Materials needed:
- Printed copies of the Scavenger Hunt List (below)
- Pens or pencils
- Cameras (optional)
- Bags or containers for collection (optional, please respect local rules about collecting natural items)
- A sense of adventure and curiosity!
Scavenger Hunt List:
- An insect that flies
- A feather from a local bird species
- A leaf bigger than your hand
- A flower with more than one color
- A piece of bark that has fallen off a tree
- A pinecone from a local tree
- A rock with a distinct marking or color
- Evidence of an animal (tracks, fur, etc.)
- A cloud that looks like an animal or object
- A tree with a bird’s nest
- Something that makes a noise when you shake it (like a dried seed pod)
- A spider web
- A plant with thorns
- A piece of moss
- A body of water (river, lake, pond, etc.)
- An edible plant (ensure you can identify it correctly!)
- A mushroom or fungus
- Something soft
- Something rough
- A seed from a plant
- A beautiful sunset or sunrise (depends on the time of day)
- A snail or slug
- Something naturally heart-shaped (rock, leaf, etc.)
- A blooming tree
- A creature in the water (fish, frog, etc.)
Rules:
- Respect nature – Don’t harm plants or animals during your search. If something can’t be moved or collected, take a picture or make a note of it.
- Stay safe – Don’t wander off too far, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t touch plants or animals you’re unfamiliar with.
- Have fun – This isn’t a race, take your time to explore and appreciate the natural world around you.
For an added challenge, consider creating a journal or sketchbook with notes, drawings, and pictures of your finds. You can also do further research on interesting things you discover, making this a great educational activity as well.
Additional tips:
- Choose a location: The first step is to choose a location for your scavenger hunt. This could be a park, a forest, a backyard, or any other outdoor space.
- Plan your route: Once you’ve chosen a location, you’ll need to plan your route. This will help you make sure that you cover all of the areas and that you don’t miss any of the items on your list.
- Set a timer: If you’re looking for a challenge, you can set a timer for your scavenger hunt. This will add an element of excitement and make you more motivated to find all of the items on your list.
- Work together: If you’re with a group of people, you can work together to find the items on your list. This can be a lot of fun and it can help you learn more about the natural world around you.
- Take breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks during your scavenger hunt. This will help you stay hydrated, energized, and focused.
- Celebrate your success: When you’ve completed your scavenger hunt, take some time to celebrate your success. You can do this by having a picnic, playing games, or just relaxing in nature.
I hope you enjoy your nature scavenger hunt!
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