Turn a Simple Outdoor Walk Into Nature Color Scavenger Hunt Game, unlocking your Child’s Focus, attention and sharp Observation.
Every time I’m out with my child, she gets excited by the little things around her. Sometimes it’s a bug, other times a butterfly, and most often, flowers in different colors. I’m always in awe of her observation skills. That’s when the inspiration struck—why not feed her curiosity and help her take these skills to the next level? So, I turned our next nature walk into a Nature Color Scavenger Hunt game.
Materials Needed
- Colored paper (assorted colors)
- Cardboard or cardstock
- Clothespins
- Scissors
What is a nature color hunt
A color scavenger hunt is a game that turns a simple walk outdoors into a fun learning adventure. It encourages kids to slow down, notice their surroundings, and spot different things (plants, animals, colors, objects) in nature—sharpening observation skills while enjoying the outdoors.
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Inspired From
The idea for this Nature Color Scavenger Hunt came to me after reading the book “Power of Ignored Skills“. One section that stayed with me was on observational learning, where the author beautifully says,
“The most common form of learning is observational learning.”
That line made me pause and think—if every discovery begins with observation, how powerful would it be to help kids strengthen this skill early on? So, hunting around colors in nature is not just a game, but a way to train little eyes and minds to notice details, connect with their surroundings, and eventually make sharper decisions.
What are The Benefits of nature color scavenger hunt
The Nature Color Hunt is Nature-Inspired outdoor game. This is also a best screen-free activity that gets kids moving, thinking, interacting with the world around them with consciousness, developing child’s focus, attention and observation skills at early years. Plus, it’s super easy to set up and can be adapted for any age or skill level..
How to Play Nature Color Scavenger Hunt
Step 1: Cut the Colored Paper
Take different colored papers and cut them into square or rectangular pieces.
Step 2: Attach to Cardboard
Fix the colored pieces onto a sturdy cardboard or cardstock using clothespins.
Easy Hack: You can make it simple by using paint or crayons to color a few patches on a paper/ card, and hand it over to your child. Ask them to find and match the colors with objects in nature.
Step 3: Set The Rules For Nature Hunt
Before Going for Nature Color Scavenger hunt, set common rules for the play.
- Choose a safe area (backyard, park).
- No running (safety).
- Collect only natural items (leaf, flower, rock, bird feather).
- Collect items without damaging nature.
- Set a time limit.
- Decide if it’s team-based or individual.
How long should a scavenger hunt be: Young kids (3–6 yrs) → 15–20 minutes. Older kids (7–12 yrs) → 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Create Clues for a Nature Color Scavenger Hunt
Observation-Based Clues
- “I’m soft and green beneath your feet, look around where soil and sky meet.” → Green (grass/leaves)
- “Im yellow in color and grows in the garden.” (flowers)
- “Look for something brown that is rough to touch.” (tree bark, dried leaves)
- “I fall from trees and change my hue, in autumn I may turn red or orange.” (Fall Leaf)
Step 5: Start Nature Color Hunting
Take your kids to nearby park or backyard garden to start the nature treasure hunt.
Ask your kids to look for natural items that match the colors on the hunt board.
examples of colors in nature
- Green (leaves, grass)
- Brown (soil, tree bark)
- Red (flowers, berries)
- Yellow (sunflower, autumn leaf)
- Blue (sky, water)
Step 5: Attach the Finds
Once they find something, they can clip it onto the corresponding color on the board using the clothespins.
Step 7: Celebrate and Hunt More
Keep hunting until all the colors are filled!
Pro Tip: For Older Kids, increase the complexity of the game by asking them to find different hues of same color. For example, ask them to find two different shades of green leaves.
You Might Also Like: Plant Scavenger Hunt For Kids | Get Free Printable To Explore
What Kids Learn from Nature Color Hunt
This Nature Color Hunt isn’t just fun—it’s packed with learning opportunities! Here’s what your kids will gain:
- Observation Skills: Hunting for specific items sharpens their attention to detail.
- Color Recognition: They’ll learn to identify and match colors in a real-world context.
- Nature Appreciation: They’ll develop a deeper connection with the natural world.
- Fine Motor Skills: Clipping items onto the board helps improve hand-eye coordination.
More Nature Activities to Try Out
If your kids loved the Nature Color Hunt, here are some other outdoor activities to keep the fun going:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find, like a pinecone, a feather, or a smooth rock.
- Leaf Rubbing: Collect different leaves, place them under paper, and rub with crayons to reveal their patterns.
- Rock Painting: Find smooth rocks, paint them, and turn them into little works of art.
- Bug Exploration: Use a magnifying glass to observe insects and learn about their habitats.
Nature-Inspired Activities Archive
FAQs
Adjust the difficulty level based on kids’ age.
Preschoolers → checklist with pictures.
Elementary → rhymes & riddles.
Older kids → interactive/photo-based challenges.
1) Pick a theme (nature, color, objects).
2) Decide on location (home, classroom, outdoors).
3) Write clues or checklist.
4)Hide items or go for hunt.
5) Explain rules + time limit.
Have a small reward for motivation.
1) Hide paper clues under desks, near boards, in books.
2) Use learning-based prompts (math riddle → leads to next clue).
3) Keep it short (20–30 minutes).
Can be team-based to encourage collaboration.
Hide items around different rooms.
Give clues leading to the next item.
Use common household objects (spoon, socks, pillow).
More Color Activities to Try Out
Want to keep the color-themed fun going? Try these ideas:
- Color Sorting Game: Use toys, pompoms, buttons, or blocks and sort them by color.
- Rainbow Art: Paint or draw a rainbow and label each color.
- Color Mixing Experiment: Use watercolors or food coloring to show how primary colors mix to form new ones.
- Colorful Sensory Bins: Fill bins with colored rice, pasta, or beans and let kids explore textures and colors.
Checkout: Colors Activity Archive
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some colored paper, head outside, and let the hunting begin! Don’t forget to share your Nature Scavenger Hunt adventures with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your kids’ favorite finds!
Happy hunting!
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