Scavenger Hunts for Kids: 6 Adventures

Kids on a scavenger hunt

Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Looking for ways to get your kids out of the house to explore? Road trips, nature walks, and beach days are fantastic ways to encourage little ones to get involved in scavenger hunts.

Kids are curious and love games. That’s why a themed photo scavenger hunt is the perfect way to explore something new and have some fun at the same time.

What You’ll Need for a Photo Scavenger Hunt

Before you begin, double-check to make sure you have the following supplies:

• A smartphone or camera
• Pencil or pen
• Scavenger hunt lists or printables
• A grand prize for the winner

Photo Scavenger Hunt Guidelines

The rules are simple, but you’re also free to be as creative as you want. For example, will you set up teams? Will you add on bonus items to your scavenger hunt list?

Give each player a list of items to look for in the location you choose. The first person to find all the items and photograph them within the time allotted wins!

Step-by-step instructions:

• Select a location and theme
• Assign someone to be a judge
• Decide if you want to separate into teams (in each team, always put kids with adults for balance)
• Set clear boundaries within the location
• Set the timer for an hour
• Award the winner the grand prize

Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo

Round up the crew and spend the day visiting the animals! This makes it fun for the kids to check out all the animals they’re interested in seeing in person.

Your list for each player will include tigers, monkeys, zebras, penguins, reptiles, … and don’t forget to add a couple of souvenirs as well as taking a photo with the zookeeper to the list!

Scavenger Hunts on Road Trips

Road trips to new places are great ways to spend time together with your family and friends. You’ll all journey through lookout points, explore bridges, and check out nearby trains.

But remember—safety first. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Here’s what you can include in your list:

• Yield sign
• Arrow
• Lake
• Bridge
• Train
• Gas station
• Motorcycle
• Lookout points

Scavenger Hunt in the Neighborhood

If you don’t feel comfortable carrying out a scavenger hunt during a road trip, there’s no problem with staying local! Kids will love this because they can tell their friends to come along and join the fun.

You’ll all have fun discovering the ins and outs of your community. Plus someone may discover hidden places for the first time!

Here are some ideas for what to look for:

• Stop sign
• Mailbox
• Dog
• Plants
• Fire hydrant
• Butterfly
• Brown door
• Fence

Scavenger Hunt at Home

This is perfect if you’re squad is made up mostly of younger kids. You can keep your eye on them in a small environment, while they have tons of fun!

You don’t need a lot either, so if you’ve got markers, puzzles, and spare change, then you’re all set. Keep your home clean by reminding everyone to help clean up after the scavenger hunt.

Things to look for in your home:

• Blue socks
• Green markers
• Stuffed animal
• Salt shaker
• Toothbrush
• Penny
• Book

Farmer’s Market

Not only are farmer’s markets great places to grab all your seasonal goods, but they’re also awesome for mingling with your neighbors. The kids will love to hunt for strawberries, lovely flowers, or baked bread. The smells and sights are part of the fun! Once we saw a baby goat!

Feel free to include these items on your scavenger hunt list too:

• Stroller
• Corn
• Tomato
• Asparagus
• Potato
• Onion

Scavenger Hunt at the Beach

Fun for every age, there are tons of items to find at any beach. A beach scavenger hunt is a great way to get everyone outside to enjoy some fresh air and fun under the sun. Just don’t drop your phone in the water when you snap your pics!

Here are some of the things each participant can hunt for:

• Seashells
• Sunglasses
• Beach ball
• Boogie board
• Umbrella
• Lifeguard
• Birds
• Bucket

Kids love spending time outside and at the end of the hunt, they can compile the photos and create a memorable photo book of what they’ve found. Keep the little ones entertained for hours with a well-planned scavenger hunt next time you’re looking for something to do!

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