BioBlitz Scavenger Hunt

The BioBlitz Scavenger Hunt is an outdoor and kid friendly exploration activity where children search for broad natural categories such as a jagged leaf or a yellow flower instead of identifying species. Adults use the iNaturalist app to help children instantly identify their finds and spark curiosity about nature.

Program Overview

This program engages children ages four through eight and their caregivers as they explore a local park or outdoor area. Children receive physical checklists and search for simple observable natural items. The Seek app provides quick and kid safe identification without accounts or data collection.

Audience

Children ages four through eight and their caregivers. Adaptable for mixed age families or school groups.

Program Length

5 minutes Welcome and instructions

25 minutes Outdoor scavenger hunt

10 minutes Identification and discussion

5 minutes Wrap up

Preparation Checklist

Choose a safe outdoor area such as a park, garden, or nature trail

Print scavenger hunt checklists for all children

Gather clipboards and pencils

Install the Seek by iNaturalist app on staff or chaperone smartphones or tablets

Optional Bring magnifying glasses or simple nature field guides

Learning Outcomes

Strengthen observation skills and scientific curiosity

Learn to categorize natural objects by features rather than names

Understand how field scientists identify living things

Build confidence exploring outdoor environments

Practice teamwork and communication

Accessibility

Choose paved or accessible outdoor routes when possible

Provide pre identified nature samples for children with mobility limitations

Optional Extras

Create a community nature board featuring photos from the activity

Host a follow up program exploring local ecosystems

Help children build simple nature journals to continue observing outdoors