Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Summer is the season for getting kids outside, but keeping them entertained — especially during cookouts and backyard BBQs — takes some planning.
A backyard scavenger hunt for kids solves that problem perfectly. It keeps little ones busy, active, and away from the grill while the adults handle the cooking.
This free printable backyard scavenger hunt includes three different games scaled by age and difficulty. Whether you’re running a kids party, looking for summer activities for preschoolers, or just need an affordable activity that works for outdoors, you can download it for free.
What You Get in This Free Printable
The download includes three complete games in one PDF.
Game 1 uses picture cards so even the youngest players can participate without needing to read. It’s ideal for preschoolers and toddlers with adult supervision.
Game 2 features riddle-style clues that require kids to think before they search. It works best for older kids, teens, and adults who want more of a challenge.
Game 3 includes a longer checklist of items to find. It’s designed for older kids and adults who want to stretch the activity out longer — great for summer parties where you need kids occupied for a solid stretch of time.
Supplies
- Printer and paper (standard letter size)
- Scissors (to cut out the Game 2 clue cards if desired)
- Pencils or crayons to check off items
- Clipboards or a hard surface for writing (optional but helpful)
- Small prizes or treats for the winner (optional)
How to Set Up the Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Step 1: Print the Game
Download the free printable and print the game version that fits your group. Print one copy per team or player. Color printing looks best but black and white works fine.
Step 2: Choose Your Teams
Decide whether kids will play solo or in small teams. For mixed-age groups at a cookout or party, pairing a preschooler with an older sibling makes Game 1 accessible and fun for everyone.
Step 3: Set the Boundaries
Before the hunt starts, walk the kids through the play area and point out the boundaries. Keep them away from the grill area, the street, and any off-limit zones. Clear boundaries make the game safer and keep the competition fair.
Step 4: Review the Rules
Go over the rules together.
The goal for Games 1 and 3 is simple: find as many items on the list as possible and check them off.
For Game 2, kids must figure out the riddle first, then locate the answer in the yard.
The first player or team to find all their items wins. For a longer activity, set a timer instead and see who finds the most items before time runs out.
Step 5: Start the Hunt
Send the kids off and let them explore. Game 1 players will spot items like butterflies, ladybugs, flower pots, twigs, and clouds. Game 3 players search for trickier finds like raccoon footprints, a spider web, acorns, a compost bin, and lavender.
Step 6: Award a Winner
Tally up the finds and celebrate the winner. A small prize keeps the energy high, but bragging rights work just as well.
Tips for a Smooth Hunt
Walk the yard before the game to make sure most items on the list are actually present. Game 3 includes items like a hammock, barbecue grill brush, and seed packets that not every yard will have — swap them out if needed.
For a kids party, stagger the start times by team so everyone isn’t racing to the same spot at once. For a classroom version, run the hunt on a school playground and swap backyard items for playground equivalents.
Get the Free Printable
Download the free backyard scavenger hunt printable below.
Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Chiang Mai-based certified teacher, artist, and blogger with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.