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Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? It’s a great outdoor activity for children (and adults) of all ages. You can have a scavenger hunt when camping, hiking, walking, or even at the local park. Played with competing teams or as a single group it’s a wonderful way to fine-tune observational skills and connect with your surroundings.
Photographic Scavenger Hunt
Using a camera (either a traditional camera or smartphone) widens the scope of items that can be included (e.g. clouds in the sky, or reflections on the water). Objects remain in their natural environment, and not having to find homes for the various rocks, leaves, sticks, and insects that children collect and insist on keeping is an added bonus.
Pictures that are taken from a child’s perspective are always interesting. It’s fun to view the photos afterwards and hear about why they included certain objects. As an additional activity, you can make a photo book of the pictures when you get home.
Need a child-friendly camera? Here are some great options:
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Set some rules
If you are playing in teams, establish some ground rules before setting off. Adapt them to suit your circumstances, but be sure to include rules relating to safety, such as which areas are out of bounds, and making sure everyone in the team sticks together. Also, set a time limit and an end meeting point if groups are going off in different directions.
A fun rule could be that at least one photo must include everyone in the group (a creative ‘team selfie’).
Photographic Scavenger Hunt ideas
Below are three themes and ideas for a photographic scavenger hunt. Use these ideas, or adapt them to suit your own family or group.
Looking for more outdoor scavenger hunt ideas? Here are some great games to take anywhere:
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