Spring Muffin-Tin Scavenger Hunt

Since this activity was created, there have been issues with children eating poisonous mushrooms in parts of Canada. If you decide to try this activity, we recommend that you don't pick the mushrooms, but rather just take a picture for your scavenger hunt. And remind your kids to never eat anything they find in the woods without checking that it's safe to do so.

It’s been a long, strange winter, hasn’t it? Spring is on its way — even if the weather doesn't agree! I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready. Bring on the warmer temperatures, the lush green grass, the blossoming tree-lined streets and nature activities with my little ones! 

One of our favourite activites, that we look forward to doing each year, is a spring scavenger hunt. They've taken a different form each time, but they always drum up loads of excitement and really encourage kiddos to observe and appreciate the nature around them (which I love).

This year we decided to go with an old favourite — a muffin tin scavenger hunt. Muffin tins make perfect collection trays because they’re easy to carry, and they keep everything separated and accounted for until the search is done. 

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Here’s what you’ll need:

• printable scavenger hunt (PDF)
• crayons or markers
• scissors
• sticky tape
• muffin tin

Next, cut out each of the circular images. Cutting out circles provides great scissor practice and I like to use this time to remind my little one to go slowly, keep her scissors on the line and turn the paper as needed (rather than keeping the paper stationary and turning the scissors to stay along the line).

With the images cut out, roll little loops of tape and secure one image in the base of each muffin cup.

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Now you’re ready to head outdoors! Pop on your spring jacket and rain boots, and don’t forget to take your muffin tin along with you.

When you’ve completed the scavenger hunt, you can showcase your newly found items in a spring exploration centre or put them to good use in investigation bottles similar to the ones we made last fall. Or let your little one decide how to put the items to good use. They're bound to have a fun and creative idea of their own!

This story was updated April 2019.