Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt with these suggestions from Group for the East End
Share wonder and foster curiosity with your family this summer through outdoor exploration and nature-themed scavenger hunts with these suggestions fromGroup for the East End.
There are many variations of nature-themed scavenger hunts depending on the season, region, and habitat, so there is always something new and exciting to look for. A nature-themed scavenger hunt not only encourages curiosity, but gives kids and adults a fun way to bolster their observation skills, attention to detail, and mindfulness. The time spent exploring nature will also foster a deeper connection to your local environment and to others.
Try these scavenger hunt prompts on your next family nature outing, whether you’re out on park trails, hanging out on the beach, or exploring your own backyard.
Search for Insects
The summer season is the perfect time to look for insects. You can specify an exact type of insect to look for—like ‘Spot a monarch butterfly ’—to help your family learn to recognize different species and become familiar with their characteristics. Simplifying the list to ‘find a flying insect’ or ‘an insect larger than an ant’ suggests searching without needing an exact identification, which can be great for younger kids. Taking photos to identify the insect later is a great way to continue learning after the scavenger hunt is over.
Look Up at the Clouds
Don't forget to look up! The sky provides many opportunities for observation, and a ton of variety! Include specific clouds to look for, such as cumulus, the low-lying cotton-ball clouds, altocumulus, the wispy far-spreading clouds that cover the whole sky, or cumulonimbus, the large clouds you see before thunderstorms or heavy rain. To simplify and provide a more creative prompt, ask your child to look for specific shapes in the clouds, such as a dinosaur or flower. You can also give them time to observe the sky and find their own shapes in the clouds.
Hunt for Seashells
There is so much to see at the beach, both on the sand and in the water. Seashells are versatile and often plentiful, making them a great scavenger hunt item. Search for clam, oyster, or whelk shells, or encourage searchers to find a shell they’ve never seen before. Encourage your child to use their creativity on the beach by asking searchers to find ‘a wig for a seagull’ or ‘a boat for a bug’. Using their imagination, kids can see nature through a new lens. Encourage them to look out towards the water as well; boats, clouds, buoys, and birds offer an incredible opportunity for exploration on the horizon.
Use All Your Senses
Observation in nature is not just what you see. Being mindful of what you hear, smell, and feel can tell you a lot about what you're observing. How does the sand feel on your hands and feet? Is it warm to the touch? What does the air smell like? What does the breeze feel like? Can you hear leaves rustling in the trees? Involving all your senses out in nature also broadens your experience in your ecosystem, helping you learn and connect.
Through environmental education programs in schools, nature outings, and volunteer events, Group for the East End inspires children and adults to appreciate, respect, and protect all things natural on the East End. All year, Group for the East End leads family-friendly nature outings across the East End. Find upcoming events here or schedule your own private event by contacting Group Director of Outreach Taralynn Reynolds at taralynn@thegroup.org.