25 Nifty Nature Scavenger Hunts for Kids of All Ages

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As the weather begins to warm up, why don't you plan some nature scavenger hunts for the kids? They can be done in the neighborhood or backyard.

Most of the scavenger hunts featured below offer free printable clue charts your kids can use to mark what they find. Some have words for readers while others offer picture clues for young participants. All can be done as a family or solo!

Nature Scavenger Hunts

Here’s a little collection of nature scavenger hunts for all seasons. There’s one for summer, spring, winter, and fall. No matter the season, it’s always the right time to head outside and take a with your preschoolers! Homeschool Preschool

This Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable is perfect for outdoorsy type kids. The picture clues make this suitable for non-readers. Mrs. Merry

This neighborhood photo scavenger hunt is great for small groups and/or teams. East Coast Mommy

If you live near a wooded area, this forest treasure hunt printable would be a lot of fun to have on hand. NurtureStore

This oral scavenger hunt doesn't have a printable. You send kids out to collect one item at a time, and then they use those items to create nature mandalas. Mosswood Connections

How about a spring scavenger hunt you can do right in your backyard. The clues are done with both pictures and words so siblings young and old can participate. The Purposeful Nest

Here's another simple nature scavenger hunt that uses picture clues and text so readers and nonreaders can participate. East Coast Mommy

If you live near a pond, take your kids on a pond scavenger hunt. I love that the clue sheet includes real images instead of clipart/cartoons. Natural Beach Living

Here's a unique twist for your next nature walk. This nature walk recording page has yes or no beside each image. Your child will mark yes for each item they see. At the end of the walk, they can circle “no” for the things they didn't see. The Wise Owl Factory

Can your kids find five in a row on this Leaf Bingo page? Our Family Code

This set of free nature scavenger hunts includes a general hunt page and a pond hunt page. Real Life at home

Kids will enjoy exploring their senses with this fun sensory outdoor scavenger hunt. The Pragmatic Parent

Here's a fun set of camping scavenger hunts (sensory, a to z, and more) to take on your next camping trip. Crazy Outdoor Momma

Neighborhood scavenger hunts make family walks a lot more fun! Coffee and Carpool

Download and print two nature scavenger hunts that are perfect for spring! Teaching Mama

Spider web hunts encourage an eye for detail and an opportunity to compare and contrast. Bambini Travel

I love this idea for a nature scavenger hunt slime recipe! Yep, you read that right. Slime. Check it out! Kara Carrero

I did not know there are eight sensory systems in your body, did you? Let your preschooler explore them all with an outdoor sensory scavenger hunt. The Chaos and the Clutter

Teach or reinforce color recognition with this color-based preschool nature scavenger hunt. Sixth Bloom

With so many items to find on this printable spring scavenger hunt page, you may find yourself planning several nature walks with your kids. Imagination Soup

Kids won't have to worry about losing the bits of nature they find when you take them on a sticky scavenger hunt. Fun Littles

Whether you're doing a bird study or just tracking the birds in your yard, this backyard bird scavenger hunt is a must. Inspiration Laboratories

Can your kids find all of the bugs listed on this outdoor scavenger hunt page? Kim and Carrie

This nature scavenger hunt is perfect for the playground or backyard. Sunshine Whispers

Encourage more outdoor play with a fun summer-themed nature scavenger hunt. Organized 31

These find and draw scavenger hunt pages encourage kids to explore the world around them and draw what they find. Projects with Kids

Get in the garden with your kiddos, and have them record what they find on their garden bug hunt. Daisies and Pie

Kids will love matching their nature finds to the bright charts included on these colors of nature scavenger hunt pages. Messy Little Monster

This free nature scavenger hunt is challenging enough to engage older children. KC Edventures

BOOKS ABOUT NATURE

Fill your book basket with a great collection of nature books for kids. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore.

If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them through my Amazon affiliate links by clicking the images below.

The Hike – This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative throughout.

On the Nature Trail – Seek-and-find lists, on-the-trail art projects, and discovery games get kids engaged in hands-on learning about nature, and a real pull-out magnifying glass helps them get a close-up glimpse of leaf veins, seed pods, and tiny insects.

Outside Your Window – No matter what’s outside their windows — city streets or country meadows — kids will be inspired to explore the world around them.

Round Out Your Unit with These Activities:

This custom nature board is simple and easy to use. This kids activity was designed to help spark an interest in nature and the great outdoors! This handmade pine nature boards come with 3 clothespins for clippings and a small burlap bag for other treasures! Elastic cords hold inserts and other things in place while exploring.