By The Scavenger Guru alias Rebecca Brown
Spring is here! This is the perfect time to go exploring the natural world with your kids. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and the kids are restless.
My favorite way to connect children and teens with nature is by using a scavenger hunt. This is a very hands-on way for them to explore their surroundings and use all of their senses.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
This Nature Scavenger Hunt is a great one for sensory awareness. Kids can listen for sounds, feel for certain textures, look for colors, etc. You can be as creative with the list as you want. Just be sure to keep the list to a reasonable length so that your kids end the hunt wanting more!
Nature Scavenger Hunt List
* Something beautiful.
* Something smooth and something rough.
* Three different types of leaves.
* Something that makes a noise.
* An animal track. Who left it?
* The oldest thing you can find.
* Something red that is natural.
* Something you can feel but cannot see.
* Something with a strong scent.
* A nest or animal’s home.
* Something scary.
* A good hiding place.
If you have slightly older kids who are able to use a camera, this Photography Game is another of my favorites. They can explore the world from behind the camera lens and use their creativity and imagination as they interpret the clues.
Have fun getting your kids outside and active this spring!
Scavenger Hunt has many more scavenger hunt ideas and outdoor activities to keep your kids active and engaged with the great outdoors.
Rebecca Brown has over 15 years working with youth and adults, most recently as a Camp Director and Outdoor Educator.
