Free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids

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Nature walk scavenger hunt printable in bold black text with watercolor greenery, yellow and brown butterflies, and bright red ladybug free printables arranged on a bluish-gray background with large green leaves for decoration.

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 Kids

Pin 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.

Nature walk scavenger hunt printable in bold black text with watercolor greenery, yellow and brown butterflies, and bright red ladybug.

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

Instructions

  1. First, download and print off one of the FREE printable scavenger hunts.
  2. Next, provide a printable list and pen for each participant or small groups.
  3. 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

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Sliced fresh watermelon with bright green rind laying on a red and white checkered picnic blanket ready for a picnic snack with preschoolers, toddlers, and their families.

Get the list of fun outdoor activities and ideas HERE.

Outdoor Adventure Booklist

A little girl stands looking at a creek ready for an outdoor adventure.

Get the booklist HERE.

Plant Books for Kids: Flowers, Garden, Seeds, and Trees

Book covers are arranged on a pale green background with green artist designs and leaves with bold black text on the image for children books on plants booklist.

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!

Nature walk scavenger hunt printable in bold black text with watercolor greenery, yellow and brown butterflies, and bright red ladybug free printables arranged on a bluish-gray background with large green leaves for decoration.

Free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable

This free nature walk scavenger hunt is the perfect activity for kids and families to get outdoors, explore nature, and further develop bonding and development skills.

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!

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