Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained this summer? Check out our free printable summer scavenger hunt for kids that will take them outdoors and keep them busy all day long. From finding objects in nature to completing tasks, this is one activity they’re sure to love.
The best part about this scavenger hunt idea is that it can be enjoyed by the whole family. Grab the kids and head outdoors for a day of fun in the sun. With this printable list, you’ll have everything you need to make it a success.
So what are you waiting for? Download our free printable and get started on your summer scavenger hunt today!

If you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, a scavenger hunt is the perfect option. Scavenger hunts can be tailored to any age group and can be as simple or complex as you like.
Whether you’re hiding objects around the house or creating a series of clues to lead your scavengers to their prize, there’s no wrong way to play. And the best part is, everyone gets to join in on the fun.
So next time you’re looking for a way to entertaining the kids (and yourself), grab a few household items and get hunting.
Summer Break Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids off screens and exploring their homes – and they might even learn something new in the process!
Preparing the Scavenger Hunt
To prepare the scavenger hunt for your kids, print a copy for each child or each team. You can laminate them if you’d like to use them again and again throughout the summer.
Provide your children with a clipboard and a marker, and you’re all set for some summer fun!
Completing the Scavenger Hunt
Choose a location for your scavenger hunt. This particular scavenger hunt can be completed at the beach, a public pool, or at a water park. It can even be completed at your local department store if it sells summer supplies.
There are two pages – one contains word clues for kids who can read, the other has picture clues for pre-readers.
You can pair a younger child with an older one for even more fun! The first to find all of the items on their page is the winner.
How to Make a Scavenger Hunt More Challenging
If you’re looking to make your next scavenger hunt more challenging, there are a few things you can do. For older kids, try making the items on the list harder to find.
If you really want to give them a challenge, try adding timed elements, so they need to complete the hunt within a certain time limit.
Whichever route you choose, making your scavenger hunt more difficult is sure to provide an extra dose of fun.
Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t make it too difficult – after all, the point is still to have fun!

Summer Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Need more summer scavenger hunt ideas? Check these out:
- Printable Summer Scavenger Hunt
- Nighttime Scavenger Hunt
- Bird Scavenger Hunt Printable
- Airport Scavenger Hunt
- Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Summer Books for Kids
Fill your book basket with a great collection of books about summer. 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 Night Before Summer Vacation – A little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there’s bound to be something overlooked, and what that is provides a funny ending to this meter-perfect “twist” on Clement Moore’s classic.
And Then Comes Summer – When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.
Summer is Here! – Pick blueberries, see a caterpillar grow from an egg to a butterfly, or take a trip to the lake or beach with your family. Peek under rocks, look up in the trees, dive into the water–there is so much to learn and so much to discover together when you read Summer is Here!

Teaching Resources
If you love using peg dogs in your imaginative play area, you don’t want to miss these eco-friendly Summer Peg Dolls decorated with hand painted summery flowers!
Storytelling is part of the learning process. Add some summer story stones to your reading and literacy centers.
With this printable scavenger hunt list, you can keep the kids entertained all day long. They’ll have a blast exploring their surroundings and completing tasks.
Be sure to take plenty of pictures to commemorate their fun-filled day!