You don’t need a big day out to keep the kids entertained. Sometimes the best activities are right outside your back door. A backyard scavenger hunt is one of those rare wins: it’s free, it takes almost no setup and it gets the kids off their screens and into the fresh air.
We’ve put together a printable list of things to spot in your own backyard, from bugs and leaves to everyday items like the hose or a stray kids’ toy. Print it out, pop it on the fridge or save it to your phone, and let the kids loose.
Why a Backyard Scavenger Hunt Works So Well
There’s no petrol money, no entry fees and no packing the car. It works for toddlers who just want to point and name things, right through to school-age kids who love ticking items off a list. It’s also a great one to pull out when you need ten minutes of peace while dinner is on the stove.
A scavenger hunt is also a sneaky way to get kids noticing the small stuff in nature. Most kids run straight past a dandelion or a spider’s web without a second look. Give them a reason to search for it and suddenly they’re crouched down inspecting every corner of the yard.
What’s on the List
The printable includes a mix of nature finds and everyday backyard items, so it works whatever your yard looks like, whether that’s a big block in the Hunter Valley or a small courtyard in the inner city.
Some of the things kids will be hunting for:
- Bird, butterfly, ladybug or bee
- Ant, fly, worm or spider’s web
- Green leaf, brown leaf, or a piece of bark
- Dandelion, petal or Australian native plant
- Rock, pebble or stick
- Cloud, seed pod or tree roots
- Everyday items like a hose, ball, flower pot or kids’ toy
Print the full list from the download link below so the kids have something physical to tick off as they go.
Tips for Running Your Own Hunt
Younger kids do best with an adult wandering the yard alongside them, pointing things out and turning it into a chat about what they’ve found. Older kids can usually run the whole thing solo, especially if there’s a small prize on offer for finishing the list.
If you’re short on natural finds, a nearby park or reserve works just as well. Some of our favourite local parks and reserves make great scavenger hunt spots if your own backyard is on the smaller side.
A Handy Birthday Party Activity Too
This list isn’t just for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It works really well as a low-cost activity at a kids’ birthday party, especially if you’ve got a backyard party planned over the warmer months. Split the kids into small teams, hand out a list each, and set a time limit. It keeps everyone busy without any real prep on your part.
Click on the link to download a printable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Newy with Kids backyard scavenger hunt printable is completely free to download and print at home.
It works well for toddlers through to primary school aged kids. Younger children may need help from an adult, while older kids can usually complete it independently.
Yes. Most items on the list can be found in a small yard, courtyard, or a nearby park if you’re after more space to explore.
Definitely. It’s a simple, low-cost activity that works well for backyard parties, especially with a small prize for whoever finishes first.
You might also like: