Take a summer adventure
Plan and lead a backyard nature scavenger hunt, make a map and checklist, find plants and insects, and record observations.
About this activity
Plan and lead a backyard nature scavenger hunt, make a map and checklist, find plants and insects, and record observations.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Choose a safe spot in your backyard where everyone can explore.
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Step 2
Pick a time limit for the hunt like 30 minutes.
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Step 3
Take a slow walk around the chosen area to notice landmarks you might add to your map.
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Step 4
Draw a simple map on your paper showing at least three landmarks and mark the start spot.
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Step 5
Write a checklist of at least ten nature things to find and leave a blank space for a note beside each item.
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Step 6
Gather your materials into one small pile so they are ready to use.
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Step 7
Write three simple safety rules for the hunt on your paper.
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Step 8
Invite one or two friends or family members to join the scavenger hunt.
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Step 9
Tell your teammates that you will be the leader for the hunt.
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Step 10
Show your map to the group so everyone can see it.
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Step 11
Point out the boundaries on the map so everyone knows where they can and cannot go.
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Step 12
Tell the group the time limit and when you will stop the hunt.
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Step 13
Say "Go" to start the hunt and lead your team along the route on your map.
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Step 14
When you find an item stop and write one short observation about it on your checklist.
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Step 15
Share your finished map checklist notes and favorite find on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I plan and lead a backyard nature scavenger hunt for my child?
Start by mapping your backyard and picking safe search zones. Make a simple checklist and draw a map together—mark landmarks and a start/finish. Set clear rules (stay within boundaries, no touching unknown plants or insects without permission). Give the child tools (clipboard, pencil, magnifier) and a time limit or goal. Walk together at first, encourage observation and questions, have them record finds with drawings or photos, then review discoveries and celebrate their effort.
What materials do I need for a backyard nature scavenger hunt?
You’ll need paper or printable checklists, pencils or crayons, a clipboard, and a simple hand-drawn map. Optional helpful items: a magnifying glass, small containers or bags for non-living samples, a smartphone or camera for photos, a field guide or ID cards for plants and insects, sunscreen, water, and a basic first-aid kit. Keep any collection items limited and leave live creatures or delicate plants in place when possible.
What ages is a backyard nature scavenger hunt suitable for?
Suitable for toddlers through tweens with adjustments: ages 3–5 enjoy picture checklists and close supervision with short hunts. Ages 6–8 can use simple maps, write or draw finds, and practice basic ID skills. Ages 9–12 can lead planning, create detailed maps and checklists, record observations, and compare notes. Always tailor complexity, boundaries, and supervision to your child’s attention span and safety needs.
What are the benefits of doing a backyard nature scavenger hunt with my child?
A backyard scavenger hunt boosts observation, critical thinking, and vocabulary as children identify plants and insects. It encourages outdoor physical activity, curiosity about science, and environmental stewardship. Planning and leading a hunt develops mapping, organization, and leadership skills, while recording observations builds writing and drawing practice. Shared hunts also strengthen family bonding and confidence as children lead and explain their discoveries.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have paper, drawing tools, or a timer listed in the materials?
Use a piece of cardboard (like a cereal box) or the back of a grocery list to draw the map and checklist, a pencil stub or crayon for notes, and a phone or kitchen timer to track the chosen time limit.
What should we do if teammates get lost, the map is unclear, or we can't find ten nature items?
If teammates get lost or the route is unclear, during the slow walk redraw clearer landmarks and mark boundaries on the paper map, give each person a photo or copy of the map, and if you can't find ten items, swap harder items for nearby easier ones so you finish within your chosen time limit.
How can we change the hunt for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, make a 5-item picture checklist, shorten the hunt to 10–15 minutes, and have an adult carry the materials and set safety rules, while older kids can use a 10-item written checklist, a magnifying glass or camera, and add one written observation per find.
How can we extend or personalize the scavenger hunt when we're done?
After the hunt, glue small finds to the map, turn your checklist notes into a nature-journal page with photos and a one-sentence favorite-find story, or create themed repeats (colors, textures, insects) and upload your group's finished map and notes to DIY.org.