As I write this during quarantine we have done more activities outside in the last few weeks then ever before that don’t involve organized sports. Things I thought the kids would consider too simple or boring it turns out they really enjoy (someone finally learned how to ride her bike). And an outdoor scavenger hunt is one of those things!
This whole thing was actually Grandma’s idea. For her it had two benefits. The first is she could send Pop up to the trail to get the list together- thus he would get some fresh air and exercise walking the trail. Second, she can put something together to allow her to spend time with and spoil the grand kids while social distancing. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Create An Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Step One: Pick the trail or area you want to walk. If you don’t know the ones in your area google your city plus the word arboretum, gardens, park or trail and hopefully things will pop up.
Step Two: If at all possible send someone ahead to walk the area and look for things specific to it. Things like graffiti, strange shaped rocks or trees, unique plants, bird houses or other items will make the hunt more fun.
Step Three: Write out a list for the kids. See if you can use words they can read themselves. In our family we have two who read very well and one who isn’t quite reading age yet but can sound some things out. So his list was different than the list for the older two. You could also use cartoon pictures or symbols instead. If you need examples scroll to the bottom of this post.
Step Four: If you want to be extra cool you can get prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (and so on). In our case Grandma put them in envelopes so the kids could open them at the end. (Just for the record each envelope contained the exact same prize).
Step Five: Grab some markers, print the lists and head to the trail. In our case the trail was about a mile long so we knew it would take the kids a little while to get through all of it.
Step Six: After the scavenger hunt is over take some time and explore the trail!
Print Your Own Scavenger Hunt
If you live near Chesapeake, VA you can print your own Chesapeake, VA Arboretum Scavenger Hunt for the Chesapeake Arboretum. This is for the white paint trail.
If you live elsewhere you can print this Nature Scavenger Hunt or create your own.
