Outdoor Learning Scavenger Hunt
Explore nature. Spark curiosity. Learn through play.
Take learning beyond the classroom with our Outdoor Learning Scavenger Hunt – a fun, hands-on activity designed to get children excited about the natural world. This resource encourages children to observe, identify, and connect with their environment, perfect for forest school, outdoor classrooms, school trips, or backyard adventures.
Packed with a variety of items to find — from birds and bugs to leaves and clouds — this scavenger hunt promotes curiosity, movement, and a love of learning in the great outdoors.
🌿 Key Features:
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Suitable for ages 4+
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Includes a diverse mix of nature-based items to spot and tick off
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Supports science, literacy, and wellbeing outcomes
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Ideal for forest school, home education, or classroom use
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Printable and easy to use — just grab and go!
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Reusable if laminated for long-term learning
Whether used individually or in small groups, this scavenger hunt is a great way to encourage active learning, teamwork, and mindfulness.
Empower children to explore, discover, and learn — one adventure at a time.
🌿 Top Tips for a Successful Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Outdoor scavenger hunts are a fantastic way to engage children (and adults!) with the natural world. They encourage curiosity, teamwork, and physical activity — all while providing endless opportunities for Outdoor Learning. Whether you’re planning one for your class, forest school group, or just some weekend fun, here are our top tips to make your scavenger hunt a big hit!
1. 🎯 Define Your Objectives
Start by asking: What do I want my group to gain from this experience?
Whether you’re exploring nature, reinforcing curriculum topics, or focusing on mindfulness, having a clear goal will help guide your scavenger hunt design.
Need inspiration? Check out our Nature Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt — great for promoting calm and focus outdoors.
2. 📍 Choose the Right Location
Pick a safe, varied outdoor space like a park, woodland, or school garden. The more diverse the terrain, the more engaging your scavenger hunt will be. Just ensure the area is suitable for all participants.
3. 🕵️ Make Clues Fun and Varied
Use a mix of clue types — visual prompts, riddles, sensory tasks, and specific item hunts. A good mix keeps everyone engaged and encourages deeper observation.
For example, our Outdoor Science Scavenger Hunt blends science learning with fun challenges.
You can also browse Scavify’s guide to outdoor scavenger hunt clues for more ideas.
4. 📚 Add Educational Elements
Scavenger hunts can easily tie into science, geography, or literacy. Encourage children to identify plants, bugs, weather conditions, or even natural shapes.
Explore our Bug Scavenger Hunt Sheet to combine fun with mini beast learning!
And if you want tips from the experts, check out The Nature Conservancy’s guide on how to plan a fun nature scavenger hunt.
5. 💚 Respect Nature
Teach children the importance of “leave no trace.” That means looking closely but not collecting, staying on paths, and respecting wildlife. This instills environmental responsibility early on.
You can dive deeper with this great guide on eco-friendly scavenger hunts.
6. 📱 Use Tech to Add a Twist
Want to mix in some tech? Apps like ClueKeeper let you create digital hunts with QR codes, GPS triggers, and even photo tasks.
For a simpler printable version, our Outdoor Learning Scavenger Hunt is ready to go — no screens needed!
7. 🔒 Think About Safety & Accessibility
Do a quick risk assessment. Is the ground even? Are there water hazards? Think also about how children with mobility needs can take part and adapt your plan as needed.
8. 🗣️ Reflect Afterwards
After the hunt, come together and reflect. What did the children enjoy most? What did they learn? This is a powerful way to solidify new knowledge and celebrate their discoveries.
We’ve even created a Scavenger Hunt Journal Page to help kids capture their findings!
Ready to Get Outside?
Scavenger hunts are a low-prep, high-impact way to bring learning outdoors. They build confidence, observation skills, and a love for nature — all while having loads of fun!
Explore our full range of Scavenger Hunt Resources to get started today.
