Next week marks the beginning of spring break for us, and any mom knows the key to successful (and sane!) break for all is to come up with activities that will keep kids happily entertained. Today I thought I’d share an idea I came up with last summer that would be perfect for an afternoon of springtime fun: a neighborhood scavenger hunt! Children love to explore the world around them, and this activity is one that will delight kiddos of all ages.
To create your book, place the left (journaling) portion of the single-sided page you printed earlier face up, with the wording facing you. Now, add your subsequent pages to the pile, taking care to ensure you alternate the journaling and photo pages. End with the right (photo) portion of the single-sided page, making sure the blank side faces the outside of your book. Use a book-binding tool, such as a Bind-it-All, to bind the pages of your book together. Alternatively, should you not have access to a book-binding tool, have your book bound at a copy center, or (simplest of all!) use a hole punch to punch three holes along the left side and bind the pages using jump rings.
Once your book is bound, embellish the front cover of your journal using letter stickers. Now, fill out the blanks for each question on the journaling pages of your book with your scavenger hunt questions. You are ready to head out and have some fun!
On the Hunt
When you have answered each question from your journal, head back inside to print copies of your photos (or send them off to be professionally printed, if you are patient enough!). Then, have your children sit down and complete their scavenger hunt scrapbook by affixing photos with glue or other adhesive to the pages and filling out the answer to each question on its respective journaling page. This is a terrific exercise in memory, recognition, and critical thinking!
What I love best of all about this activity is that this is a marvelous way to help children stay connected to the world around them, and it encourages them to thoroughly know the details of their neighborhood. This will instill them with pride of their surroundings and prompt them to be good, conscientious citizens!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Heidi says
We used to do photo safaris and such when we all had polaroids… this is so cute and such a fun afternoon idea! It is also a terrific idea if you have teens babysitting. Put each clue in an envelope and go for a walk… and take pictures… and email them later…. fun for the kids to see themselves and you’ll keep them busy, and the parents will think you’re a 5-star sitter!!
Heidi says
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Unknown says
Oh Amy! This is AMAZING. I can’t wait to try this. We are on the quest for a No Bummer Summer and this is def. going on the list 🙂
http://www.franticmommy.com
Off to read some more of your blog!