Looking for a simple way to get the kids off the sofa and out into the fresh air? This backyard scavenger hunt for kids is a brilliant way to connect with nature right in your own garden — and best of all, it’s a completely free download.
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Your kids might think the back yard is boring, but there’s plenty to discover once they know where to look. A backyard scavenger hunt is a lovely, low-effort way to get children noticing the nature around them, while getting some fresh air at the same time.
Download your free backyard scavenger hunt list
Here’s our free Backyard Scavenger Hunt list to download and print. Simply print it out, hand it to the kids, and send them out into the back yard or garden to see how many things on the list they can find.
It works just as well for a quiet afternoon at home as it does for a playdate, a birthday party activity, or a rainy-day-turned-sunny-spell outdoor break.
More scavenger hunt fun
If this one goes down well, there’s more where it came from. You might also enjoy our other Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids, including our Nature Scavenger List and our Out for a Walk Scavenger Hunt.
Did you try out our backyard scavenger hunt? How did you get on? Tell us about it in the comments below — we’d love to hear what your kids found.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a backyard scavenger hunt suitable for?
This kind of scavenger hunt works well for most primary school-aged children, and younger children can join in too with a little help from a parent or older sibling. It’s a flexible, no-pressure activity that can be adapted to suit the age and interests of the kids taking part.
Do I need any special equipment?
No — that’s part of the appeal. All you need is the printed list and a pen or pencil for ticking things off as they’re found. A small bag or basket for collecting items (where appropriate) is a nice optional extra.
How long does a backyard scavenger hunt take?
It’s entirely up to your family. Some children will race through the list in a few minutes, while others will happily spend a long stretch of the afternoon exploring. There’s no set time limit, so let the kids set the pace.
Can I use this list in a garden as well as a back yard?
Yes — the list is designed to work in any home outdoor space, whether that’s a back yard, a garden, or a shared outdoor area. The idea is simply to get kids looking closely at the nature around them, wherever that happens to be.
Related articles
- Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids
- Nature Scavenger List
- Out for a Walk Scavenger Hunt
Want more free activity ideas?
If you enjoyed this, take a browse through our other free printable and activity ideas for kids — there’s always something new to try on a quiet afternoon at home.
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