Field Trip with a Focus: The Scavenger Hunt

Museums are both the most exciting and overwhelming places for me to visit. The exhibits are engaging, but my kids (and my former students) always had trouble, jumping from one area to the next after the novelty wore off.

I wanted to find a way to focus their attention and guide their thinking while still honoring their natural curiosity. Enter my favorite field trip tool--scavenger hunts.

Why Use a Scavenger Hunt?

How to Make Your Own Museum Scavenger Hunt

After the Hunt

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Why Use a Scavenger Hunt?

From archaeological dig sites to earthquake simulators, museum exhibits are designed to draw you into an experience. I don't know about you, but when I am with my kids at a museum, they're like hummingbirds, flitting from one sign to the next, and I have limited time to actually read the signs and enjoy the exhibits on a deeper level.

Of course, kids' attention spans are naturally shorter than adults, and that's ok! But what if you want to gently guide your kids toward certain facts or help them to spend just a bit more time in an area? Wouldn't it be nice to actually be able to read the placards?

Give them a scavenger hunt--a list of things to look for--throughout the halls. No matter which type of museum you are visiting (art, natural history, outer space), this tool is universal. And it is by far my favorite way to create engagement and organization in an otherwise overstimulating environment.

How to Make Your Own Museum Scavenger Hunt

Are your kids the type to talk for hours about a particular interest they have? Or are they the kind who says "I dunno..." whenever you ask what they want to learn about? Either way, you can design a scavenger hunt to fit their needs and interests. There's a simple formula you can follow to create your own museum scavenger hunt.

Step 1: Choose the Right Museum

First things first – pick a museum that's kid-friendly.

Natural history museums and science centers are great because they have tons of cool exhibits. Avoid the ones that are too stuffy or have a lot of "Don't Touch" signs. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 2: Do Some Recon

Yep, you heard me. Recon.

Visit the museum ahead of time (sans kids) to scope out the lay of the land. Note down interesting exhibits, quirky facts, and anything that stands out. If visiting twice may be too pricey for your budget, try seeing if the museum has a website with a virtual tour option or some exhibits already listed on their site. This will help you craft clues that are engaging and not too hard.

Step 3: Crafting the Clues

Here’s where the fun begins!

Make the clues challenging but doable. You can even use riddles, rhymes, and puzzles. For example:

• Simple Riddle: "I have a long neck and I love to munch on leaves. Find me and tell your parents what I am!" (Answer: A giraffe exhibit in a natural history museum)

• Rhyming Clue: "To see the stars without the night, find the room where things take flight." (Answer: The planetarium or space exhibit)

Having a hard time being creative? Try using ChatGPT to generate some for you! And not every clue needs to be involved. Fill-in-the-blank or short-answer are also great structures for questions on your scavenger hunt.

Step 4: Set the Rules

Kids LOVE competitions, but let's keep it friendly.

Here are some quick rules to set:

1. Stay with the group: No wandering off alone.

2. Be respectful: No running or touching exhibits unless allowed.

3. Work together: Encourage teamwork and helping each other out.

Step 5: Gather Supplies

Don’t forget the essentials!

• Clipboards and pens/pencils: Makes them feel like real detectives.

• Stickers or stamps: For marking off found items.

• Prizes: Small trinkets or certificates for completing the hunt.

Step 6: Ready, Set, Go!

Kick off your scavenger hunt with a bang! Gather the kids and explain the rules and objectives. Hand out their maps or checklists and watch their eyes light up with excitement.

Remember, the goal is FUN. So if they get stumped, offer hints and encouragement. The idea is to make learning an adventure.

Step 7: Celebrate!

Once the scavenger hunt is complete, gather everyone to celebrate. Hand out the prizes and maybe even stop by the museum café for a little treat.

Bonus Tips:

• Take Photos: Capture the moments when they find clues. These make great memories.

• Themes: If the museum has a special exhibit (like dinosaurs or ancient Egypt), center your scavenger hunt around that theme.

• Feedback: Ask your kids what they liked best and what could be improved for next time.
  

After the Hunt

And there you have it – a recipe for an unforgettable museum outing!

Creating a scavenger hunt transforms a regular museum visit into an engaging adventure. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond with your kiddos.

If you're looking for a pre-made scavenger hunt to take with you to an art museum, I've created something you can use! Check it out here:

Happy hunting!

Author Bio:

I'm Sara, a fellow parent and adventure enthusiast. When I'm not planning scavenger hunts or exploring new places with my kids, you can find me sharing tips and tricks to make learning more fun.

Got your own scavenger hunt ideas or stories? Drop them in the comments below! Let's inspire each other.