It’s no secret around here that I love scavenger hunts for kids. During the winter, we find plenty of ways to do this indoors, but an outdoor scavenger hunt for kids? That’s where it’s at!
Outdoor scavenger hunts for kids are great because you can get out in the fresh air. It’s such a fun and easy way to keep kids entertained. It’s also novel — there’s something about having a list and a mission that can focus even the most wild child. Most importantly, there are just many benefits to getting kids outdoors. I really try to take advantage of decent weather whenever we can.
Why this Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids (didn’t you just make a different one?)
About a month ago, I published some fall scavenger hunt ideas for kids on the blog. At that point, however, I expected fall to actually be coming soon. As it turns out, here in Virginia, fall is never coming. Tomorrow is the first day of fall, but it was 90 degrees yesterday, it will be 90 degrees today, and it will be 90 degrees tomorrow and the day after that too.
Because fall weather and the seasonal changes are still a ways off, I created a different outdoor scavenger hunt for my kids — one that works at any time of year — spring, summer, fall, or winter (if you can stand the cold–which I can’t).
My husband has already done this scavenger hunt with my kids once (while I was laid out for 15+ weeks with some nasty morning sickness). At that point, the list was scrawled illegibly on notebook paper, and it was a big hit.
A Scavenger Hunt For Kids Who Can Read & Kids Who Can’t Yet
I decided to type it up into a more legible, reusable format. This outdoor scavenger hunt for kids is posted as a printable in the resource library in two versions — a text-based version for kids who can read and a picture-based version for kids who can’t yet read.
The resource library is password protected, so if you haven’t already signed up for access to our free resource library (recipes, activities, printables, etc.), you can do that by clicking here.
Related: Fall Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids & Printables
Related: Fall Outdoor Activities for Kids & FamiliesÂ
Related: 5 Summer Activities for Preschoolers & Toddlers that are Easy & Fun
My little girl is going to love this so much!
Hi Katy,
Oh I’m so glad. My kids have already done this outdoor scavenger hunt twice and it’s been a hit both times. We’ve been waiting to do the fall scavenger hunt I created about a month ago, but it’s still 90 degrees here (just like it was when I wrote this post). I hope you guys have fun!
Charissa
This looks like so much fun! What a great resource.
Hi Karen,
Yes, my kids love them too — even the littlest, who’s only two, likes to get in on the action and pretend to be looking for things (even though he usually has no idea what’s going on). I hope you guys enjoy them. A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to get the kids outside!
Charissa
Scavenger hunts are always a hit with my kids! Love that we can do this one outside when the weather cools down — it’s still super hot here, too!
Hi Emily,
My kids love scavenger hunts too! I totally understand — it’s another 90 degree day here today (and there’ll be another one tomorrow), even though it’s October. I made this outdoor scavenger hunt for my kids because I’ve all but given up on fall weather ever coming here haha. I hope you guys enjoy it when the weather cools!
Charissa
Great ideas! My kids love scavenger hunts!
Hi Jen,
My kids love scavenger hunts too!–especially outdoor scavenger hunts. My Kids will basically take any excuse to be outside and run with it. 🙂
Charissa
This will be so fun for my kiddos. I love doing scavenger hunts. Can’t wait to try this one out!
Hi Ashley,
Oh I’m so glad. Scavenger hunts, especially outdoor scavenger hunts, tend to be great fun for kids. I hope you guys enjoy!
Charissa