Why Is a Nature Scavenger Hunt So Important?

Maybe you might be saying: ‘It’s just a scavenger hunt—so what?’

First, it’s not just a scavenger hunt.

Yes, kids are out running around along a trail looking for things. But they are also exploring, looking, and discovering, which is a vastly different experience than just remembering to pick up acorns.

Second, all of the above contributes to sparking curiosity and developing acuity in ways that will enhance well-being and build capacity as children grow.

Third, this is fun.

How a Nature Scavenger Hunt Works Its Magic

Cognitive Development: The children needed to find tiny items; this challenged their ability to observe a few moments pass before their eyes.

And then to sort findings by colour, shape or size; this is a young science, as children understood the meaning of category; they recognised that objects of the same type – whether carrots or soap scraps – could be judged as belonging to the same kind or team.

It's a simple but very important skill children will use in maths, science, and other subjects in the years to come.

Language Skills: Their talking points are increasing as they search for treasure, perhaps picking up previously undiscovered words such as ‘acorn’, ‘bark’ or ‘fern’, and using them to articulate what they’ve encountered and what they’re looking at.

Physical Development: A scavenger hunt provides plenty of opportunities to run, bend, reach, and stretch.

Just think about all the bending, stretching and toe reaching that goes into a good scavenger hunt.

Most kids are already well aware of that fact, and use that knowledge to burn off their endless supplies of energy.

Environmental Awareness: With this activity, children become aware of and connected to the natural world: of looking down to notice the little things – a little bug, a shiny leaf – and of looking up to discover the natural world around them.

If a shape doesn’t seem to fit where she thinks it’s supposed to go, she needs to figure out why. It takes patience and offers a great opportunity to develop it.

Social Skills: In a scavenger hunt, children can work in pairs or groups, and learn these important social skills: working together, cooperation, taking turns, sharing, respecting differences and embracing cultural diversity.

How to Set Up Your Nature Scavenger Hunt Adventure

What You’ll Need:

• A list of items to find (e.g., a pinecone, a feather, a flower).

• A basket or bag for collecting treasures.

• Optional: Magnifying glasses or binoculars for an extra layer of fun.

  Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Preparation:

    • Make up a simple list of things the children can look for on their walk, based on what you might find in your chosen outdoor space, of an appropriate level of difficulty for their age.

  • Introduction:

    • Gather the kids and explain what a scavenger hunt is. Show them the list and talk about what they’re looking for. Get them excited—maybe even turn it into a little story where they’re explorers on a mission.

  • The Hunt Begins:

    • Designate some guidelines (don’t trespass, for example, or be kind to everything you find); then let them go! Point things out at a distance, and urge them to marvel over everything, above and below.

  • Group Reflection:

    • Once all the items are found, gather the group to discuss what they found. Ask questions like, “Which item was the hardest to find?” or “What did you notice about the leaves?” This reflection helps reinforce their learning.

Keeping the Fun Alive: Tips and Tricks

1. Customise the List:

   • Tailor the scavenger hunt to the season or location. For example, in the fall, you might include colourful leaves, while in spring, you could focus on flowers and insects.

2. Incorporate Art:

   • Pack some crayons and paper so kids can do leaf rubbings and markers so they can draw whatever they discover. That aspect of the hunt becomes a bit more creative.

3. Use a Theme:

   • Try giving your scavenger hunt a theme, like ‘Signs of Spring’ or ‘Animal Habitats’. You get an educational bonus, too, which can never hurt.

4. Praise and Encourage:

   • And keep in mind that, like any activity, positive reinforcement goes a long way – cheer for every find and encourage your kids to share their enthusiasm with others.

5. Mix It Up:

   • Mix it up by adding additional challenges, like ‘something that makes noise, something that has a bumpy texture’. Kids like variety.

1. Weather Woes:

   • Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Be ready with a backup plan, like moving the hunt indoors or postponing until another day.

2. Short Attention Spans:

   • Kids might lose interest quickly. Have the children pause after finding only a few items. Especially if they’re having problems, keep the list short and doable. Give them hints if necessary.

3. Safety Concerns:

   • Watch closely near hazards, tell the kids where the boundaries are, and remind them to stick together.

4. Overzealous Collectors:

   • Kids might want to pick every flower or turn over every insect. Show them to be gentle and respectful of nature. They may take a few things, snack on a few berries, and learn to respect the bounty of the natural environment.

How to Deal with Challenges Along the Way

I’ve watched my own children transform these beloved nature hunts from a one-off event during a family outing to a daily or weekly activity, rearranging them with their friends and siblings in different parks and backyards.

Besides me, though, there are experts who agree with me that this activity is powerful. White and Stoecklin (2018) say that kids' physical and mental health are better when they play outside and that activities that bring kids closer to nature can help them learn a lot.

Moore (2014) further highlights that nature-based activities foster problem-solving skills and creativity, as children constantly interact with their surroundings.

Louv (2008) also emphasises how engaging with nature can help counteract the effects of “nature deficit disorder,” a growing concern in our tech-focused world.

What the Experts Say: Why Nature Scavenger Hunts Are a Double Win

You might be familiar with the concept of a nature scavenger hunt – it’s not a new idea.

However, this activity is not just a clever setup for some outdoor fun. It is one of the best tools for early childhood education ever created.

The essence of this activity is basic but extremely powerful: by encouraging children to observe, explore, and collect natural objects and artefacts, we are helping them develop the skills of discovery and lifelong learning.

I’ve used a variation of this activity as an educator, a parent, and a caregiver. Every time I do so, the results are consistently rewarding for myself and the children that I’m with.

It’s easy to do, it’s free, and the highest-quality learning materials are available in your own backyard.

Get those lists ready, step outside, and have fun!

Conclusion:

References and Further Reading

References

• Louv, R. (2008). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books.

• Moore, R. C. (2014). Nature Play & Learning Places: Creating and Managing Places Where Children Engage with Nature. Natural Learning Initiative.

• White, R., & Stoecklin, V. L. (2018). Children’s Outdoor Play and Learning Environments: Returning to Nature. Early Childhood News, 6(1), 16-20.

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