Do your kids love scavenger hunts? In our house we call them treasure hunts and my son LOVES them! Scavenger hunts are such a fun way to get your kids excited, moving their bodies, using their problem-solving skills and even working together if they are doing it with a friend or sibling.
This scavenger hunt is even better than a normal one because it takes place in the great outdoors! (Also known as your own backyard!) This ultimate scavenger hunt is the perfect way to get your kids outdoors on days when they want to stay inside (we have all been there!)
The treasure hunt clues lead your kids around their own backyard, giving them a chance to explore new things they might not have noticed before, while finding the scavenger hunt clues.
The best part of these outdoor scavenger hunt riddles is that the last clue congratulates them on their success and encourages them to play outside now that they are done. It’s a fun way to spend a beautiful day outdoors!
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Clues
This outdoor scavenger hunt game is such a great way to get your kids outside! The best part is that it will take you minimal prep aside from the printing on a piece of paper, cutting and hiding in the coordinating spots (the first clue will get you started on a spot and then follow the next clue to continue hiding).
This free scavenger hunt game (YES FREE!) was created because Brenda’s daughter really wanted to set up a fun hunt for her sister but none of the online printables were free.
Luckily for you this one is free and super easy! It comes with 11 clues and the clues come in different colors with a cute graphic and the treasure hunt riddles. What I love about this outdoor treasure hunt is that it really is great for all age groups and even young kids can play with a little help.
Playing this game is super easy since you play just like traditional scavenger hunts! All you have to do is set up the clues and then give your kids the first clue and let them begin the fun hunt!
From there, they will go to the next clue and continue through all the treasure hunt clues until they are done!
Here are the clues:
Clue 1: Wanna go on an outdoor hunt? Let’s get started, don’t sit! First look near the object that stores water in it.
Clue 2: Do you love the outdoors? Are you soaking up the heat? Go now to the place where you grill up some meat.
Clue 3: Get ready for more fun, get ready to roam, find another clue on the path that leads to your home.
Clue 4: Is this scavenger hunt easy, or are you mad at me? You might now want to look near a tall tree.
Clue 5: This one might take you awhile, but you won’t have to go far, another clue is waiting somewhere inside the car.
Clue 6: Ready to do some serious searching? Let’s take a walk! I bet you’ll find another under a big rock.
Clue 7: Think you can find every last clue? You’ll be a hero! Now you’ve just got to peek in the correct window!
Clue 8: A rose or a daisy, what will it be? Whatever the flower, a clue is what you’ll see!
Clue 9: Are you getting tired? Need to rest for a bit? Go to this place where you can sit.
Clue 10: Your last clue has arrived, it’s time to rejoice, your treasure hunt ends when you find your outdoor toys.
Clue 11: I hope you had fun exploring outside today, you’ve found all the clues, while you’re out here, you should play!
Looking for some fun ways to use this? Check out these ideas:
- Let your older kids set this up for younger kids! This makes this even less prep for you and your older kids will have a blast being part of the set up!
- Another great option is turning this into a timed scavenger hunt game! Set your kid’s alarm clock for 30 minutes and see if they can complete this fun hunt in the knick of time!
- For older kids, you could add in pictures! Photo scavenger hunts are fun ways to see what the players found. Have your older kids use a phone (or an old fashion camera) to take pictures of their scavenger hunt clues.
- Want to make this a little more challenging? Hide the clues in Easter eggs (nothing like an Easter egg hunt in the middle of summer!) and hide the eggs.
- Our cousins all live in different states. If you’re in the same boat, you could make this into a virtual scavenger hunt and have your kids and their cousins all do the hunt together at the same time. To do this, both adults could set up the scavenger hunt in the backyard and then the kids could Facetime while both doing the hunt in their own backyard. This would be such a fun way for the kids to spend some time together outside (even virtually) and both get to do a hunt together!
- Give your kids clue baskets to hold the clues as they run around. At the end you can gather them up and save them to do it again!
- Want to make this an even more exciting game? Have a big bucket of water balloons at the end of the hunt ready to go! This would be perfect for a hot day and a wonderful way to keep your kids outside playing after they are done with the fun hunt!
Accessing Your Free Printable
To access your free scavenger hunt game click on the link at the bottom of the post and your free printable will instantly pop up! No subscribing necessary!
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Free Outdoor Scavenger Hunt PDF
If your interested in doing this, hit the subscription button below and enter your email- you will not be disappointed! If your kid loves scavenger hunts as much as mine does, check out our Indoor scavenger hunts, Nature scavenger hunt or our Road trip scavenger hunt for more hunting fun!