Nature Hunt for Kids with Free Scavenger Hunt Printables

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Looking for an engaging way to spend time outdoors with your kids? A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic activity that combines fun, learning, and quality family time. Not only does it encourage children to explore their surroundings and appreciate nature, but it also provides a great opportunity for parents and kids to bond over a shared adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking for a new activity to try, this nature scavenger hunt is perfect for families of all kinds, and gives you a fun activity while spending time outdoors.

nature hunt activity for kids with free printables

Below, I’ll guide you through creating your own scavenger hunt, using the printable pages available for download, and provide some tips for making it a memorable experience.

What You Need for Your Outdoor Scavenger Hunt In Nature

Printable Scavenger Hunt Pages: Download our 2 page Nature Scavenger Hunt PDF and Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable below. These free printables make it easy to get started.
A Box or Bag: For collecting items. A wide flat box works great, where you can glue the printable sheet into the top half of the box as shown.
Magnifying Glass: Optional, but great for examining small items closely.
Nature Notebook: For noting down observations.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Nature Scavenger Hunt with Kids

Preparation:
- Print out the scavenger hunt pages. You can also draw your own based on items commonly found in your area.
- Discuss the list with your kids to familiarize them with the items they need to find, such as a pinecone, big leaf, moss, stick in a “Y” shape, etc.
Setting Out:
- Choose a nature-rich location like a park or a hiking trail.
- Equip your kids with the scavenger hunt list, a box or bag for collecting items, and a magnifying glass.
Hunting:
- Start your nature walk and encourage your kids to find and collect the items listed. Use the magnifying glass to examine items closely and discuss their features.
- If you find something interesting that’s not on the list, take the opportunity to explore and learn about it.
Collecting and Learning:
- As your kids find each item, have them place it in the box or bag and tick it off the list.
- Encourage them to note down interesting observations in their nature notebook.
Review and Discuss:
- Once all items are collected, sit down together to review what they found. Discuss the different items, their textures, colors, and any other observations.
Sharing the Experience:
- Take photos of your scavenger hunt adventure and share them on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest to inspire other families. Encourage your kids to talk about what they learned and enjoyed.

Scavenger Hunt Ideas

For younger children, a Nature Scavenger Hunt for Toddlers can be simplified to include easy-to-find items like leaves, rocks, and flowers, whereas older kids can do more specific hunting like looking for certain types of leaves from specific trees and so on.

Using our Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt List for Kids provides a ready-made adventure that’s easy to set up.

You can also create Themed Hunts by customizing your scavenger hunt based on seasons, holidays, or specific nature themes like “forest creatures” or “autumn leaves.”

Benefits of Nature Scavenger Hunts

Benefits of Nature Scavenger Hunts are numerous. They are Educational, helping kids learn about different plants, animals, and natural objects. They promote Physical Activity, encouraging kids to walk, explore, and stay active. This activity fosters Family Bonding, providing a great way to spend quality time together outdoors. Lastly, it stimulates Creativity and Curiosity, sparking kids’ imagination and their interest in the natural world.

Nature scavenger hunts are a fun way to spend time outdoors, combining learning and play in an engaging activity for kids. With our free printable scavenger hunt pages, you can easily set up your own adventure and make lasting memories with your family. So, grab your magnifying glass and nature notebook, and head out for a scavenger hunt today!

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt List

The items included on our printable are….

Pinecone
Big Leaf
Moss
Rock
Stick in a “Y” shape
Acorn
Grass
Daisy
Dandelion
Ladybug
Maple Seeds (Helicopter seeds)
Horse Chestnut (Conker)

More ideas to include are…

Feather
Flower Petal
Butterfly
Snail Shell
Tree Bark
Clover
Bird Nest
Spider Web
Mushroom
Caterpillar
Seed Pod
Berry
Different Colored Leaves
Pine Needles
Pebbles of Various Colors
Animal Tracks
Bird Feather
Wildflower
Fern Leaf
Lichen

The options are endless and also depends on the season and what kinds of nature you have locally, so adapr your nature scavenger hunt to your own environment to make it the most meaningful for the children.

Download Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt free Printable PDF

Click below to download your outdoor scavenger hunt for kids. This nature hunt is a 2 page PDF that prints in landscape format.

You may need to drop your email address to access the free printable nature scavenger hunt if you’re not already registered with Grow. Don’t worry, it’s still completely free and once you’ve signed up yyou will be able to access all resources from Grow publishers for free, instantly.

Our free printable PDF for a Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt is the perfect tool to get started. This easy-to-use guide will help you and your kids explore the outdoors, discover new things, and have fun together. Download your copy now and start your nature walk scavenger hunt today!

More Nature Activity Ideas for Kids

If you and your kids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt, there are plenty of other exciting and educational nature activities to explore. These activities not only provide fun and adventure but also help children develop a deeper connection with the natural world around them. Here are some more nature-based ideas to keep your kids engaged and learning outdoors.

7 Hands On Butterfly Activities for Wild Kids

DIY Nature Counting Cards

Egg Carton Nature COLOR Hunt Activity for Kids

Autumn Nature Puzzle

If you enjoyed this nature hunt, go ahead and share this blog post with friends and family so they can download their own copy of the free scavenger hunt nature walk free printable