Scavenger Hunts
There are many different activities to enjoy while camping. Hiking is probably one of the most popular. Kids love to learn and explore. Here are just a few ideas to make your hikes more interesting and enjoyable. These scavenger hunts will also help to improve your child’s observation skills and will increase their interest in and understanding of our natural environment.
Be sure to set some basic rules. Here are a few examples. Set the boundaries. Stay close by and supervise your children. Hunt with a buddy. Be sure to leave nature as is and don’t destroy the natural surroundings. Pick up trash as you search.
Alphabet Hike
Find various items with names that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Go in order from A to Z.
Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of items that would most likely be found in the area you are camping and/or hiking in. Here are a few suggestions. You’ll need to select items that are age appropriate and also available in your location. Be creative. This activity is a lot of fun for everyone.
__Wild Flowers
__Dead tree
__Pine cone
__Berries
__Vine
__Poison ivy
__Stream or creek
__Blade of grass
__Clover leaf
__Moss
__Pine tree
__Seeds or seed pod
__Eroded soil
__Smooth/shiny rock
__Mud
__Grain of sand
__Fern
__Y-shaped twig
__Trash
__Pine needles
__Acorn or other nuts
__Tree with blossoms
__Hole in a tree
__Ponded area in a creek
__Dark or light green leaf
__Small pebble
__Unusual shaped leaf
__Rocks with many colors
__Different shades of green or brown
__Dew on a flower or leaf
__Fungus on a tree
__Shows next season is coming
__Animal tracks
__Worm
__Caterpillar
__Squirrel
__Bird
__Ant
__Butterfly or moth
__Snail
__Beetle
__Feather
__Lizard
__Ladybug
__Spider web
__Birds nest
__Insects on a tree
__Deer tracks
__Animal hole in the ground
__Deer
__Frog
__Leaf with insect holes
__Evidence of the presence of animals
__Evidence of the presence of people
Listen to:
__Leaves under your feet
__Wind in the trees
__Sound of a bee
__Birds singing
__Cricket
__Water running in a creek
__Noises in the woods
Feel:
__Tree bark
__Prickly plant
__Wet mud
__Rotten wood
__Wind blowing on face
__Texture of various rocks
Smell:
__Pine tree
__Flower
__Mud
__Green grass
__Fresh air
__Cedar tree
Watch:
__Animals eating
__Leaf falling to the ground
__Spider web w/insect
__Ant moving something
__Wind blowing the leaves
__Fish jumping
__Clouds going by
__For something funny
__For something unusual
__Sunlight coming through trees
__Sunrise or sunset
__Stars in the sky
__Lightning Bugs
__Reflection in the water
__Trail markers
__Animal homes or shelters
Scavenger Hunt using a Camera
Use a disposal camera. Take pictures of the items on the list. This is a great way for collecting and also for keeping memories in a photo journal.
Other Related Ideas
- Do a leaf rubbing
- Identify foods eaten by various animals
- Play the game – “Twenty Questions” or “What am I?” Make your subjects relevant to what you seen on your hike or about the animals that live in the area
- Write a story about what you saw on your hike
Draw a picture of a:
__Tree
__Flower
__Butterfly
__Bird
__Animal
Identify different types of:
__Birds
__Leaves
__Trees
__Flowers
__Plants
Check out more tips on hiking with kids or visit our Camp Store