A great way to spend an autumn afternoon is going for a walk or hike. One way to keep kids engaged and entertained on your trek is to take along a nature scavenger hunt. So, head to your local park or nature trail and have fun watching your kiddos explore their natural surroundings this fall.
What You Need
- Scavenger Hunt List
- Pencil, Pen or Crayon
- Container to put found objects in (optional)
- Camera (optional)
What To Do
Create or Print a Scavenger Hunt List
You can create your own scavenger hunt and customize it to where you live or you can simply print off one of the thousands available on-line. Here is a link to one we have used Scavenger Hunt-Nature Walk PDF. There’s also several pinned in our Fall Crafts & Activities 4 Kids Board.
Put Your Scavenger Hunt on a Clipboard
Placing the checklist on a clipboard makes it easier for your kids to check off items and make notes. You can also put the pen or pencil on a string and then attach to the clipboard, so your kids don’t lose it.
Enhance the List
If you have varying ages, you can take a basic scavenger hunt and make it a bit more challenging for older kids. Instead of just finding the objects ask your kids to observe the items and make notes. Instead of just finding a leaf, ask them the color, size and if they know the variety of tree it came from.
Look for Signs of Wildlife
There are so many variables in being able to see wildlife. Your location, time of day, the decibel level of your hiking party. You can still look for signs of wild life, such as tracks, scat and other traces that an animal has been in the area.
Collect Objects
Kids are collectors and love to find things. Take along a bucket or a bag. As kids look for the objects on the scavenger hunt, they can pick them up and take them home with them. Once you’re home you can examine them a bit closer or create some art with them.
Take Photos
Kids love to document and take photos. Instead of checking off or making notes on the scavenger hunt check list, let you kids document what they’ve found by taking photos.
Make it an Outing
Once you’ve finished the scavenger hunt take a moment to enjoy your surroundings. Have a picnic or a snack, sip some cider and enjoy the colors of fall with your kids.
Do you plan on taking your kids on a nature scavenger hunt this fall? Let us know in the Comments.
