12 Outdoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids

There's nothing like a little fresh air and some free range fun! Each of the answers to these twelve riddles can be found in nature, proving that there are countless ways to explore the world around you, no matter where you live. If you have a backyard, start there! If you live in a metropolitan area, take a walk to the nearest public park. If you like to hike, throw on your boots and drive to the nearest trail. Great for all ages, these scavenger hunts are guaranteed to help your family get moving, start to learn about habitats, find beauty in nature, and make sweet memories.

1. Acorn

Hint:

I'm brown and round and wear a little hat. Squirrels like collecting me, how 'bout that?

Where to look:

• Under or in oak trees
• Along walking/hiking paths

2. Ants

Hint:

We're small but mighty! We march in a line. Once we find food, it's back home in double time.

Where to look:

• Near anthills
• In grassy areas
• On logs and twigs

3. Bunny

Hint:

I'm cute and fuzzy, and I hop, hop, hop. My feet are lucky, and don't stop, stop, stop.

Where to look:

• Inside logs
• In grassy areas
• In the forest

4. Flower

Hint:

Bees love me and I love the sun. Find me in a garden—I'm the pretty one.

Where to look:

• In the garden
• In public parks
• At local farms

5. Lady bug

Hint:

I'm a little lady that's spotted and red. You may see me resting in your flowerbed.

Where to look:

• In the garden
• On leaves and blades of grass

6. Leaves

Hint:

We hang out in trees, but just for a while. Then fall to the ground to be raked in a pile.

Where to look:

• On and under trees
• In leaf piles
• On the forest floor

7. Lightning bug

Hint:

I have wings, antennae, and my tushie glows like a lamp! Kids love to chase and catch me when they sleep away at camp.

Where to look:

• In the air (especially during nighttime!)
• On the sides of buildings
• On window screens

8. Puddle

Hint:

After it rains, find me on the ground. Put on your rubber boots, and don't forget to splash around.

Where to look:

• On driveways
• On sidewalks
• In the forest or park

9. Roly poly

Hint:

I live under leaves and logs, and have lots of legs to crawl. When I get frightened, I stop and curl up into a ball.

Where to look:

• Under fallen leaves
• Under rocks
• Under logs

10. Rock

Hint:

A boulder! A pebble! A stone! Just a few names by which I'm known.

Where to look:

• In the forest
• On the beach
• Near rivers and streams

11. Squirrel

Hint:

I'm nuts about nuts, and I love climbing trees. When you see my gray foofy tail, you've found me.

Where to look:

• In trees
• At the park
• In the forest

12. Worm

Hint:

I have no arms, legs, or eyes. I cannot hear or see. Dig a hole in the dirt and you'll find me.

Where to look:

• Under the soil
• On the ground after a rain
• In the garden