I introduced S to scavenger hunts a couple falls ago, when we first moved out to the country. It was instant love and she has repeatedly asked to do more.
We have done scavenger hunts in a couple different ways 1) creating a chart with photos and words on the computer (see below for a FREE printable) or 2) hand drawing the pictures of the items and writing out the word. For older children you could just write out a list of items to find. I also like the idea of re-enforcing numbers by having S find 5 rocks or 8 leaves.
We take a bucket and our list to the backyard and search for the items. S likes to collect items on her scavenger hunt, but not all items have to be collectable. You could play more of an I Spy game.
When we finish our scavenger hunt S likes to lay out all of the items that she has collected.
Below is a list of items that you may have in your backyard:
- Leaves; be descriptive: type (maple), color (orange) or quantity (3)
- Flowers; be descriptive: color (pink) or quantity (4)
- Fruit or Vegetables
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Acorns
- Birds
- Squirrels
- An item that starts with the letter ‘A’ (or any letter)
- An item shaped like a circle (or any shape)
- An item that is red (or any color)
The possibilities are endless and different times of the year offer different options on what you can find.
Would you like a copy of our Fall Scavenger Hunt? You can download this FREE printable from Google Docs here.
Have you taken your child on a scavenger hunt?
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Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? I do! I do! It’s fun and educational! Pinning!
Thank you Alli!
Thanks for the Free Printable. This is good, educational Fall fun for the kiddos. Pinning and sharing.
Thank you Shirley!
Scavenger hunts are the best! Such a great idea to have some hunting fun with S.
Thank you Louida! She loves any outside activity.
I love this idea. My youngest child is afraid of insects and other creepy crawly things so this might be a way to get him into the backyard.
I hope this helps him! My daughter is the total opposite and loves bugs!
What a good idea! My kid is too small for this yet but it’s such a great idea for birthday parties for older kids!
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://www.theaccidentalmama.com
Thank you! This would be great for a birthday party!
How fun! With the weather cooling off, perfect to get the kids out and in nature.
Yes, it is!
Oh my goodness! How adorable! Scavenger hunts are so much fun.
Thank you Tiffany! They are so much fun!
I love this idea! Pinned!
Thank you Justine!
This activity would probably be lost on Britton this year, but we’ll DEFINITELY be doing it next year. So cute AND so easy! 🙂
Yes, she’ll have fun next year doing a scavenger hunt!
This is really cute!!
Thank you Carrie!
I love this! What a fun idea to do at a nature park, if your yard is the size of a postage stamp like ours…
Yes, Shannon! It would be awesome to do at a park too 🙂
This looks like such fun! I think my 4 yr old would love it!
Thank you Stephanie!
It’s great that S is excited to do scavenger hunts, it’s a brilliant way to get kids outside and learning fun things at the same time. We do them here on the activity hour from time to time and the guests always love it. Popping in from Magic Moments.
Thank you Fiona!
Thanks for linking up to Country Kids, I hoped you might!
Thank you Fiona! I loved your activity this week!
she is so focused!! what a fun idea and by using the images any age child can play along! Thanks for the idea and scavenger hunt printable!
Thanks for stopping by!
What a lovely idea, scavenger hunts are great aren’t they, especially when they encourage children to think. Thank you for linking up with the Kids Co-op
Thank you, my daughter loves scavenger hunts!
I love this idea, going to try it out with my favorite 4 year old boy tomorrow if the weather permits!
I hope he has a blast!
Wow, I really love this idea and will definitely look to do something similar with my Beans. We often go on nature walks as we are close to the country so this would be perfect. Thank you 🙂
I hope they enjoy!
I love scavenger hunts.. I can still remember my first one and the joy involved. Thanks for sharing on Wake Up Wednesday.
~Cheers, Stacy
Thank you Stacy! They are always so much fun!
Learning and having fun at the same time…great combo! I love scavenger hunts too 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday party last week. I look forward to seeing what you link up again this week. Hope you’ll be there!
Have an awesome week 🙂
Thank you Bobbi, I’ll be there!
This is such a lovely idea, as you say great for all year, and really all occasions!!! Arthur may be slightly on the too young side at 15 months but I’m still going to give it a go….Seychelles style!! X
He may be a little young, but you can help him and I am sure he will enjoy being outside with you. Thanks for stopping by!
Congrats! This post of yours has been featured on Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party. You seem to have booked a permanent slot among the featured bloggers with us 🙂
Check it out here- http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2014/10/fever-is-still-on-wuw-linky-party.html
-Tanya
Thank you so much Tanya!
I love this idea! I’ll should try it with the Cub Scouts! Thanks for stopping by the Mommy Needs a Time Out linky party last week, we’re pinning your stuff now! Come on back and see us sometime!
Thank you Denise, I hope they enjoy!
Love things like this. I did this for an activity at one of my kids birthday parties once. The kids love it and the adults had fun too. Thanks for sharing your printable. on Merry Monday.
Thanks Erlene!