Easy Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Tutorial for Kids

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This outdoor scavenger hunt kids craft is a cheerful hands-on project for kids, classrooms, and family craft time. It uses the tutorial steps below as the practical guide while adding helpful planning notes so the project feels easier to prepare, follow, and finish. Gather the supplies first, give yourself a little workspace, and enjoy making something creative from simple materials.

Instructions for the outdoor scavenger hunt:

  1. Print the riddle cards and cut them apart.
  2. Hide each card in its proper location (the answer to the riddle leads to the next hiding spot).
  3. Continue hiding all the clues until you reach the final card (the one that says “Your final prize is next to me!”).
  4. Optional: Add small prizes or candy with each clue to make the hunt extra exciting.
  5. Place a prize at the last location. This can be a treat bag, small toy, or other surprise.
  6. Read the first clue aloud to start the scavenger hunt!

These printables are for personal, school, and library use only. Do not copy, republish, upload, or alter these files. If you’d like to feature these printables please provide a link back to this webpage.

The link and image below will take you to our free, printable outdoor scavenger hunt riddles! The PDF includes 2 pages of clue cards (to cut out and hide) and 2 pages of answer keys for parents or teachers to reference.

The answer pages don’t need to be printed, but they’re handy for knowing exactly where each riddle leads. Print the clue cards on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, or use cardstock to make them sturdier.

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Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Check List

The outdoor scavenger hunt checklist is a simple and exciting way to get kids exploring outdoors. Instead of following clues, children use a printable checklist to spot common outdoor items like a tree, mailbox, and bird.

As they mark off each item, parents can set rewards — from a small treat after finding 5 objects to a bigger prize for completing the whole list. This version is perfect for exploring the backyard or taking a walk around the neighbourhood.

Instructions for the outdoor scavenger hunt checklist:

  1. Print a copy of the checklist for each child.
  2. Take the list on a walk around your neighbourhood, or use it at a backyard party. You can even cut the images from the checklist and hide them around your space.
  3. Kids mark off items as they see them — dandelion, butterfly, ant hill, and more.
  4. Decide on a reward system: for example, check off 5 items to get a piece of candy, 10 items for a larger treat, or complete the whole sheet for a bigger prize.
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The links and images below will take you to our free, printable outdoor scavenger hunt checklists! You can choose between a bright full-colour version or a low-ink version that’s more printer-friendly.

Each checklist prints on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, and you can use regular printer paper or heavier cardstock. To make the sheets reusable, laminate them or place them in plastic sheet protectors and use dry-erase markers.

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Helpful Tips

  • Read through the full tutorial before starting.
  • Prepare the listed supplies ahead of time so each step is easier to follow.
  • Check the finished craft against the instructions before displaying or using it.

FAQs

Is this tutorial beginner friendly?

Yes. This outdoor scavenger hunt kids craft is written with simple steps and extra tips for beginners.

Can kids make this craft independently?

Older kids may be able to work independently, while younger kids should have help with any steps that require close attention or small pieces.

How long does the craft take?

Most versions take about 30 minutes, depending on the materials and the pace of the crafter.

Can I use different colors?

Yes. Changing the colors is one of the easiest ways to personalize the finished craft.

Final Thoughts

Once the outdoor scavenger hunt kids craft is finished, take a moment to check the details, compare the result with the tutorial, and display the project somewhere kids can enjoy their work.