Backyard Scavenger Hunt
A backyard can hold dozens of discoveries when players slow down and look closely. This hunt emphasizes observation rather than collecting living things.
Before players begin
Mark the yard boundaries, identify off-limits plants and equipment, and explain that living creatures should be observed without being handled. Give each player a pencil or let teams share one checklist.
Backyard discovery list
- A leaf with an unusual edge
- Three shades of green
- A Y-shaped twig
- A rock with two colors
- Something moving in the wind
- A safe place where an insect could hide
- A natural circle
- The longest shadow
- Something rough
- A sound made by nature
Make it work for teams
Give each team the same list and award one point per discovery. Add creativity points for the most surprising valid answer, but require teams to leave natural objects where they found them.
Rainy or small-yard variation
Players can search from a porch or window, photograph details, or use containers filled with safe natural objects collected previously.