scavenger hunting with small children

I was looking through my “baby gift” drawer today and came upon this piece of paper from 8-10 years ago. It’s one of our favorite babysitter’s famous scavenger hunt lists. Amelia watched Dane and Tate for a number of years (primarily summer afternoons while she was still in high school).

She was, hands down, the most creative individual when it came to kids’ games. When I talk about playing imaginative games in my book, I refer to these lists along with “Amelia Bingo” – her brilliant, kid-friendly interpretation of a well-known classic.

I’ve kept this particular list because it always makes me smile when I find it again. I love how Amelia works in art, music and mathmetics so effortlessly. She also teaches concepts: what is an object that teaches? What item might make someone smile? I love these ideas so much!

If you are motivated to create your own scavenger hunt, would you please post it in the comments section to share with other parents? Thank you!

Here is the full list:

1. A flat rock the size of Dane’s hand

2. Something that writes in green

3. Tate’s favorite toy

4. Something pink

5. A paper with song lyrics

6. A kerannah (I think she means a “kranaa” which is a Lego Bionicle toy)

7. Dane’s favorite toy

8. Something soft

9. A present for your mom

10. Something that has two different uses

11. A snack

12. Something that teaches

13. A crustacean

14. Something bright green

15. An item that makes us smile