Do you remember scavenger hunts when you were a kid? The thrill of finding the thing you never thought you’d find. The sense of adventure. And the satisfaction of ticking that last item off the list.
As a parent, sending your kids off on a goose chase can get them motivated to go for a walk when you just need some fresh air. A backyard treasure hunt can give you 5 minutes peace. And sharing the adventure with them, gives you a chance to be a kid again too.
Welcome to Story Trail Adventures
These free scavenger hunts were designed during lockdown in 2021 to get toddlers through to primary school aged kids outdoors for ANOTHER walk around the SAME block. (Remember when we had to stick to a 5 km radius from our homes? Well some of us did – I’m looking at you Victoria!)
But they’re even more fun post-pandemic. If you’re looking for outdoor activities for your kids, some with bonus craft activities when you get home, you’ve come to the right place. And don’t tell the kids, but they’re educational too. They’re all inspired by favourite picture books. Literary to boot!
Here’s the scavenger hunts clues. When you sign up, you’ll get links to download all of them.
PS. If you want to jump straight to the bit where you download the scavenger hunts, sign up here!
PPS. Are you from a school, library or kindergarten that would like to use these scavenger hunts? Find out more here.
Possum Shake – inspired by Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Print, collect and shake! Remember how possum Hush became invisible? In this set of treasure hunt clues, you’ll collect the ‘ingredients’ you need to make Hush visible again.
Bear Treasure Hunt – inspired by Bear Scavenger Hunt by Michael Rosen
Don’t think you can find a bear in your neighbourhood? Well think again. Find some thick oozy mud, and long wavy grass… two big goggly eyes and a wet nose. With a little imagination, you’ll find a bear for sure! She might even live next door!
Suburban Safari – inspired by Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt
We’re not meant to have favourites, but shhhh… don’t tell anyone, this is my favourite scavenger hunt for preschoolers. Take a micro look at your neighbourhood and you’ll never know what you’ll find… elephant feet, or crocodile eyes or maybe even a zebra’s bum!
Puppy Quest – inspired by Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynnley Dodd
Get to know the dogs of your neighbourhood with scavenger hunt clues inspired by Hairy Maclary and his friends. Can you find a spotty dog, a scrappy dog and a dog as big as a horse?
Choose your own MONSTER adventure inspired by The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
For this scavenger hunt, you’ll collect monster body parts on your walk… and when you get home, you can assemble your very own monster. Will you make a tough-alo, buff-alo, or maybe a stuff-alo.
Scavengerpillar and Foragerfly inspired by A very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
Did you know that Eric Carle used collage techniques to illustrate The very hungry caterpillar? He used his own painting as collage, but if you follow the scavenger hunt clues, you’ll have all the bits you need to collage a caterpillar and butterfly when you get home.
Bird spot inspired by Mopoke by Philip Bunting
Bird nerds unite! It’s amazing how many different types of birds you can find in your own neighbourhood, when you take the time to look. Chances are you won’t have to look far to tick off a sing-song bird or a ping pong bird, or any of the other birds on this outdoor treasure hunt clue list.
Mosaic a green sheep inspired by Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox
Things to do outside and things to do inside. That’s right. Tick all the scavenger hunt clues off your list outside, then pop inside to cut them all up and mosaic them into a green sheep. Hours of literary entertainment!