Download and print this checklist and enjoy some time exploring the outdoors with your kids on a nature scavenger hunt.
A few months ago our family moved to a gorgeous valley and as the weather has warmed up we’ve tried to get outside and explore more with short hikes and other outings. Some of the hikes have been successful, others have been an “adventure” we’ll probably not repeat — at least not with little ones! But overall, we’re loving the chance to explore our new hometown.
Since we live right near the mountains I thought it would be fun to go on a “nature walk scavenger hunt” during our preschool mountain-themed exploration. (But really, this activity could be done ANYWHERE!)
So I created this printable checklist for my younger kids. But I was totally surprised with how involved my whole family got — including the older kids who often pretend to be too cool for all of mom’s learning ideas! haha
Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Before we left I printed the Nature Scavenger Hunt checklists and brought paper bags for the kids to collect the things they’d find on the nature walk.
Once we got to the outdoor site I showed them the Nature Scavenger Hunt checklist and talked about the things that were appropriate to gather and the things that should be left alone and only observed (such as a bird’s nest).
In some cases we took pictures of things we found instead of collecting them in the bag (like berries or mushrooms).
And after the Nature Scavenger Hunt we sat on the grass to look at, talk about, and compare all the things they’d found.
My kids think every good activity should end with a snack. So before heading home we we washed our hands and enjoyed a snack of Trail Mix Cookies.
This Nature Scavenger Hunt idea is just one of the MANY activity suggestions included in our mountain-themed preschool plans and printables!
You may also enjoy reading, talking about and participating in Bible Creation story activities before going on a Nature Scavenger Hunt. Such a fun way to observe some of the creations in our beautiful world!
