Free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
This FREE Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable is the perfect way to get outdoors, breath fresh air, and explore nature while spending time together with your family, kids, or even class. Walking outdoors on a short nature trail is a great way to limit screen time during the summer. Exploring the natural world together helps kids of all ages notice the changing season and the beauty in creation. Feel free to use this nature walk scavenger hunt printable during outdoor education, for classroom use, your next road trip or camping trip, on fun family days, or add a little extra fun to your next walk.
GOOD NEWS: Scavenger hunts are the perfect activity for kids and families with no prep required.
Jump to Instructions for FREE Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable for KidsPin this idea on Pinterest so your next nature activity is already planned.
The Free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable
Click HERE for the FREE Printable PDF.
What should a nature scavenger hunt include?
Spider web
What can be learned from finding a spider web?
Spiders can teach us patience and perseverance. A spider perseveres every day. Even if its web gets broken, it keeps spinning. A spider is patient. It spins its web and waits. Finding a spider web on a scavenger hunt can lead to deeper conversations and teaching moments.
Fallen tree
Finding a fallen tree can be used for outdoor education to talk about the importance and the natural cycle of a tree from seed to decomposition.
Two Sticks Alike
Finding two things alike helps kids further develop sorting skills and improve their ability to organize things into categories.
Feather
Admire feathers but don’t collect them. It could be against the law.
Wildflower
Collect flower petals in a paper sack to make a nature collage or flower pressing for later.
Animal tracks
Study the shape of each track and which direction the animal was going. Can your child identify the animal? If not, take a picture and later search the internet or a book from the library to discover more about the owner of the track.
Pinecone
Was the pinecone open or closed? Did you know that its wooden petals protect the seeds inside? Collect pinecones to study or make pinecone crafts for later.
Interesting rock
This is a fun way to find out more about your kid’s imagination and personality. Allow them to collect their favorite rock from the nature trail to store in a nature collection.
Puddle
Discuss how animals can find water. Why is there a puddle? Did it rain recently? How deep is the puddle? Can you float a nature boat (like a piece of bark) across the puddle?
Moss
Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge of nature with your child or learn things together. Learning together outdoors is such a fun activity. Make notes together and seek out the answers at a later time.
Winged seed
Want to know more about different types of seeds and plants? I have compiled a list of our favorite picture books on plants.
Wild berries
This is a great time to discuss what you should and should not eat.
Bird
Introduce bird watching to your kids.
Colorful leaf
From bright green leaves in the summer, deep rustic leaves in the fall, and brown crunchy leaves in the frozen winter, challenge your child to see the color and the beauty of nature.
Furry animal
A good nature hunt has to include a furry animal. We often see deer, squirrels, or even a few dogs on a walk. Bonus points for each furry animal.
Tall blade of grass
I feel like I always follow this item with, please don’t wade in the grass. For this mama loves all things nature, well except ticks and snakes.
Ant
If your child finds an ant, can they find a grasshopper? Then you can introduce them to The Ants and The Grasshopper, an Aesop fable for children.
Slug
Be careful looking for slugs in dark and damp places.
Wild mushroom
The imagination does tend to run wild when finding a mushroom. Can you identify the mushroom? Encourage your kids to draw the mushroom or take a picture.
A Treasure to Keep
Make this outdoor game a treasure hunt.
What to bring with you during this free outdoor scavenger hunt?
Here is a list of things to bring with you (completely optional):
- copy or screen shot of free nature walk scavenger hunt printable
- paper sack for nature finds (flower petals, sticks, rocks, leaves, pinecones, etc.)
- stickers or stamps for young children to check off the boxes on the printable
- nature notebook and coloring utensils for observational drawing for big kids
- magnifying glass for close examination (young kids will love this)
- compass for older kids to practice path finding
Leave a comment in the comment section if you have more fun ideas. 🙂
This printable is for personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the files. If you share them, link to this post, not directly to the PDF file.
Directions for Family-Friendly Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable
Supplies
- copy of free nature walk scavenger hunt printable
- pen, stickers, or stamp
Instructions
- First, download and print off one of the FREE printable scavenger hunts.
- Next, provide a printable list and pen for each participant or small groups.
- Then, check off as many different items as possible from the checklist. Perform with the whole family, conduct a friendly race with a time limit, or encourage family members and friends of all ages to explore the great outdoors.
Tips for Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt
- Reuse free printable by placing it in a page protector. Then add a small piece of tape over the top of the sheet to secure it. Allow older children to mark off the items on the sheet protector using dry-erase markers.
- To mix it up: bring a magnifying glass for close examination, a paper bag for treasures, a journal for drawing, and a camera for pictures.
HAPPY HUNTING!
More FREE Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas
- Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable: A free nature scavenger hunt for your own backyard.
- Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt Printable: A great way to celebrate Dad’s special day.
- Fall Scavenger Hunt Printables with three options (nature trails, local park, and city)
- Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Printable: A great activity to add to your family traditions.
More Family-Friendly Fun
Picnic Ideas for Family Fun
Get the list of fun outdoor activities and ideas HERE.
Outdoor Adventure Booklist
Get the booklist HERE.
Plant Books for Kids: Flowers, Garden, Seeds, and Trees
Get the complete 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. Also, share one of your favorite places to go on a nature walk with kids. I have so many ideas and would love to share them with you. Don’t forget to sign up with your email address to receive our monthly newsletter right to your inbox.
– With Great Joy, Katie
P.S. More free outdoor scavenger hunts coming soon.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable
Materials
- copy of free nature walk scavenger hunt printable
- pen, stickers, or stamp
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 family members and friends of all ages to explore the great outdoors. HAPPY HUNTING!