Free Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable

Looking for a fun outdoor activity for kids of all ages, including older kids and younger kids? Our backyard scavenger hunt printable is the perfect way to turn your garden into an exciting exploration zone, or even expand the adventure to a local park for a breath of fresh air.

This activity is not just a great way to get kids outside, but it also helps them learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. It’s a perfect excuse to spend time outdoors, exploring and having much fun.

With our printable, children will have a blast hunting for a list of items and learning to identify different objects and elements found in their own yard.

Scavenger hunt printables are an excellent tool for encouraging curiosity and observation, making it a great activity for spending time in the great outdoors.

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Printable outdoor scavenger hunt

Our yard scavenger hunt printable make it easy to set up an adventure that kids can embark on right at home, offering a quick activity filled with fun things to discover.

It’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children of all ages, promoting physical activity and educational discovery through play.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a weekend activity, a teacher planning an outdoor lesson, or simply searching for a way to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors, this printable is a ready-to-go solution.

These outdoor scavenger hunts are free for personal use and classroom use only. Please scroll to the bottom of the post to access the instant access pdf file.

Our backyard scavenger hunt worksheets come with three engaging pages, each designed to make your scavenger hunt a memorable adventure and a great time:

Picture scavenger hunt #1:

• Bird feeder
• Bird bath
• Bush
• Dog house
• Flowers
• Garden
• Picnic table
• Sandbox
• Swing set
• Tree
• Digging boy
• Garden fork

Picture scavenger hunt #2:

• Boots
• Gloves
• Boy holding flowers
• Long planter
• Boy planting seeds
• Seeds
• Shovel
• Sprout
• Watering can
• Wheelbarrow
• Pot
• Planter

The third page is a comprehensive checklist that includes all the items listed in the first two scavenger hunts, with additional space for children to tick them off as they find each item.

This format encourages kids to engage directly with their environment, observing closely and learning to recognize the different elements in their backyard.

How to play the free outdoor scavenger hunts

Playing a free outdoor scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to encourage kids to explore the world around them while having a ton of fun.

With our back yard scavenger hunt printable, setting up and playing the game is super easy and enjoyable for everyone involved. Here’s how to get started and make the most of your outdoor adventure:

Setting up

First, download the scavenger hunt printable and print out the pages. Our printables are designed to be engaging and easy to read, making them perfect for young adventurers.

Gather the kids and explain the rules. Make sure everyone understands what they are looking for and how to mark off items they find. For younger children, you might need to explain some of the items on the list.

Depending on the number of kids and their ages, you can have them play individually or in small teams. Teams can be a fun way to encourage cooperation and teamwork.

Give each child or team a copy of the scavenger hunt printable and a pencil or marker to check off items as they find them. We like to use a storage clipboard (this is the one we use) for our outdoor hunts.

You will also enjoy our free garden Easter egg hunt clues!

How to play

Once everything is set up and everyone understands the rules, it’s time to start the scavenger hunt! Depending on the setup, you can have a starting signal and let everyone loose at once or stagger starts for different teams.

Children explore the designated area to find the items listed on their scavenger hunt printables. Encourage them to look closely and observe their surroundings carefully. Safety first, so remind them to stay within boundaries and not to pick up anything dangerous.

As they find each item, they should check it off their list. For picture scavenger hunts, matching the pictures to real-life objects adds an extra layer of fun and learning.

Once the scavenger hunt is complete, gather all of the young kids to share their findings and experiences. This is a great moment for kids to talk about what they found interesting and what they learned.

Additional outdoor scavenger hunt ideas

Explore local spots with a neighborhood scavenger hunt printable. It’s a fun way to discover hidden details and learn about your area.

Make zoo visits more engaging with a zoo scavenger hunt printable. This guide focuses on finding specific animals and learning about their habitats, offering an educational layer to your adventure.

Get closer to nature with a garden scavenger hunt printable. This activity highlights plant identification and ecosystem awareness, perfect for budding botanists.

Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!

Download the free printable scavenger hunts

To get your free printables for kids, simply add your name and email address to the form below.

Last Updated on 15 July 2024 by Clare Brown