A walk around the block doesn’t have to be boring for the kids. Add a scavenger hunt to the mix and suddenly they’re scanning every yard, footpath and driveway looking for what’s next on the list.
It’s an easy way to get some fresh air and exercise into the day, and it works just as well as a regular after-dinner walk as it does for a longer weekend stroll. We’ve put together a printable list of everyday things to spot on your neighbourhood walks, from a dog or a trampoline to a “for sale” sign or an out of state license plate.
Why This Works So Well for Family Walks
Kids tend to switch off on a plain walk, especially if it’s one they’ve done a dozen times before. Giving them something to search for turns the same street into something worth paying attention to. It also naturally slows the pace down, which is handy if you’re trying to stretch out an evening walk rather than race through it.
You don’t need to finish the list in one go either. Spread it out over a few walks or even a couple of weeks. It gives the kids something to look forward to each time you head out the door, and it works well whether you’re walking around your own street or exploring a new part of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter.
It’s also a nice excuse to slow down and actually take in your own neighbourhood. A scavenger hunt gets you stopping at fences and front yards you’d normally walk straight past, and it’s not unusual to end up having a chat with a neighbour along the way. For families who’ve just moved to the area, it’s a low-key way to start feeling part of the local community.
What’s on the List
The list is a mix of things you’ll spot on almost any street, along with a few trickier ones to keep older kids interested.
Some of the things kids will be hunting for:
- Dog, cat or bird
- Fire hydrant, street sign or bus stop
- “For sale” sign or house name sign
- Trampoline, kids’ bike or basketball hoop
- Yellow car, motorcycle or boat/RV
- Spider’s web, dandelion or freshly cut lawn
- Teddy bear in a window or lawn ornament
Print the full list from the download link below so the kids have the complete hunt to work through.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Bringing along a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass adds another layer to the hunt and gets kids using their observation skills rather than just glancing around. It’s also a nice one for grandparents to join in on, since it slows the walk down to a pace that suits everyone.
If you’re after a change of scenery, this list works well on a walk through a different suburb too. Pairing it with a visit to one of our favourite local parks and reserves makes for an easy half day out without much planning.
Click on the link to download a printable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Newy with Kids neighbourhood scavenger hunt printable is completely free to download and print at home.
Not at all. It’s designed to be spread across several walks, so there’s no pressure to tick everything off in one go.
It suits a wide range of ages, from toddlers who enjoy pointing things out to older kids who like ticking items off independently.
Yes, it works just as well on a walk through a new neighbourhood or suburb, making it a good option for a change of scenery.
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