Grab this FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF printable list for kids to use in your backyard, local park, take hiking, camping or use for an outdoor-themed birthday party activity! The link to this outdoor scavenger hunt printable is down below.
If you have to take the fun inside because the weather is too cold or it’s gotten dark earlier, this 104-Page Activity Set will be a perfect addition to keep the boredom at bay and children from bouncing off the walls.
Explore the Outdoors with our Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Whether your kids are on break (or experiencing school closures and quarantine), or you just want to get outdoors, have a little extra fun on the hiking trails or explore your neighborhood park more…. an outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun way to get kids outside, excited and involved with nature.
There are so many benefits to regularly being in nature and “green areas” including:
- Improved and better regulation of positive moods,
- Cognitive health of children,
- Overall wellbeing including your better nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
Don’t Forget to Pack This Gear for Your Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Printed Nature Scavenger Hunt (you can download from the link below)
- Pencil or Pen.
- Bag or container to keep your outdoor hunt finds in.
- Magnifying class, binoculars, insect net or jars to capture (and then release) insects and things you find on your outdoor scavenger hunt. (This outdoor adventure kit for kids is so cute!)
Note: If you want to reuse the Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids I created, simply laminate it, and use dry-erase markers so it can be wiped clean and reuse it again and again.
Pick a Safe Area to Have Your Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
If you aren’t having this fun nature scavenger hunt (that’s perfect for kids) in your backyard, neighborhood,or a place you know well, it’s important to make sure you scout out the area you’re going to and make sure there aren’t any dangers such as wildlife (snakes… eeek), steep drop offs or cliffs, poison ivy, rough terrain, lack of shade or other hidden dangers.
No nature scavenger hunt will be fun if the kids get hurt or are overheated.
When Your Nature Scavenger Hunt is Over…
Now’s a good time to open up your bags and see what everyone found and talk about the experience.
- How does being in nature feel?
- What did you like about the outdoor scavenger hunt?
- What else did you see or find?
- What was something unexpected thing you saw in nature?
- Is there something you can make with what you found in nature?
You can also create a family nature box to collect objects you find along the way. Include photos you took on your hike, special shaped rocks, pinecones, acorns and other nature objects.
It’s also fun to bring a guidebook or be your kids own walking encyclopedia and talk about all things nature. You can have fun discussions about wildlife, trees, botany, weather, rocks, insects, geography, and the history of the area and make this a fun learning adventure.
If You’re Curious or Looking for a Screen-Free Activity Plan…
Let Kids Explore the Outdoors with this Printable Checklist!
I’ve gathered a list of (16) things to find on your scavenger hunt, that will surely liven up your next walk in the woods, park, backyard or camping trip.
Pair this fun nature scavenger hunt with a picnic and enjoy spending time with your family together in nature. The more you’re in nature and teach your children to have an appreciation for it, the more likely they are to grow into adults who value and protect the environment.
So, pack a picnic, print your nature scavenger hunt printables (there is a link to download the Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF Printable below), dress for the weather, and head outdoors to explore.
>>Download Your Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF Printable Here<<
Even More Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas Your Kids Will Love
Not all scavenger hunts can be outdoors, especially when the weather begins to cool off and the sky gets dark earlier. (Although this sensory nature scavenger hunt for kids is a good one to keep on hand!)
This fun 2-page indoor scavenger hunt or printable indoor picture scavenger hunt will keep kids occupied inside. Have a preschooler or kindergartener, then a color scavenger hunt is a fun way to reinforce learning colors and finding objects inside (or outdoors) to match the colors on their board.
More Activities for Kids on Break or the Weekends
- FREE 2-Page PDF Printable Indoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- Explore the Outdoors – Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids (Free Printable)
- List of 98 Kid-Approved Indoor Activities for Kids on School Break/Closure
- The Best Inside Activities for Entertaining High Energy Kids
- 100+ Genius Responses for When Your Kid Says “I’m Bored”
- 50 Activities & Experiments to Keep Kids Learning in Summer
- Camping with Kids: 21 Camping Games & Activities to Entertain Kids
- Genius Hacks to Make Camping with Kids Fun & Stress-Free
- Creating Screentime Rules for Summer (Free Printable)
- School Break Plan for Parents & Kids
