Fall Activity: Noticing Nature — Walk and Bracelet

Fall is a season full of change, color, and discovery—the perfect time to slow down and notice. Children are natural noticers: they spot the tiniest seed pods, hear the music of crunching leaves, and celebrate the subtle shifts of each new day. 

This simple outdoor activity invites children to explore, observe, and collect fleeting fall treasures—the ones too small to save in a pocket—by making a nature walk bracelet. 

What You’ll Need 

Sticky tape (we used two-inch clear tape) 

Nature! 

Process 

1. Think through where you will walk. You’ll want to walk through places where you will find nature to pick up, such as the woods, fields, a park, or around the edge of your yard.

2. Introduce the idea: give suggestions, or let children freely explore what sticks (and what doesn’t).

3. Cut tape to wrist lengths and put on each child’s wrist, sticky side out, leaving wiggle room so bracelets can be removed easily.

4. Enjoy the walk while children pick up items and add to their bracelets until they are full.

5. Admire and discuss what they found together.

Why This Works for Children

This project isn’t about creating a keepsake— it’s about noticing, observing, and connecting with the natural world. Here are some of the developmental benefits for children: 

Fine Motor Growth: Picking up small items and pressing them onto tape strengthens coordination and dexterity.

Sensory Engagement: Children notice textures, colors, shapes, and scents, deepening their awareness of seasonal change.

Early Science Thinking: Children experiment with weight, stickiness, and classification—discovering what works and why.

Language Development: Describing discoveries and comparing collections encourages new vocabulary and rich conversations.

Confidence and Connection: Each bracelet is unique, fostering pride in their work and a sense of belonging as they share with peers.