A list of more than 50 free printable scavenger hunts for kids that can be used all year long -- great activities for indoor & outdoor fun!

You might think it's because they can be a great learning opportunity which is true -- kids hone their observations skills, learn to work as a team, practice their reading skills and more.

But here's my little secret ...

I really love scavenger hunts because they are an awesome independent activity for kids!

Ahh...independent activities.

Which means I get a few minutes without hearing "Mom, Mom, Mom.."  :)

For kids too young to read, you can find some great picture scavenger hunts.  And kids who are readers not only can practice their reading skills but they also make great leaders for younger sibs as they do a hunt together.

Adults can offer minimal help -- for example, during dinner prep, read the items on the list while the kids run around the house to find them. 

And scavenger hunts are great for holiday gatherings, birthday parties or just as a family activity.

50+ Scavenger Hunts for Kids w/free printables

Here's a round-up of spectacular scavenger hunts for kids with monthly themes - more than 50 in all for year-round fun!   We've included affiliate links for a few scavenger hunt items we love too!  

One great thing to always have on hand is a sturdy 9 x 12" Clipboard and pencil -- it makes it SO much easier for the kids to keep track of the paper and check off items!

Some are the traditional print-and-go type hunts while others are more unique -- every one of them is a great adventure :)

January: Winter Scavenger Hunts

Snow Day Scavenger Hunt -- The Bird Feed NYC

Winter Nature Photo Hunt -- Go Explore Nature

Outdoor Winter Scavenger Hunt -- University of Michigan

Indoor Everyday Scavenger Hunt for Kids -- Sisters to Sons

February: Indoor Hunts

Valentine Scavenger Hunt  -- Edventures with Kids

Indoor Scavenger Hunt (this one's perfect for tweens/teens) -- Fantasy Jr.

Rainy Day Scavenger Hunt -- Momdot

March: Spring Scavenger Hunts

Rainbow Photo Scavenger Hunt -- Feels Like Home

St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt -- Love Grows Wild

Outdoor Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt -- The Inspired Treehouse

Early Spring Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

If you're looking for fun items to add to an Easter basket, younger kids will enjoy My First Scavenger Hunt Card Game and older kids will love this book The Pocket Scavenger.

April: Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Playground Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Color Hunt (can be used inside or outside) -- Coffee Cups & Crayons

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt (both outdoor & indoor) -- Edventures with Kids

And Hands on As We Grow has a great list of 12 Easter Scavenger Hunts!

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

May: Learning Scavenger Hunts

ABC Architecture Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Outdoor Listening Hunt -- Teach Preschool

Library Scavenger Hunt for Kids -- Frogs, Snails & Puppydog Tails

Plus 40 Outdoor Scavenger Hunts too!

June: Nature Scavenger Hunts

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt -- 733 Blog

Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt -- The Scrap Shoppe

Camping Scavenger Hunt -- Mom Running On

And if you have kids who are always saying "I'm bored!" during the summer, try this UNBORED Treasure Hunt Game to keep them busy & entertained!

More for You: 20 Summer Scavenger Hunts 

July: Summer Scavenger Hunts

Beach Scavenger Hunt -- Krafts & Kiddos

July 4th Scavenger Hunt -- Moritz Fine Designs

Car Trip Hunt -- Create, Play, Love

If you'll be taking a road trip this summer, try this set of Travel Scavenger Hunt Cards for Kids too!

August: Exploration Hunts

Nocturnal Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Insect Scavenger Hunt -- Sparkle Box

Neighborhood Search -- The Bird Feed NYC

Photo Scavenger Hunt - Edventures with Kids

September: Autumn Scavenger Hunts

Hiking Scavenger Hunt -- Make & Takes

Fall Leaf Hunt with printable cards -- Edventures with Kids

Fall Scavenger Hunt -- Mrs. Bremer's Class

School Shopping Scavenger Hunt -- B-inspired Mama

October: Halloween Scavenger Hunts

Autumn Scavenger Hunt -- Chalkboards & Strollers

Halloween Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt -- Simply Sprout

Plus these:  18 Awesome Autumn Scavenger Hunts  

November: Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunts

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt -- Let's Get Together

Thanksgiving Reading Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Turkey Feather Hunt -- No Time for Flashcards

Thanksgiving Day Scavenger Hunt -- It's a Mom's World

And if the family will be gathering, this Family Scavenger Hunt pack is a great holiday activity!

December: Holiday Scavenger Hunts

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt -- Not Consumed

Christmas Geography Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

Holiday Scavenger Hunt -- Tatertots & Jello

New Year's Eve Scavenger Hunt for Kids -- Buggy & Buddy

Gingerbread Man Scavenger Hunt -- Edventures with Kids

More Fun Activities for Kids:

50+ Outdoor Games & Crafts

55 Hands-on Science Activities

40 FREE Pretend Play Printables