Making an outdoor nature scavenger hunt collecting box is so easy. It is so easy that your children could even help you build it on their own or with a little help. Once you have it put together you will be able to use the over and over again.
The nature scavenger hunt collecting box could be used just to collect bits on nature on a hike or while exploring your yard. The collecting box doesn’t just have to be used as a part of an outdoor nature scavenger hunt.
The collecting box can display items found in the twine web on the outside of the box as well as inside the box. We did not attach a strap to our collecting box. You may decide that you want to add a strap to the box. An old necktie or twine could be used to create a sturdy strap.
Building Background
Before your children start hunting for bits of nature, you may want to read them a book about some of the items they could find on their hunt. Below you will find some wonderful books that could be shared with your children.
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Building Your Outdoor Nature Scavenger HuntCollecting Box
Supplies
- Sturdy cardboard box or a box reinforced inside with popsicle sticks
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Hole Punch
- Twine
Putting Your Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Box Together
First, cut a rectangular shape out of the front of your box.
Second, use the hole punch to create rows of holes along the top, bottom, and sides of the box.
Third, tie a knot in one end of your twine or tape one end of the twine inside of your box near the top hole on the left-hand side.
Fourth, thread the twine from the upper holes to the lower holes until each hole has a vertical row it is a part of.
Fifth, thread the twine from holes on the left-hand side to the right side. You will need to go over and under vertical lines as you go from one side to the other. Continue weaving until each hole is part of a horizontal row.
Finally, tape the end of the twine or place a know in it to hold it in place. You may need to cut off some of the extra twine if you have a lot of twine left or use it as your strap. (That is what we did.)
Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Cards
There are all kinds of outdoor nature hunts you can have your children conduct. They could look for items that are a specific color, size, or texture. An outdoor nature hunt can be conducted using scavenger object cards. Below you will find several sets of cards your children could use in the outdoor nature hunt.
Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt – This set features shape and color cards your children can you to hunt for things in your yard. There is a pre-colored and B/W versions of each set of cards. Your children can color the B/W crayons and shapes the colors they think they will see in your yard.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Cards– This set features bits of nature you may find in your yard or on a nature hike.
Children don’t have to use the cards at all. If you want them to head into the yard and find four, six or even eight things they think are cool or special, that would be great too.
Here are some more nature-themed activities:
