If you plan on exploring a National Park this summer, helping your budding naturalists discover the little things is a fab way to introduce them to the great outdoors. From quizzing a Park Ranger to taking the scenic route, we’ve created the ultimate National Park scavenger hunt list. Take a look, print it out (download the PDF here) and get searching!
1. Explore a cave.
2. Pick up a pinecone.
3. Look for an unusual rock formation.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
4. Spot five different plants you see growing in the park.
5. Find the biggest tree and hug it.
6. Take a picture next to the National Park entrance sign.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
7. Find the scenic route and take a cruise (with Mom and Dad!).
8. Climb a boulder.
9. See if you can find a fossil.
10. Head for the visitors center and check out the exhibits.
Photo: National Park Service via flickr
11. Ask a Park Ranger three questions.
12. Wait until dark and look for shooting stars.
13. Spot five NPS Arrowhead logos around the park.
14. Look for a stalagmite.
Photo: Davynin via flickr
15. Choose a popular hike and go!
16. Take a picture of a field of wildflowers.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
17. See if you can find petrified wood.
18. Spot a trail of ants.
19. Sign up to be a Junior Ranger, complete the activity book and earn a badge!
Photo: National Park Service via flickr
20. Collect sticks and help build a campfire.
21. Scope out a waterfall and have a picnic lunch.
22. Follow a trail of footprints in the sand.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
23. Go on a geocache adventure. Find out more by clicking here.
24. Collect five different shells.
25. Identify shale rock.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
26. Check out the oldest building in the park.
27. Watch a geyser erupt.
28. Look for dinosaur footprints.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
29. Listen for a hooting owl.
30. Bike over a river.
Looking for more?
Check out our list of thrilling National Parks for families by clicking here.
Wondering what to do while visiting a National Park this summer? We’ve got the scoop on coolest programs for kids.
Will you be visiting a National Park this summer? Tell us about it in a Comment below!
— Gabby Cullen
