Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Free Ideas for Kids
FREE Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable with three great options. These FREE printables are a great way for kids of all ages to spend time outdoors, breathe fresh air, expand their imagination, build their confidence, and further develop skills, including reading skills, problem-solving skills, social skills, and more.
No prep activities are my favorite as a busy mom.
These fun outdoor scavenger hunts are simple activities that can be done in your own backyard or local park. Each printable would be a fun activity to add to a birthday party or any occasion with kids.
The GOOD NEWs: scavenger hunts require very minimal preparation.
Jump to Instructions for Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt PrintablePin this idea on Pinterest for a day when you need a great activity for some outdoor fun with kids of all ages.
Three Free Options: Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable
Option 1 Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Nature Finds
Click HERE to PRINT the Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Nature Finds (PDF File printable version).
This fun scavenger hunt includes many nature finds that kids of all ages will enjoy hunting for. It is a simple activity to encourage your kids to love the outdoors and enjoy spending time in nature.
Option 2 Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Simple
Click HERE to PRINT the Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Simple (PDF File printable version).
This simple scavenger hunt for younger children includes many things that can be found in your own backyard or front yard. A scavenger hunt is a fun idea to get younger kids to explore their surroundings and gain confidence.
Option 3 Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Time to Think
Click HERE to PRINT the Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: Nature Finds (PDF File printable version).
This option deviates from the traditional scavenger hunts by requiring kids to think and explore sights, sounds, and textures. Scavenger hunts are a fun way to develop your child’s imagination while encouraging different sensory experiences. Young children might need some assistance with this list. But this one is my favorite fun outdoor scavenger hunt.
What are the benefits of doing a Scavenger Hunt for Kids?
Playing is learning. Scavenger hunts are a perfect activity to get kids to engage their imagination and problem-solving skills.
Scavenger hunts are not another activity that entertains but rather educates.
Here is a list of benefits of scavenger hunts for kids:
- improve reading skills
- challenge problem-solving skills
- increase social skills (if performed with other kids or family members)
- increase confidence
- practice fine motor skills (managing tactile list)
- improve multi-tasking skills
- challenge focusing and attention skills
- improve body awareness
- challenge safety awareness and ability to follow boundaries
- improve following instructions
- practice time management and self-pacing (if timed)
- improve visual scanning
How to use a Scavenger Hunt with Kids?
Download And Print Off Backyard Scavenger Printable
Scavenger hunts can be as simple as printing off the free printable, giving your child a writing utensil, and supervising them outdoors while they hunt for the different items.
Take A Screenshot of the Printable
You could also take a screenshot on your phone or tablet. Allow your kid to use a stylus or their finger to mark off the items on the list.
Call out the different items one by one
You could call the items off one by one or even challenge their memory retention by calling off items in groups of twos or threes.
Use Scavenger Hunts on Special Occasions
These backyard scavenger hunts could also be used on different occasions such as on nature hunts, transition activities (quick activity during school), outdoor games, birthday parties, etc.
How to use a scavenger hunt printable for older kids?
Do not fret. Older kids can have fun with scavenger hunts too. But let’s give them a challenge.
Here are 5 ways to challenge older kids during a scavenger hunt:
- Add a time limit
- Add adjectives or numbers to specific items on the list
- provide a camera to create photo scavenger hunts
- provide pen and paper for them to draw or journal about each item
- require a step goal such as 2000 steps during the outdoor hunt (if you have a step counter)
Creative TIP: Add a magnifying glass for young kids to examine and learn about the little things on the checklist.
How to make a Reusable Scavenger Hunt List?
To reuse this free printable, place the worksheet in a sheet protector. Add a small piece of tape over the top of the sheet to secure the sheet in the protector during the hunt. And, allow older children to mark off different things on the sheet protector using a dry-erase maker.
How to Use This Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable?
Supplies
- copy of the free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable
- pen
Instructions
- First, download and print off one of the FREE printable scavenger hunts.
- Next, provide a printable list and pen for each participant or group.
- Then, check off as many different items as possible from the checklist. Perform with the whole family, conduct a friendly race, or encourage kids of all ages to individually explore the great outdoors.
Happy Hunting!
More FREE Scavenger Hunts by Mud Pies with Sprinkles:
Family-Friendly Fun Ideas
Picnic Ideas for Families
Get the list of outdoor activities and ideas HERE.
FREE Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt Printable
The perfect outdoor activity for Dad’s special day. Get the Free printable HERE.
Outdoor Adventure Booklist
Get the wholesome booklist HERE.
Thanks for Stopping By!
Finally, I want to thank you for stopping by! If you enjoyed this scavenger hunt, please let me know in the comment section. I have so many ideas and would love to share them with you.
– With Great Joy, Katie
P.S. More free outdoor scavenger hunts coming soon.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable
Materials
- copy of the free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable
- pen
Instructions
- First, download and print off one of the FREE printable scavenger hunts.
- Next, provide a printable list and pen for each participant or group.
- Then, check off as many different items as possible from the checklist. Perform with the whole family, conduct a friendly race, or encourage kids of all ages to explore the great outdoors. HAPPY HUNTING!