghost Balloon || Preschool Powol Packets
More Fun Fall Activities
40 Family-friendly Fall Activities
