I’m a big proponent of getting kids outdoors more than they currently are. It helps with everything, from climate change to mental health. Kids will not protect what they don’t know, and they don’t know the outdoors. That’s where something as simple as an outdoor scavenger hunt for kids can have a big impact.

Because here’s the thing: I came from an “outdoorsy” family as a kid. For us, that meant hunting, fishing, and camping. As an adult, I don’t like any of those things.

Set of four colorful pdf posters for kids' outdoor scavenger hunts, each with a list of natural items to find.
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We have to redefine what being “outdoors” is and ignore the naysayers and gatekeepers who say that walking around outside taking pictures is not an “outdoors” activity.

It is. If you’re outside doing something, that’s an outdoor activity.

Honestly, I’d argue that even sitting outside and scrolling your phone is better than sitting indoors and scrolling your phone. It’s a step in the right direction, though we shouldn’t stop there.

This outdoor scavenger hunt for kids is easy to do and is great for a solo or group activity. Even if the kids are too young for phones, most school Chromebooks or iPads have a camera that you can use for this.

Included are 4 PDF pages of ideas, one for each season. That means you can do this at any time of the year. Or, better yet, do it four times a year! Schools, summer camps, families, family reunions, extended school year…the possibilities are endless!

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Here you go.

I’m actually excited to do this with my kids.