Free Five Senses of Summer Printable for Kids

Want a simple, hands-on way to help your kids explore the five senses of summer? This free five senses worksheets is a great way to slow down and help little ones notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around them.

Whether you’re teaching at home or in a classroom, this printable gives young learners a chance to connect with the season using their senses—and it’s super simple to use. Your child can practice observation, vocabulary, and early science skills with just a pencil and a few minutes outside (or even near an open window!).

Plus, it’s open-ended, so it works well with all learners and ages. This free five senses worksheet is easy to print and even more straightforward to enjoy—no prep needed.
It’s one of those simple activities that’s fun and full of learning.

Five Senses of Summer

This summer sensory scavenger hunt printable set is a playful and low-prep way for kids to explore their five senses while building early learning skills. As children think about what summer looks, smells, tastes, sounds, and feels like, they’ll also practice observation, descriptive language, and early writing. These pages are designed to be open-ended so kids can respond in their own words and at their level.

Here’s what’s included:

1 “My Summer Senses” worksheet with sentence prompts
1 “I See / I Hear / I Smell / I Taste / I Feel” recording sheet
Easy-to-use format for home or classroom
No prep required—print and go!

These five senses-themed summer worksheets make learning feel like play. They’re a fun, thoughtful way to build literacy and science skills while enjoying the season.

What is a five senses scavenger hunt?

A five-sensory scavenger hunt is a fun activity where kids use sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to explore their surroundings. Instead of finding specific objects, they focus on noticing things they can sense—like something soft to touch or a sound they can hear.

It helps children slow down and pay attention to the world around them. This activity is excellent for building observation skills and encouraging creative thinking.

How to Set Up a Summer Scavenger Hunt

Setting up a summer scavenger hunt with a five senses twist is quick and easy. Start by printing out the summer senses activity pages for each child. Then, head outside—or open a window if you prefer to stay indoors—and invite your child to notice what they can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.

Please encourage them to take their time and focus on each sense. You can guide younger children by asking questions like, “What do you hear right now?” or “Can you feel the warm sun?” Older kids might enjoy writing or drawing their answers.

There’s no right or wrong way to complete the activity—it’s all about what they experience. When you’re done, talk about what they noticed to build language and memory skills.

Learning Through Play: Why Five Senses Activities Matter

Five senses activities are an excellent way for young children to learn through play. They help kids build essential skills like observation, language development, and critical thinking while having fun. When children explore using their senses, they connect more deeply with what they’re learning.

These activities support early science concepts, like making predictions and describing properties. Plus, they encourage curiosity, a big part of learning at any age. Simple sensory tasks, like noticing the smell of flowers or the feel of grass, make learning feel natural and engaging.

Best of all, five senses activities can be done anywhere, with little or no prep.

Summer Ideas for Kids

Looking for more ways to make the most of summer learning? This is a great time to lean into hands-on, creative activities that keep kids thinking and exploring while having fun. Below are some simple, seasonal ideas that pair well with the summer senses activity pack.

They’re easy to set up and give children more chances to observe, play, and learn using all five senses.

Summer Books for Kids

Summer is full of sunshine, exploration, and sweet, sticky fun—making it the perfect backdrop for stories little ones will love. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a backyard adventure, or chasing fireflies at dusk, these picture books capture the joy and wonder of summertime.

These stories are perfect for reading on a picnic blanket, under a shady tree, or during a cozy bedtime wind-down after a busy summer day.

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner celebrates all the little signs that summer is finally here—from pulling out the bikes to the jingle of the ice cream truck. With rhythmic text and cheerful illustrations, this book is a joyful ode to the seasonal traditions kids look forward to all year. It’s a perfect pick for building excitement as summer approaches.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall follows a young boy who is finally ready to take that big leap off the diving board. This sweet, empowering story gently explores themes of bravery, encouragement, and small personal victories, all set against sun-drenched pool days. It’s an uplifting read that will resonate with both kids and parents.

One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews offers a realistic, relatable glimpse into the sensory experiences of a young girl exploring her neighborhood on a scorching day. Through vibrant photo collage illustrations, the book captures everything from the sizzle of the sidewalk to the refreshing splash of a sudden summer storm. It’s a great conversation starter about weather, seasons, and slowing down to notice the world around us.

Summer Crafts for Kids

Summer is the perfect time for simple, creative crafts that let kids explore colors, textures, and outdoor inspiration. These activities are great to pair with a summer senses theme and help reinforce what kids notice in nature. From sunny skies to sandy beaches, these crafts keep little hands busy and minds engaged.

Summer Printables for Kids

If you’re looking for more easy, low-prep activities, these summer printables are just right. They’re great for keeping kids learning on slower days or when you need a quick, screen-free option. These printables work well alongside the summer senses activity and are fun to use at home or in the classroom.

FAQ About Five Senses of Summer

Do I need to do this activity outside?

Not at all! Outside is great because there’s more to explore with the senses, but you can do it inside, too. Just open a window or look around the room—kids can still hear, see, and feel things right where they are. It’s flexible, so do what works best for your day.

Can younger kids who can’t write yet still do this?

Yes, absolutely! If your child isn’t writing yet, they can draw pictures or tell you what they notice while you write it down. It still helps them build vocabulary and observation skills, and it’s a nice chance to talk together about what they’re sensing.

How long does this activity take?

It usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your child’s age and how much they want to share. Some kids move quickly, while others love to take their time noticing everything. There’s no pressure—it’s meant to be fun and thoughtful.

Exploring the five senses of summer worksheet is a simple way to make learning fun and meaningful. This free summer sensory scavenger hunt encourages kids to slow down, observe the world around them, and build language and science skills. Whether homeschooling full-time or just looking for a fun seasonal activity, these printables are an easy, low-prep option that works with any schedule. With just a few minutes and a little curiosity, your child can enjoy hands-on learning that fits perfectly into summer days.

Tara H.

Hi, I’m Tara—mom of three, former teacher, and now full-time homeschooler. After years in both preschool and public school classrooms, I brought the learning home and never looked back. At Homeschool Happiness, I share real-life tips, simple activities, and encouragement to help you create a homeschool life that feels good for your family—one filled with connection, laughter, and meaningful moments. We’re in this together!