Scavenger Hunts
Activities | Trees | Mini Nature Trails | Observation Walks | Nature Bingo | Birds | Deadfall

A scavenger hunt can be a fun way to practise observation skills. In protected areas, such as Fish Creek Provincial Park, collecting of objects, living and non-living, is prohibited. Provide your groups with the scavenger hunt list but, instead of collecting items, have them check each one off, draw the item or write a few words about it. 

• Visit the area to see what natural objects are there before you make up your list. Also ensure the area is free of most natural hazards (e.g. stinging nettles, eroded banks).
• Put some easy items on the list so that all the groups will experience some degree of success.
• Divide your group into smaller groups of four. This will give all the children a better opportunity to contribute than if the whole group does the hunt together.
• Make sure the groups are divided evenly in terms of age and ability.
• Emphasize sharing, cooperation and teamwork.
• Clearly define the hunt area boundaries to the groups.
• Give the groups a time limit and be sure they know the signal (e.g. whistle) that indicates the game is over, it is time to return to the starting area.
• Send an adult along to supervise and help each group.
• When the hunt is completed, give the children time to discuss it and share their discoveries with each other.

Concepts such as adaptations or camouflage; list colours and markings. Examples: 

pale yellow

more than 2 colours 

spotted

striped

Characteristics of animals or plants: focus on observation not identification. Examples: