April 4, 2024 / By Jenn
Scavenger hunts are a great activity for kids. It’s lots of fun to race against each other, trying to find every item on the list. Plus they’re also a fun to do without a group or can give kids a bit of structure if they’re needing some direction or encouragement to get outside exploring.
This list of outdoor scavenger hunt printables provides all you need for some outdoor fun that you and your kids will surely enjoy!
Grab our favourite outdoor scavenger hunt bundle!
Before we jump into the great printables I’ve found, I wanted to share this easy option for you. You’ll get a hunt for each season plus a few that can be used any time of year. These are great for a variety of ages, for birthday parties, for walks in the park, for forest school, for community events… go ahead and enjoy!
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Backyard Scavenger Hunts
The following printables are appropriate for your backyard or nearby green space.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt by Play Party Plan
This is another take on the “neighborhood walk” style of scavenger hunt. Kids can look for the various items on this colorful printable while getting some fresh air.
Free Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt by Simple Everyday Mom
The nice thing about this printable is that it’s designed around a simple nature walk, or maybe even a visit to the local park. The entries are universal enough that most, if not all, should be available in most areas.
Printable Colour Scavenger Hunt by Messy Little Monster
Need to keep things simple, especially for younger kids? This scavenger hunt printable lists multiple colors, with an area for kids to place or write the items they find that match. Great for kids who are learning about their colors.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables by Oh My! Creative
This set of printables covers multiple different outdoor activities, with a scavenger hunt for each. Whether it’s a zoo trip to see exotic animals, or just a walk around the garden, these printables will keep kids engaged.
Outdoor Sensory Scavenger Hunt by Simply Well Balanced
This outdoor scavenger hunt printable has another list of likely objects to find outdoors. But where it puts a spin on things is with the suggestions for the hunt, such as a sensory list.
Outdoor Barbecue Scavenger Hunt by Two Kids and a Coupon
Not everything has to be an outdoor walk, either. This printable is specially designed for kids to complete while at a backyard barbeque. Give the kids something to do while parents get a chance to talk to other adults for a bit.
Outdoor Rainy Day Fun Scavenger Hunt Printable by The Crazy Outdoor Mama
While most outdoor scavenger hunts would be ruined by a rainy day, this one embraces it! Kids can still get out in the rain and have loads of fun, so long as they have proper rain gear on.
Getting Excited about Insects and Bug Scavenger Hunts
These are also perfect for the backyard, local green space, or for more adventuresome outdoorsy adventures.
Free Printable Bug Scavenger Hunt Set by Barley & Birch
Here is a bug scavenger list that is perfect for most areas. The illustrations on the printable have an old-school science book feel to them, which lends it some extra charm.
Free Butterfly Scavenger Hunt Printable by Homeschool of 1
Planning a trip to somewhere with a butterfly enclosure? Be sure to print up this butterfly scavenger hunt and bring it along to make things extra fun.
Seasonal Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable by In the Playroom
For anyone who’s itching for some outside time after winter is over, this printable list is loaded with things that usually first come out in springtime. With a focus on observing nature without disturbing it, kids can get an early start in life as good stewards of the planet.
Earth Day Scavenger Hunt by Mombrite
This scavenger hunt printable includes lots of Earth Day-related content, and goes beyond the outdoors. Kids can look for things like metal straws and rechargeable batteries, as well.
Counting in the signs of fall scavenger hunt by Take Them Outside
This scavenger hunt is perfect for number recognition for preschoolers and young children. Use it as a family or in your daycare or forest school.
Fall Leaf Scavenger Hunt Activity by Fox Farm Home
Instead of a list of specific items, this activity focuses on matching colors. This is great because even very young children can participate.
Winter Wonderland Outdoor Scavenger Hunt by Take Them Outside
This is a fun activity to get the family out for a walk around the holidays. Use coupon code HAPPYCAMPER for 20% off at this shop… where you’ll find all sorts of great outdoorsy stuffs!
Neighbourhood Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
Neighborhood Outdoor Scavenger Hunt with Sidewalk Chalk by Saving Talents
Such a fun idea that gets the whole neighborhood involved! Each household chooses an item from the printable list, then draws it on their own sidewalk. Kids can walk around the neighborhood and try to spot all the drawings on the list.
Getting familiar with your community scavenger hunts by Take Them Outside
These printable hunts are the perfect afternoon activity for your family or class. One is a very typical scavenger hunt with a list of items to spot when you’re out in town. The other is a list of activities to help children get familiar with their community by completing small tasks and activities.
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt by A Little Pinch of Perfect
This scavenger hunt is tailored to exploring neighborhoods with young children. The focus here is on spotting the items, not collecting them. Kids can look for items like swing sets and sprinklers, pool and garden, and check each off each item as they see them.
Unique Scavenger Hunt Activities
These following hunts need a bit of prep work or community engagement, but they’re both fun ideas and will get your kids outside.
Fairy Treasure Hunt Clues by Lock Paper Escape
One way to put a fun spin on a scavenger hunt is with a complete hunt challenge with matching clues, activities, and a fun fairy theme. This could be a perfect for a birthday party!
Emoji-themed Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt by Fireflies & Mud Pies
This is a neighborhood cooperation project, but it’s so much fun! The printable emojis are displayed on people’s houses and around the neighborhood for kids to find and check off their lists.
Specific location or themed Scavenger Hunts
Here you’ll find some outdoorsy scavenger hunts for specific adventures. Remember, you can always make one up yourself if you don’t see the theme you’re looking for!
Printable Beach Scavenger Hunt by Dear Creatives
A beach printable is definitely a bit area-specific, but it can still be a good time for any kids out there. Turn an everyday beach walk into a fun activity for the kids.
Free Printable Farm Scavenger Hunt by Life with Darcy & Brian
This list is perfect for a trip to a farm or a petting zoo. The adorable printable is full of cute pictures, so even non-readers can play along.
Zoo Scavenger Hunt by Loving Homeschool
Zoos are a perfect place for an outdoor scavenger hunt. A zoo trip is full of walking and looking for or at various animals already. Plus this printable includes two different options; one of animals to find, and one of behaviors to find animals doing.
Playground Scavenger Hunt Printable by 3 Boys and a Dog
This playground scavenger hunt printable comes in precolored or black and white colorable versions. Both are loaded with playground equipment for kids to find, which makes a trip to the playground even more fun.
Did you find what you were looking for?
Hopefully you found some printable outdoor scavenger hunts that will inspire you and your kids to get outside for a bit of adventure!
For more outdoor fun ideas, check these out next:
- Making s’mores in pizza solar boxes, yummy!
- 100 fun things to do outside in the backyard
- A fun list of nature craft ideas
Or, click here to return to the Main ‘Nature Play’ Page
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