Enjoy sunshine and fresh air with an outdoor scavenger hunt sheet. Bring the print out on your family walk or complete it in your own backyard. Hop on your trike or pile in your wagon, and get rolling! This scavenger hunt is the perfect activity for creative family fun time – and also a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D! Here are three ideas to make your outdoor scavenger hunt even more exciting:
1. Time Challenge
Add a competitive edge by setting time limits for each task or for the entire scavenger hunt. Award bonus points for speed to keep the adrenaline pumping. For an extra layer of fun, consider setting up a leaderboard where you can track the fastest times. This not only encourages a bit of healthy competition but also provides a great opportunity for kids to practice their math skills as they tally up scores. And of course, don’t forget to celebrate everyone’s efforts at the end and capture the moment with a family photo!
2. Use Clues, Riddles, and Pictures
Incorporate riddles, puzzles, or clues that need to be solved to find the next item, adding an element of problem-solving to the hunt. Start with a cleverly crafted clue that leads to a hidden location or object. For example, "In the garden, near the rose, look for where the water flows." The answer? A water hose! Rhymes and riddles are great for keeping older kids engaged, while picture clues are perfect for guiding younger kids in the right direction.
3. iSpy
There is plenty more to the great outdoors than simply what you can pick up! What else can you spot on your scavenger hunt that you can’t necessarily bring home with you? Parents can create a list of things to look for along the way. Customize your list to your landscape. If you live in a neighborhood, you may have your little ones on the lookout for a mailbox, a dog, and a green recycling bin. If your family is in the city, maybe you’ll try to spot a skyscraper, a park, and train or bus. Nature walkers might search for a bird, a map or sign, and a body of water. Can you find a Radio Flyer along the way? Take photos of the cool things you find for memories of your adventure.
What shapes and sizes will your leaves be? Can you find a pinecone protecting its seeds along the way? Be sure to share the treasures you find by using #radioflyer!
