Are the kids running out of things to do with all their summer time? 

Are you in need of some Me Time, even if that just means getting a little work done without distractions?

Did a large group of young people suddenly find their way to your home, birthday party or not?

Here, take this, it’s my secret weapon: scavenger hunts.

This on-the-spot absorption activity developed as a good go-to for our home in the years when I was a single parent, and it’s more fun for kids, of course, when conducted with others. Whether in groups or solo, though, it’s delightful to discover how long a child of just about any age is willing to hunt for an acorn or a ladybug if we all call it a game.

If the kids are younger, I make a list for them ahead of time or even with their help. It can consist of words or pictures.

If they are older, I ask them to make their own lists, especially if hunting with a friend.

If there is more than one child I use one master list they can work on together: cooperation beats competition.

Here’s the How:

  • Establish the Scavenger Hunt Boundary Zone. What’s too far, what’s off-limits, what’s all-in?
  • Set simple rules that we leave living things where we see them; we “check off” those kinds of items from the list with The Honor Policy.
  • There is no need for phones or photos; we’re hunting with our senses only.
  • There’s no need to race the clock, either. It’s summertime, the best time to lose track of time.
  • Have them start by finding a bag to collect the other items. List Item #1: check.
  • Make the list reasonable but challenging according to age and temperament: For tweens, I use ~30 items that list the object and define it: a yellow twig, a spider on a web, a rock shaped like a heart, a clean feather, and so on; the older the kids, the more challenging the items or simply a longer list. For primary grade ages, about 10-15 items are plenty.
  • If the weather is wet, make it an indoor list.
  • They’re done when they find all that can be found.
  • Sometimes, it’s fun to know there’s a popsicle waiting at the end of a finished list, but even the finished list itself can be fulfilling enough.
  • Be sure to ask them to bring you their collection and tell you all about the expedition at the end of the hunt, but not before. Have them describe the living items in as much rich sensory detail as possible.
  • The start of their wholesome hunt is the start of your own satisfying free time.

Oh, and wise parent, do keep those lists afterward. Eventually, you’ll be able to have your scavenger(s) choose a list from the lot you’ve collected over time, sight unseen, as from a deck of cards. The best part is that every new day and new season outside in the yard makes for a new list, even if it’s been used before.

You may wonder whether or not they’re growing brain matter playing in this way, but I promise you’ll miss the day that eventually comes when they’ve outgrown this kind of open-ended zest for seeking such simple delights at length. Put this challenge in front of them this week, though, and see if they’re still game.

For the curious Oregonian in you grown-ups, here’s an online scavenger hunt just for you, with links to make it nice and easy:

10 things found primarily in Oregon

Oregon Sunstone

Darlingtonia Californica (cobra lily)

Marionberry

Oregon White Oak

Central & Eastern Oregon Thunder Eggs

Western Redcedar

Oregon Chanterelles

Myrtlewood

Oregon Truffles

Oregon Spotted Frog