Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

This outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun and easy way to get kids outside, moving around, and noticing all the little things around them! With a printable checklist and a set of rhyming clue cards, kids can search for backyard and neighbourhood items like a tree, bird’s nest, pinecone, watering can, and more.

Use the checklist for a simple outdoor activity, or hide the clue cards around your yard to turn it into a full scavenger hunt adventure. It’s a great low-prep activity for summer, birthday parties, classroom activities, playdates, or any afternoon when kids need a little fresh air and something fun to do.

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Classic Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

This outdoor scavenger hunt is a fun, clue-based game that kids will love! Parents hide riddle cards around the yard, with each clue leading to the next location, and the final card reveals a special prize or treat. You can even tuck small goodies along the way to make the adventure extra exciting.

Instructions for the outdoor scavenger hunt:

1. Print the riddle cards and cut them apart.
2. Hide each card in its proper location (the answer to the riddle leads to the next hiding spot).
3. Continue hiding all the clues until you reach the final card (the one that says “Your final prize is next to me!”).
4. Optional: Add small prizes or candy with each clue to make the hunt extra exciting.
5. Place a prize at the last location. This can be a treat bag, small toy, or other surprise.
6. Read the first clue aloud to start the scavenger hunt!

The link and image below will take you to our free, printable outdoor scavenger hunt riddles! The PDF includes 2 pages of clue cards (to cut out and hide) and 2 pages of answer keys for parents or teachers to reference.

The answer pages don’t need to be printed, but they’re handy for knowing exactly where each riddle leads. Print the clue cards on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, or use cardstock to make them sturdier.

>>> Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Clues <<<

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Check List

The outdoor scavenger hunt checklist is a simple and exciting way to get kids exploring outdoors. Instead of following clues, children use a printable checklist to spot common outdoor items like a tree, mailbox, and bird.

As they mark off each item, parents can set rewards — from a small treat after finding 5 objects to a bigger prize for completing the whole list. This version is perfect for exploring the backyard or taking a walk around the neighbourhood.

Instructions for the outdoor scavenger hunt checklist:

1. Print a copy of the checklist for each child.
2. Take the list on a walk around your neighbourhood, or use it at a backyard party. You can even cut the images from the checklist and hide them around your space.
3. Kids mark off items as they see them — dandelion, butterfly, ant hill, and more.
4. Decide on a reward system: for example, check off 5 items to get a piece of candy, 10 items for a larger treat, or complete the whole sheet for a bigger prize.

The links and images below will take you to our free, printable outdoor scavenger hunt checklists! You can choose between a bright full-colour version or a low-ink version that’s more printer-friendly.

Each checklist prints on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, and you can use regular printer paper or heavier cardstock. To make the sheets reusable, laminate them or place them in plastic sheet protectors and use dry-erase markers.

>>> Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Checklist (Full Colour) <<<

>>> Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Checklist (Low-Ink) <<<

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Where to buy:

You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada