Looking for a fun way to get outdoors with your kids? This nature scavenger hunt is the perfect way to spark curiosity, encourage observation and enjoy some fresh air together! I love how it encourages outdoor exploration no matter where you are.
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We love taking nature walks during the summer months and this scavenger hunt puts an extra fun twist on things when we go out exploring. This scavenger hunt is flexible for kids of all ages but is really geared towards elementary and preschool aged kids.
We included photos of each items so kids who are not yet reading can be independent with this fun activity! It is great for large groups whether it’s a classroom (we love outdoor education!), summer camp or a family outing.
If you have a little one who loves exploring you may enjoy reading about our favorite camping toys and activities for kids. You could even include nature bingo on your nature walk for another activity to do together when outdoors! For kids who are hands on they may enjoy making nature paintbrushes with their treasures they find or creating artwork with pinecones they have collected.
What’s Included On This Nature Scavenger Hunt
There are 9 squares to complete for the scavenger hunt, each square has a nature related item for your child to find and mark off once they find it. The list of items include:
- Tree stump
- Bird
- Squirrel
- Bee
- Acorn
- Flowers
- Ladybug
- Berries
- Butterfly
Why This Scavenger Hunt Works So Well
- Simple & Engaging: The checklist is visual and kid friendly, keeping little hands and minds busy without feeling overwhelming.
- Nature Connections: Encourages kids to slow down and notice the small things around them like buzzing bees, butterflies flying and acorns hanging on trees.
- Perfect For All Seasons: Whether you are looking for a Spring scavenger hunt, fall adventure or summer fun these items adapt well to all seasons.
- Easy To Use: Print off for hikes, backyard adventures, local park trips or even a trip to a national park.
How To Use This Outdoors Scavenger Hunt
- Download and print the Nature Scavenger Hunt sheet, have 1 for each child
- Pack crayons & clipboards, we like to bring a small basket in case they want to collect certain items they find
- Explain the list of things they will be looking for and give each child a scavenger hunt sheet
- Let your kids lead the adventure! If needed, prompt them with phrases like “What is that buzzing by?” or “Eye spy a squirrel hiding” if they need a little help finding the items
- Let them check off items as they find them, giving bonus points for spotting different animals or unusual colors in nature
- Celebrate their discoveries- we always love packing a little snack or fun nature book to read once we have completed our hunt
Simple Ideas To Add Extra Fun
Don’t rush– Allow your child to go at their pace and give space for your child to observe, ask questions and just enjoy the journey of finding the items
Adapt the list– Feel free to swap out any items on the list for something based on your surroundings- for example swap “acorn” for “pinecone” if you are in a different habitat
Turn it into a story– Ask your kids questions to prompt further conversations and stories (“what do you think the squirrel is doing?” or “where is that bird flying to?”), it’s fun to see where their little imagination takes things
Ask questions– This supports critical thinking and helps kids notice different colors, textures and patterns in nature while matching them to the list of things on their sheet
Your Free Nature Scavenger Hunt
You will need to fill out the information in the box above and the printable will be emailed to you in a PDF file immediately. This printable is intended for personal use as well as use in a classroom or school.
This activity is a great way to foster connection, creativity and introduce a love for nature. We hope you enjoy doing this with your little ones!
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