When the weather is nice. I love to be outdoors with my family. It’s nice to have some activities that offer minimal guidance for us to do when we’re outside together. One thing we love to do with our kids is to have an outdoor scavenger hunt!
One of the reasons we love this activity is because there is little set up and it works for multiple age groups. There are lots of different scavenger hunt ideas you can try. Use it to help kids learn colors or have teens or adults identify plants and other things in nature. Every time you play, you can have a completely different event!
Not only is it a simple activity, it is a great way to get the kids up and off the sofa. There is nothing like taking a walk as a family, and this keeps their interest piqued so they don’t get bored.
When you return home with your finds, discuss them with your kids. Dig out our plant book or check your phone to identify the rocks they’ve discovered. See if you can create a new word by rearranging letters in the items they found.
While some items can be discarded, you may need to return some of them back to nature, where they are supposed to be. And of course, don’t forget to make some S’mores to cap off your evening!
HOW TO HOST AN OUTDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT
SUPPLIES
Gallon Ziploc Bag
Paper
Markers
To make your Outdoor Scavenger Hunt kit, you only need a few items you most likely already have around the house. Cut a sheet of paper in half and write Scavenger Hunt at the top.
Add the items you want for them to find. It could be a yellow flower, striped rock or a leaf. For younger kids who are learning about colors, make a colored box for them to search for things that are that color (such as green and they would find a leaf).
As your kids find the items on the list, put them into their baggie. There are several variations to this game. You can simply choose to find items as a group, which works well if you’re a family with several little ones. If you have a family get together or party, split into teams and make it a race. Mix it up by having everyone find colored items, but exclude plant life or leaves.
Do this for a birthday party, family reunion or picnic. It would also be a simple idea for summer camp, scouts or BVS. Whatever you decide, have fun doing your Outdoor Scavenger Hunt!
