Before the cold rolls in, fall gives us one last chance to gather, snack, and explore together.
Autumn is more than just a change in weather it’s a
shift in pace. The leaves turn, the air cools, and families find themselves
craving connection before winter settles in. A scavenger hunt in the park is a
simple way to honor that season with a: low-cost, high-joy, and rich with
seasonal gathering
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Here’s how to host a scavenger hunt that blends nature
exploration with community care.
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Step 1: Choose Your Park & Set the Date
Pick a local park with walking trails, trees, and a
picnic table or shelter. Mid-afternoon works best warm enough for comfort, cool
enough for cocoa. Once you’ve set the date, start building your guest list.
Five to ten families keep things manageable and meaningful.
Step 2: Prep the Essentials
As host, you’ll provide: Paper plates, cups, napkins or
paper towels. A tablecloth for the picnic table. Printed scavenger hunt flyers
for each child
Encourage guests to bring:
One dozen cookies (pumpkin, oatmeal,
or chocolate chip)
A large thermos of hot cocoa or cider
Bottled water (two cases total for the
group)
Optional: a folding chair for comfort
This keeps the snack table simple, seasonal, and
shared.
Step 3: Build Your Scavenger Hunt List
Each child gets a checklist with items to collect or
photograph. Keep it nature-based and age-friendly:
Scavenger Hunt Items:
Bonus Finds:
A mushroom (photo only!)
A bird’s nest (photo only)
You can laminate the lists or tuck them into clipboards
for easy handling.
Step 4: Snack & Share
After the hunt, gather at the picnic table to share snacks and stories. Kids can show off their finds, swap photos, and enjoy warm drinks while adults catch up. You might offer small prizes or printable certificates for participation nothing flashy, just a little extra joy.
Final Thoughts
