Nature Scavenger Hunt - Outdoor Nature Game

by Heidi
(memphis, tn)

I often play this fun outdoor nature game with my pre-school aged daughter.

First of all, I make up a check list with different items I know we will find on a walk around our neighbourhood. Since she is not yet able to read, I also draw pictures next to each item so that she can see what items we are looking for.

I usually include things such as the following: pine cones, different colors of leaves, acorns, small rocks, large rocks, long sticks, short sticks, flowers, grass, and other seasonal items. We then begin our nature scavenger hunt! We bring a plastic grocery bag or brown paper sack. We also bring a crayon or pencil to check items off.

Then, we set out on a walk around our neighbourhood and our yard. She absolutely loves to find the items and then check them off of the list! Of course, this game can be altered to fit different needs. If you have more than one child, you can turn it into a timed game or have them look for different items.

Also, we like to do this around holidays. We search for holiday items on houses instead of nature items. I think it teaches children to pay attention to detail and it's alot of fun!