This family fun activity combines outdoor adventure with observational skills and creativity, making it a great way to capture the last days of summer. You’ll spend quality time together, encouraging physical and mental wellness. This activity will help your child connect with the summer season and understand its unique features and characteristics, enhance their observational skills, introduce them to the photography skillset where they can practice framing, focusing and using a camera.
To take a deeper dive into the benefits activities such as family walks can have on your family’s mental and physical wellness, check out our latest episode of Nest Builders.
Materials Needed:
- A list of items or scenes to find
- A camera or smartphone
- A clipboard or a way to keep the list handy
Preparation:
Create a Scavenger Hunt List: Make a list of summer-themed items or scenes for your child to find and photograph. Tailor the list to your local environment. For example:
- A colorful flower
- A butterfly or bee
- A bird or a nest
- Something that makes a summer sound (like a cicada or a bubbling brook)
- A piece of summer fruit (like an apple or watermelon)
- Something that reminds you of summer (like a beach ball or a sunhat)
Prepare the Camera: Ensure the camera or smartphone is ready and charged. Familiarize your child with how to use it if they’re not already.
Activity:
- Explain the Hunt: Share the scavenger hunt list with your child and explain the rules. Let them know they’ll be taking photos of each scavenger hunt item they find.
- Start the Hunt: Head outside, such as your backyard, a park, or around your neighborhood. Encourage your child to look carefully and take photos of the items on the list.
- Review the Photos: Once the scavenger hunt is complete, review the photos together. Discuss what they found, why each item is special, and any interesting observations.
Have Fun!