Scavenger Hunt List Ideas 

Here are some fun scavenger hunt list ideas. A scavenger hunt is great fun on a family camping trip!

It can help sharpen your powers of observation, too!

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Scavenger Hunt List Ideas

A scavenger hunt is the perfect camping game!

There are so many reasons that a scavenger hunt works well on a family camping trip:

Everyone can play

All ages can participate equally in a scavenger hunt. Sometimes the little ones have better powers of observation than the adults!

You can play again and again

Just make a new list and you are ready to play some more - and you'll probably want to, because a scavenger hunt is so much fun!

You can play anywhere and anytime

No matter where you are camping - near the ocean, by the forest, or in the desert; in the wilderness or close to town - you can make a list that fits your location.

You don't need special equipment

All you need for a basic scavenger hunt are paper and pencils.

How to Play

1. Partner up

Get into pairs or small groups.

2. Create your lists

Have each group make a list of 10 items.

I'll give you some ideas to get started, but you'll soon find that coming up with your own scavenger hunt list ideas is part of the fun.

3. Trade lists

Pass the lists around so that each group has a list made by another group.

4. Set the ground rules

Make sure everyone understands the expectations. Remind younger children to stay with the group and to respect the privacy of your neighbors.

Discuss any safety hazards in the area - like traffic, water, animals, and poison ivy - and make sure that everyone knows how to stay safe.

Decide on these details:

Do you have to stay on the campsite? If not, how far from the campsite can you go?

How much time do you have?

How will you know when the time is up?

5. Go hunting!

Find as many items on your list as you can.

When the time is up - or when you have found all of the items - return to the starting point.

6. Compare results

Spread out your booty on the picnic table and see what you have.

You may want to have a prize for the group who found the most items, or you may want to keep it non-competitive. It's up to you!

Why not end your scavenger hunt with a celebratory batch of Smores for everyone? Click here to learn how to make Smores.

Two Types of Scavenger Hunts with List Ideas

Traditional Scavenger Hunt

In the traditional version, you actually pick up the items and bring them back with you.

This game requires some more discussion and more ground rules:

Is it okay to pick leaves and flowers?

Can we pick up insects or other small animals?

Supply each person or group with a paper bag. Write the items on the bag, and have the players put the objects in the bag.

Traditional Scavenger Hunt List Ideas

a heart-shaped rock

two types of needles

something a squirrel might hide

a leaf that has been chewed

a seed

3 different green leaves

a feather

a leaf bigger than your hand

a mushroom

a piece of rough bark

a cone

a natural object that is red

Here's a cool idea: a ready-made scavenger hunt camping edition! Designed for the littlest adventurers, this game combines the excitement of a scavenger hunt with the great outdoors.