Nature Scavenger Hunt

Nature Scavenger Hunt Story and Photos by Avery Miller Bringing children out in nature is not only good for their health, it can also foster a desire to care about nature and ecology throughout their lives. According to healthychildren.org, a parenting website backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is scientific evidence that playing outside improves health and children of all ages love it. More time outdoors is linked with improved motor skills and lower obesity rates. Getting some sun also helps their bodies make vitamin D, which is important in growing strong bones, healthy hearts and blood vessels and keeps their immune systems strong. There are even more benefits than just health, being outdoors can promote curiosity and creativity, critical thinking and focus. It can also enhance children's moods and behaviors. But sometimes it can be difficult to get children outside in a time when computers, televisions and phones are so popular and entertaining. A great way to get your kids outdoors and exploring is to host a nature scavenger hunt. A nature scavenger hunt is a fun outdoor activity that allows people to explore and learn about nature while also developing great observation skills. It involves creating a list of items to find in nature and then searching for them. When creating a list, you can add common objects and things you would normally see outside such as sticks and rocks. Add some things that you may or may not see such as a bird or salamander, and then add some critters that would be tougher to spot, such as a nesting bird or a rabbit. A nature scavenger hunt is also versatile for all ages. Choose easy to spot items for toddlers and harder to spot things for older children. You could also make each list themed like a list of different kinds of birds, insects, animal homes, or specific colors in nature. When doing a nature scavenger hunt you can bring the lists along when taking a walk out in the neighborhood or on a bigger hike in the woods. Check out a local park you enjoy going to, or one you haven't been to yet in a town nearby. You could even bring the scavenger hunt along to your nearest playground, or outside in your own backyard. Anywhere outside is bound to have some scavenger hunt items. These scavenger hunts can also be a great addition to a camping or fishing trip. If you don't feel like creating your own scavenger hunt list, there are many free printable nature scavenger hunt sheets online. You can check out Pinterest, www.doinggoodtogether.org or www.themeasuredmom.com, are a few options. But a quick Google search brings up many more. Some are available that allow children to color them in or you can print blank ones and your children can think of items to search for to fill them in. Some items to add to a nature scavenger hunt could be: Trees, flowers, mushrooms, birds, grass, different kinds of insects, logs, acorns, different types of leaves, animal tracks, puddles, salamanders, an animal den, a bird's nest — the options are endless. You could also turn it into a game of bingo if you wanted to make different bingo cards and the first person to get four in a row could win. Of course, everyone will be winning when they spend some time outdoors and discover all the great things to find!