{"id":653,"date":"2020-03-22T20:37:16","date_gmt":"2020-03-23T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/?p=653"},"modified":"2022-08-11T12:59:24","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T18:59:24","slug":"this-scavenger-hunt-is-a-great-outdoor-game-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/this-scavenger-hunt-is-a-great-outdoor-game-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids – The Perfect Backyard Game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Convincing your kids to put down the iPad when they\u2019re deeply engrossed in Sesame Street or having a Baby Shark sing-along can be a challenge for any parent. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amidst the \u201cjust a minute” or \u201cone more episode\u201d, you need to come up with a game plan that gets them excited about an adventure they can experience instead of watch. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, how do you put together an outdoor game for your kids they\u2019ll actually enjoy (that doesn\u2019t involve someone opening an egg with a small toy inside)? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether there\u2019s snow on the ground or it\u2019s a sunny summer day, we\u2019ve got you covered with this scavenger hunt\u2014it\u2019s the ultimate <\/span>outdoor activity for kids.<\/span> So, put them in their best snow suit, or slather them in sunscreen, and follow these steps. It\u2019ll be an <\/span>outdoor activity day your kids<\/span> will remember and treasure, long after they\u2019ve headed back indoors. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set the Stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your first challenge? Getting the kids excited. Tell them that they are about to embark on an adventure to explore the world around them, and that if they accomplish their mission of finding everything on the list (we\u2019ll get to that in a second), they\u2019ll receive a surprise for being the ultimate explorer. You can even get them some binoculars, a magnifying glass, or even an <\/span>explorer costume<\/span> to get them in the scavenger hunt spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevate the game by creating a photo scavenger hunt. Follow along with our tips and tricks to create the ultimate experience for kids.<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For prizes, we recommend offering them small items that you can get at your local dollar or party store as prizes based on how many things they find. If it\u2019s half of the list, maybe they get a piece of their favorite candy. And if they find it all, have a pizza party to celebrate. You know best what will motivate your little ones. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lay Out the Rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Give your kids parameters for the hunt. If you live in the suburbs, stick to your neighborhood. City-dwellers will need to find a nearby park. Then, decide on a timeframe. If you choose 10 items, assume kids will need about an hour, depending on their age and how big of an area they are searching in. For younger kids, stick to your yard or a smaller area, but for older kids you can give them a bit more territory to cover. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each child should also have a backpack or a plastic bag to collect items in. And parents, this isn\u2019t a solo mission. Accompany your children, talk to them about what they find, and celebrate their wins with them. We can\u2019t think of a better way to bond. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compile a List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, now that your kids are excited for their outdoor adventure and know where they will be hunting, choose items from this list that fit your location. Or, make your list specific to town landmarks, memories, or favorite spots. We recommend visiting the area beforehand to make sure your children are set up for success, and the items on your list are actually findable. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Hand each child a printout with names and small photos so they can identify each item. Or, go big and design a list or map with the items and ground rules in Canva or DesignBold.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Flowers<\/i><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Spring isn\u2019t the only season to search for blooming buds. We found varieties for every type of weather, and of course, you may find some that aren\u2019t on this list, which might be a great way to learn about new flowers in your neighborhood. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Winter: Holly bushes, bittersweet<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spring: Crocuses, tulips, daffodils, or pansies<\/span>
    <\/span>Summer: Daisies, black-eyed susans, or hydrangeas<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fall: Sunflowers, mums<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tip: Fall is a great time to include leaves here, too. Common types include: red maple, sugar maple, birch, and oak. When you print out photos or make your graphic, include some facts about the flowers or leaves you\u2019ve chosen. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"bouquet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    1. Animals or Insects<\/i><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Small animals like squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks scurry around all year, just like the Great Wolf Kids. So, keep an eye out for Sammy, Wiley, and Brinley! If your neighborhood has a nature walk, this might be a great place to start. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Winter: Deer, turkey, squirrels, cardinals, or chickadees<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Spring: Swans or ducklings, chipmunks, fawns, or butterflies<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Summer: Rabbits, blue jays, woodpeckers, bumblebees, or lightning bugs<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Fall: Geese migrating south, deer, or lady bugs<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tip: Make sure your child keeps their distance. Sammy the Squirrel loves giving hugs, but other animals won\u2019t be as friendly. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"squirrel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      1. Other Objects<\/i><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Depending on the time of year, there are many other things you can have your children hunt for. Here are a few ideas:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Winter: Pinecones, icicles, or pine tree sap<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Spring: Budding trees or flowers just about to bloom<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Summer: Weeds, like dandelions or clovers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Fall: \u201cHelicopters\u201d from maple trees or a fallen leaf of a certain color<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Add Fun Facts<\/i><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Try to include a few facts on the list related to the things you\u2019re asking your kids to find. That way, they\u2019re learning and exploring. These are a couple of our favorites:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n