Kids Scavenger Hunt: An Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Fall is one of our favourite times of the year to get the kids outside to explore the brilliance of nature. Outdoor scavenger hunts offer a great opportunity to sneak a bit of fitness and education with the stacks of fun they will find in the great outdoors. Perfect!

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Tools

• Outdoor Scavenger List (we’ve saved you the time and made one for you, you can find it here >>)
• Pens
• Camera (leave nature as it is, take pictures home instead)
• Garbage bag for stray trash you might find
• Binoculars
• Flashlight for nooks and crannies
• Water
• Snacks
• Small tape measure
• Recognize efforts by awarding prizes for most items found, most unique treasure, dirtiest find, clever observations etc…

Smart Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Tips

• Help children understand that not all items will be found, but to have fun searching for them
• Break it up with a picnic
• Throw in a race from this tree to that tree
• Present a challenge to let your kids show off their nature know-how.
• Offer clues to guide children to find the items themselves
• Add some drama by asking them to act different characters while they search for items
• Race against the clock (we need to find a red leaf in the next 2 miniutes, on your mark, get set – go!)
• Create teams by inviting other families!
• Print a list for each member
• Sweeten it up with a few Hershey’s kisses hidden where you know they will be found
• Lessen your impact on the environment, leave nature as you found it.
• Play “what am I” using clues from your surroundings
• Do a leaf rubbing
• Identify which foods animals eat
• Examine your findings, asking each child to describe and pass around what they found

Download the PRINTABLE SCAVENGER LIST HERE or click image to download and print >>

About the Author Founder of EverythingMom.com Posted by Michelle in activities on September 23, 2009 More from this author  |  Author Website Follow Michelle on:  |

Comments  

 

0 # cmiranda70 2009-10-17 21:49

I just did the "see" part of the scavenger hunt with my 6 year old today and he just loved it! We took pictures of most of the stuff and picked up a few things, like the leaves, and we are going to make a scavenger hunt booklet so he can show it off!

I highly recommend this!!

Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

 

 

-1 # Irvine Babysitter 2010-02-24 07:07

I've always loved the idea of a scavenger hunt for kids. I often use this idea to keep the kids entertained in a hotel room.

I take small objects that similar such as foil-wrapped chocolates, peanut M&M's and hide them around the room/suite while the kids are sequestered in the bathroom.

The hunt depletes their energy especially before bedtime.

Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

 

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post

Add comment

Name (required)

E-mail (required, but will not display)

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments

Refresh

Send

Cancel

JComments