Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printable
I try to make our time outside count, especially during the summer months when the days are long and perfect for learning in the fresh air. Backyard Scavenger Hunt Printables have been a simple and fun way to do just that.
I also put together a list of Summer Worksheets for Kids, which has been such a helpful go-to when I need quick, low-prep activities that don’t involve screens.
I’ll share what comes with the scavenger hunt pack, how it fits into our summer lessons, and why it’s become more than just a way to fill time. You’ll also find some of my favorite resources and supplies to keep summer learning laid-back but meaningful.
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Fun Summer Facts
Summer is more than just pool days and popsicles. It’s also the perfect time for a scavenger hunt since the outdoors are full of curious changes and hidden surprises.
Here are some interesting tidbits that might surprise you about the summer season:
- The Eiffel Tower grows taller in the summer because the heat causes the metal to expand.
- Crickets chirp faster when it’s warm out, and scientists can estimate the temperature from it.
- The first modern Olympic Games were held during the summer, but not all Games since then have been.
Recommended Books About Summer
I love pairing outdoor activities with good seasonal reads. These summer-themed books help extend learning without making it feel like school.
Summer SongThe Worst Summer Book in the Whole Entire World: A funny and silly children’s story about vacation season for kids and parents who need a laugh. (Entire World Books)Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer SummerOne Crazy Summer (Ala Notable Children’s Books. Middle Readers Book 1)Cannonball: A Fun, Summertime Read About Believing In Yourself and Having Fun (Diverse Children’s Book)Summer of the Woods (The Virginia Mysteries)
Benefits of Scavenger Hunts for Kids
I’ve used scavenger hunts in our homeschool for years, and honestly, they never get old. Kids naturally love to explore, and when there’s a bit of structure to that exploration, it becomes something they’re genuinely excited to do.
Even my older ones enjoy seeing what they can spot before the younger siblings. It turns into a bit of friendly competition, and there’s always something new in the backyard that we didn’t notice before. It’s a simple way to turn everyday surroundings into a mini adventure.
Recommended Summer Printable Packs
If you’re planning your summer lessons, I’ve got some seasonal printable packs that will help keep your kids busy and learning.
Skills Kids Can Learn From This Scavenger Hunt Game
This scavenger hunt isn’t just about ticking boxes—it actually helps reinforce useful learning habits.
- Observation: Kids learn to notice small details in their environment, from textures to tiny creatures hiding under leaves.
- Creative Expression: Drawing what they find gives them the chance to express what they see in their own unique way.
- Mindfulness: Focusing on the senses (especially in the sensory activities) helps slow things down and build awareness.
Backyard Toy Recommendations
If you’re looking to round out your outdoor fun, there are a few backyard toys I always recommend having on hand.
Hey! Play! Hopscotch Ring Game-10 Multi-Colored Plastic Rings and 15 Connectors for Indoor or Outdoor Use-Fun Creative Play Set for Girls and BoysToys Rocket Launcher for Kids – Launch up to 100 Ft, 8 Multi-Color Foam Rockets & Adjustable Launch Stand, Kids Outdoor Toys, Birthday Toys for Kids Boys Girls Age 3+ Years OldYAMIPROBI Ninja-Twister Swing Spins Set: Slackline Attachments – 360° Handle Twist-Spin Flips Toy Activate Ninja Powers Warrior Accessories Kids Hang Toys for Playground Backyard BlueGoSports Splash Tower Water Dunk Game – Water Soaking Dunk Tank for Kids & AdultsLittle Tikes T-Ball Set, Red, 5 Balls, for Toddlers Ages 18+ Months – Amazon Exclusive2 Pack Bow and Arrow Set for Kids, Light Up Archery Set with 14 Suction Cup Arrows, Archery Targets Outdoor Games for Kids Ages 4-8 8-12, Birthday Gifts Toys for 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Year Old Boys Girls
What You’ll Need for the Nature Scavenger Hunt Activity
You won’t need much to get started with these scavenger hunts, but here are a few things that make it easier:
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
- Clipboard or hard surface
- Optional: bug jar or magnifying glass
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s included in the scavenger hunt printable pack?
Backyard Explorer: What can you find?
We started with this one, and my son especially enjoyed coloring in the things he spotted, like birds and flowers. It’s a gentle introduction to exploring nature and works great for younger kids.
Can You Find These Backyard Creatures?
This one focuses on animals and insects you might see. We had fun turning over rocks and checking tree trunks to look for beetles and ants.
Backyard Scavenger Hunt
This one asks kids to search for specific items, check them off, and draw what they see. It gave us a fun mix of observation and drawing, and I loved seeing how differently each child interpreted what they found.
Sensory Scavenger Hunt
It’s all about tapping into the five senses. My oldest drew the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of a neighbor mowing their lawn—something I wouldn’t have thought to include.
Five Senses Scavenger Hunt
This page encourages mindfulness in a super relaxed way. My kids and I laid on the grass and just observed the sky for a while—it was surprisingly calming.
Fun Summer Activities for Kids to Try
Summer is the perfect season to try new things and switch up the routine.
- Summer Word Search Printable
- Printable Summer Reading Log
- Summer Handwriting Worksheets
- Backyard Activities for Kindergarten
- Backyard Birdwatching Worksheets
- Summer Printable Activities Set on 3 Boys on a Dog
- S is for Summer Printable by Homeschool Preschool
This outdoor scavenger hunt worksheet turned out to be one of our easiest wins this summer. Whether you use it once or keep it in rotation all season, it’s a simple way to bring more purpose to outdoor time and sneak in some learning while you’re at it.