Grab this FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF, a printable treasure hunt for kids to use in your own backyard, at a local park, while hiking, camping or even as an outdoor-themed birthday party activity! The link to this outdoor scavenger hunt printable is at the bottom of this article. 

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.

16 things to find on your nature scavenger hunt PDF, that will surely liven up your next walk in the woods, park, backyard or camping trip.

Explore the Outdoors with this Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids 

Whether your kids are on break, or you just want to get outdoors, have a little extra fun on the hiking trails or explore a national park…. an outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun way to get kids outside, using their observation skills 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 Gear for Your Nature Scavenger Hunt 

  • Printed Nature Scavenger Hunt (you can download from the link below)
  • Pencil, Pen or crayons to write with
  • A clipboard to hold the scavenger hunt so you can write on it.
  • Bag or container to keep your outdoor hunt finds in. An empty egg carton will also work great for this!
  • 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!)
  • Smartphone camera, camera or disposable camera (if you choose)

Note: If you want to reuse the Nature Scavenger Hunt I created, simply laminate it, and use dry-erase markers so it can be wiped clean and reuse it again and again. You can also print out extra copies to have on hand for next time!

 

Pick a Safe Area to Have Your Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 

If you aren’t having this fun nature scavenger hunt (perfect for kids of all ages and adults, too!) in your backyard or neighborhood you know well, such as a national park or new hiking trail, it’s important to make sure familiarize yourself with the area to make sure there aren’t any dangers such as wildlife (snakes, mountain lions, raccoons, bears… eeek), known animal homes, 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 such as pinecones, feathers, mushrooms, flowers, special shaped rocks, acorns, and other nature objects.

Don’t forget to include photos you took on your hike too!

For any budding artists, keeping a nature notebook to sketch everything they see and find is a great way to spur their inner creativity.

It’s also fun to bring a guidebook or be a walking encyclopedia and talk about all things nature along the way. 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 Need a Screen-Free Activities your Kids will LOVE…

 

Let Kids Explore the Outdoors with this Free Printable Scavenger Hunt

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.

This list is great for a toddler and young children who use visual cues and may not read quite yet. For an older participant, the image and word combinations will serve as easy instructions for what to be on the lookout for!

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.

Pack a picnic, print your printable checklist (there is a link to download the Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF Printable below), dress for the appropriate weather at your destination, and head outdoors to explore.

Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF Printable for Kids to Do an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

>>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 Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids

 

More Activities for Kids

Want even more?

Shop All Parenting Resources

Shop all of our parenting resources from self-regulation tools and managing big emotions to building self esteem and confidence. There are resources for all seasons of life!

Shop Now

Related Articles