Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids

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Check out these fun and free outdoor scavenger hunt ideas and printables for kids! They’re perfect for spring and summer fun!

Pinterest graphic with text that reads outdoor scavenger hunt ideas for kids" and a collage of printable scavenger hunt ideas.

We’re sharing 4 simple and fun outdoor scavenger hunt activities for kids that are perfect for spring and summer.

Scavenger hunts are a great way to take advantage of the warmer weather and get your kids outside (and away from their screens).

They also encourage children to use their critical thinking skills, and knowledge of nature, and they get their bodies moving.

Everyone will enjoy these exciting outdoor adventures!

Fun Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids

1. Nature Mandala Scavenger Hunt

Bare feet on grass behind a nature mandala made from flowers and leaves.

A nature mandala outside on grass made from flowers and leaves.

Nature Mandalas are a form of land art created from found natural objects such as leaves, feathers, flowers, pebbles, shells, twigs, and pine cones that are then arranged into concentric circles surrounding a central point.

They’re not only gorgeous, but they’re also a fun outdoor activity you can turn into a scavenger hunt for your kids.

First, make a list of nature items you’d like to include in your Mandalas. Then head out into the backyard, a park, or the woods to scavenge for your selected art materials.

Finally, get creative and arrange your finds into a unique nature Mandala.

Here are some ideas to add to your list!

Feathers
Leaves
Pebbles
Sticks and twigs
Flowers
Acorns or nuts
Driftwood
Seed pods
Sea glass
Berries
Shells

2. Outdoor Treasure Hunt

Outdoor treasure hunt printable for kids with nature items.

Here’s a classic outdoor scavenger hunt for kids from High Chair Chronicles that’s perfect for kids. You can use this printable for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion during spring and summer.

3. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

A road trip scavenger hunt printable for kids.

Planning a spring break or summer vacation road trip? Make sure to bring this fun road trip scavenger hunt with you.

While it’s not technically outside because you’re in the car, it’s still a fun way to keep your kids entertained on the way to your warm-weather adventures.

4. Neighborhood Bear Hunt

Image graphic for a free printable neighborhood bear hunt scavenger hunt activity for kids.

Here’s an outdoor scavenger hunt that gets the whole neighborhood involved. This fun neighborhood bear hunt was created out of a need for social distancing, but you can easily adapt it to a face-to-face activity!