Fall Nature Study and Citizen Science Projects for Kids
Fall brings migrations, falling leaves and the start of bird-feeder season, which makes it a great time for kids to collect real data. All of these projects are free.
1. Monarch Watch
Citizen Science · Ages 5-12 · Free
Monarch butterfly education and a large-scale tagging program that follows the fall migration.
2. Journey North
Citizen Science · Ages 5-12 · Free
Track wildlife migrations and seasonal change across North America, including monarchs and hummingbirds.
3. Project FeederWatch
Citizen Science · Ages 5-12 · Free · 3.0 ★ (68) App Store · Oct 2026
Count the birds at your feeder for science. The FeederWatch season starts November 1.
4. Budburst
Citizen Science · Ages 6-12 · Free
Plant-observation projects: record when plants leaf, flower and fruit.
5. Merlin Bird ID
App · Ages 4-12 · Free · 4.9 ★ (114k) App Store · Oct 2026
A free app to identify the birds you hear and see, handy for FeederWatch counts.
6. Homeschool Share
Free Unit Studies · Ages 4-12 · Free
Free unit studies and printables you can browse by season, including Fall.
7. Homeschool Nature Study (Outdoor Hour Challenge)
Nature Study Curriculum · Ages 4-12 · Free + paid
Seasonal nature study lessons based on the Handbook of Nature Study.
For more seasonal ideas, use the Season filter on the home page or the Fall season page.
Frequently asked questions
- When does Project FeederWatch start?
- Per the FeederWatch site, the season starts November 1. Participants count birds at feeders anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
- How can kids help track the monarch migration?
- Monarch Watch runs a large-scale tagging program that follows the fall migration, and Journey North tracks monarch and other wildlife migrations across North America.
- Are these citizen science projects free?
- Yes. Monarch Watch, Journey North, Project FeederWatch and Budburst are all listed as free in our directory.