Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids (Free Printable)

I don't know about you, but some of my favorite childhood memories happened outside.

Not on expensive vacations or at fancy attractions—but in the backyard, collecting interesting rocks, chasing butterflies, and seeing who could find the biggest leaf.

Now that I'm raising my own kids, I've realized those simple adventures are still some of the best ones.

Whether we're checking on our garden, looking for lizards in the flower beds, or simply wandering around after dinner, there's always something new to discover when we slow down long enough to notice.

That's exactly why I created this free Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt.

It's a simple way to encourage curiosity, get kids moving, and turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure.

Why We Love Nature Scavenger Hunts

One thing I love about scavenger hunts is that they don't require much planning.

Print the page.

Grab a pencil.

Head outside.

That's it.

Some days we'll spend fifteen minutes checking things off the list. Other days we'll end up outside for over an hour because one tiny discovery leads to another.

A butterfly lands on a flower.

Someone spots a ladybug.

We find a feather.

Before we know it, we've forgotten all about screens and we're completely wrapped up in exploring.

Those are the afternoons I hope my kids remember.

Why This Matters

I think our kids spend enough time being entertained.

What they don't always get enough of is the chance to simply wonder.

To ask questions.

To notice the tiny details most adults walk right past.

Nature has a way of slowing all of us down.

It reminds us that not every afternoon needs a schedule.

Sometimes the best adventures happen just a few steps outside the back door, exploring the wonder right in front of us.

Download Your Free Printable

Built with Kit

Ready to head outside?

Click above to download your free Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt and see what your family discovers.

I'd love to hear what your kids find first!

A Little Encouragement, Mama

You don't need an elaborate plan to create meaningful memories.

Some of the sweetest afternoons begin with nothing more than a printed page, a curious child, and a backyard full of tiny wonders waiting to be noticed.

Slow down. Look closer.

You might be surprised by what you find right outside.

Our Homeschool Morning Basket: What We Keep Inside (and Why We Love It)

*This post contains amazon affiliate links, these don't cost you a thing but they do help me earn a teeny percentage of Amazon's $, feel free to click through and shop!*

When we first started homeschooling, I imagined our mornings would begin with everyone happily gathered around the table, books open, pencils sharpened, and ready to dive into the day.

Reality looked a little different.

Someone couldn't find their math book. Someone else was fingerpainting with their yogurt before I was even able to get a sip of coffee. The dogs were barking, Alexa was belting out K-Pop and there were the remains of an intense game of 'The Floor is Lava' left all over the house.

It wasn't chaotic, it was just...life.

That's when I realized we needed a gentler way to ease into our homeschool day.

Enter our morning basket.

It's one of the simplest things we've added to our school-year routine, but it's made one of the biggest differences. Instead of rushing straight into independent work, we start our day together with books, conversation, and a few favorite activities that help everyone settle in.

If you've been curious about homeschool morning baskets or are wondering what to put in one, here's a peek inside ours.

What Is a Homeschool Morning Basket?

A morning basket is simply a basket (or bin, tray, tote, or even a shelf!) filled with the books and activities you want to enjoy together each morning.

There's no single "right" way to create one.

Some families use it for Bible study, poetry, and read-alouds. Others include memory work, music appreciation, nature study, or fun educational games.

That's one of my favorite things about homeschooling—you get to create routines that fit your family instead of trying to fit your family into someone else's routine.

Why We Started Using One

Before we had a morning basket, our homeschool mornings sometimes felt rushed.

Everyone knew what needed to get done, but it took a while to find our rhythm.

Now, our morning basket gives us a gentle starting point.

We gather together, enjoy a few shared activities, and ease into the day before everyone branches off into their individual lessons.

I've found that beginning with connection makes the rest of our homeschool day feel much smoother.

What We Keep in Our Morning Basket

Our basket changes throughout the year, but these are the items we reach for most often.

Read-Aloud Book

We always have a chapter book we're reading together. It's one of the easiest ways to build vocabulary, spark conversations, and create memories..

Bible or Devotional (Optional)

If faith is part of your homeschool, this can be a peaceful way to begin your morning together.

Memory Work

Whether it's multiplication facts, Scripture, geography, or famous quotes, spending just a few minutes reviewing together adds up over time.

Nature Journal

We love taking our basket outside when the weather cooperates. A simple nature journal gives the kids a place to sketch interesting leaves, insects, birds, or flowers we notice throughout the week.

Colored Pencils and Dry-Erase Markers

Keeping basic supplies in the basket means we're not constantly getting up to search for them.

It sounds like a small thing, but it saves us from a lot of unnecessary interruptions.

Conversation Starters

Sometimes our favorite part of our morning isn't a lesson at all—it's a good conversation.

A few thoughtful questions can lead to discussions about kindness, gratitude, history, or whatever happens to be on our minds that day.

The Best Part? It Changes With the Seasons

One thing I love about our morning basket is that it never feels stuck.

During the summer, we might add field guides, books about ocean animals, or simple nature activities.

In the fall, we'll swap in stories about changing leaves and harvest time.

Around Christmas, our basket naturally fills with seasonal books and family traditions.

It grows right alongside our family.

You Don't Need Fancy Supplies

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this post, it's that you don't need a Pinterest-perfect basket to make this work.

Use a basket you already have.

Borrow books from the library.

Print a few free activities.

Add one meaningful item at a time.

The goal isn't to create something beautiful for social media.

The goal is to create a rhythm that helps your family start the day together.

A Little Encouragement, Mama

If your homeschool mornings feel messy, you're not doing it wrong.

Some mornings our basket is the centerpiece of our day.

Other mornings it barely gets opened because life takes us in a different direction.

That's okay.

The beauty of homeschooling isn't found in perfect routines—it's found in the freedom to adjust, try again tomorrow, and create a home where learning feels welcoming instead of rushed.

Start simple, stay flexible, and remember that the moments you spend reading, talking, and wondering together often become the ones your children remember long after the lesson is over.

The Best Learning Happens Outside the Classroom

"What did your kids learn today?"

I think people often wonder this about homeschool kids.

Most people expect the answer to include math worksheets, spelling tests, or whatever chapter we're working through in science.

Sometimes it does. We don't skip textbooks, but we don't strictly learn from them either.

Some of our favorite learning moments don't happen at a table at all.

They happen while baking cookies, walking through the grocery store.

Watching a thunderstorm roll in, measuring sticks to build a backyard fort, or trying to figure out why the moon looks so big on the drive home.

Those moments may not look like school, but they've taught my kids some of the most memorable lessons.

And honestly? I think every family, whether you homeschool or your kids attend public or private school—can find opportunities for learning in everyday life.

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Learning Through Everyday Life

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that it has changed the way I look at ordinary moments.

Instead of seeing errands as something to check off my to-do list, I see little opportunities to spark curiosity.

A trip to the grocery store becomes a math lesson when we compare prices or estimate the total before we get to the checkout.

Cooking dinner turns into reading practice, measuring fractions, and learning how to follow directions.

Even something as simple as folding laundry can become a lesson in sorting, matching, and responsibility.

None of these moments require expensive curriculum or elaborate lesson plans.

They just require slowing down enough to invite our kids into what we're already doing.

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Curiosity Is a Better Teacher Than Pressure

I've noticed something over the years.

When my kids ask a question because they're genuinely curious, they remember the answer so much longer than when I simply tell them what they need to know.

Some of our best rabbit trails have started with questions like:

"Why is the sky orange tonight?"

"How does a bridge stay up?"

"Why do flamingos stand on one leg?"

Instead of rushing to give an answer, we'll look it up together.

Sometimes that turns into a five-minute conversation.

Sometimes it turns into an afternoon spent learning something neither of us expected.

Those are the days I treasure most.

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It's Okay If Learning Looks Different

For a long time, I thought learning had to happen sitting at a table with pencils and workbooks. But it's that and so much more.

Then I realized my kids were learning just as much while:

• Building elaborate LEGO cities.
• Digging holes at the beach.
• Helping Dad fix something in the garage.
• Watching butterflies in the backyard.
• Creating imaginary worlds with cardboard boxes.

Children are naturally curious.

Sometimes our biggest job as parents isn't filling their heads with information.

It's protecting that curiosity.

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A Lesson I'll Never Forget

One afternoon, we were headed to the neighborhood park when one of my kids noticed a construction crew working nearby. Instead of hurrying past, we stopped.

For the next twenty minutes, we watched cranes lifting items and talked about how the crews were moving our power lines since our area is growing. We guessed what each machine did and counted the trucks driving by.

It wasn't part of our lesson plan. But I guarantee my children remember that afternoon far more vividly than many workbook pages we've completed.

Moments like that remind me learning isn't confined to four walls.

It's happening everywhere, if we're willing to notice it.

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You Don't Have to Homeschool to Learn This Way

This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear.

You don't have to homeschool to embrace everyday learning.

In fact, families with children in traditional school can do this just as easily.

Ask questions at dinner. Bake together on the weekends. Visit your local library.

Explore a nature trail. Let your child help you plant flowers.

Turn everyday moments into conversations instead of rushing through them.

Those little moments add up.

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A Little Encouragement, Mama

If you're a fellow homeschool mom worried that you are not "doing enough," let me encourage you with something I've had to remind myself more than once.

Your children don't need every moment of every day to be educational.

They need a mom who's willing to wonder with them.

Some of the most meaningful lessons they'll learn won't come from a textbook.

They'll come from baking cookies beside you, spotting shapes in the clouds, asking questions you don't know the answers to, and discovering the world together. Those moments count.

Don't underestimate the power of simply being present.

Fun Holidays to Celebrate on June 29th

Fun Holidays to Celebrate Today (June 29): Camera Day, Waffle Iron Day & More!

Who says every day has to be ordinary? One of my favorite ways to add a little fun to family life is by celebrating some of the quirky "national days" that pop up throughout the year. They're simple, inexpensive, and sometimes they're the perfect excuse to make an ordinary Monday feel a little more special.

Here are a few fun holidays happening today!

📸 National Camera Day

Whether you use a fancy DSLR or your smartphone, today is all about capturing memories.

Here are a few easy ways to celebrate:

• Take a family selfie.
• Go on a neighborhood photo walk.
• Let your kids be the photographers for the day.
• Print a few favorite photos you've been meaning to hang up.
• Snap a picture of something that makes you smile.

Sometimes the best memories aren't the perfectly posed ones—they're the messy, everyday moments.

🧇 National Waffle Iron Day

Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

Pull out the waffle iron and get creative!

Try topping waffles with:

• Fresh berries
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Ice cream for dessert waffles
• Fried chicken for a fun twist

If you don't have waffle mix, today might be the perfect excuse to make homemade waffles together.

🤗 Hug Holiday

Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget how much a simple hug can mean.

Today's reminder is easy:

• Hug your kids.
• Hug your spouse.
• Hug your parents.
• Hug a friend.

Those little moments of connection often become the ones we remember most.

🌍 International Mud Day

This one is definitely kid-approved.

Instead of worrying about dirty clothes, let the kids splash in puddles, build mud pies, or create a backyard "mud kitchen."

Childhood is messy—and sometimes that's exactly how it's supposed to be.

Just keep a towel by the door!

Make Today a Little More Fun

You don't have to spend money or plan a big adventure to make memories.

Maybe today you'll:

• Take a few extra photos.
• Enjoy waffles for dinner.
• Give someone an unexpected hug.
• Let the kids get a little muddy.

Sometimes it's the little things that become our favorite family traditions.

Tell me in the comments—which fun holiday would your family be most excited to celebrate today?

 

My Favorite Mom Wins with Babbleboxx

 This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.

Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced, from the grins and giggles to watching them learn something new - every second of taking care of my babies is genuinely a reward. Watching my older kiddo grow into a big girl, talking about boys and giggling with friends is such a special reward and on the other end of the journey of parenthood, watching my sweet baby learn to sit up, hearing that first giggle, and seeing the light in her eyes when she's accomplished something as simple as putting a toy in her mouth is absolutely so special. Being a mom is the most inspiring, rewarding, and awe-worthy thing I've ever done and it's better than I ever could've dreamed.

I'm not going to lie, it's also the most challenging time I've ever had in my life, but they definitely are worth the sleepless nights, changes in my body, and long days full of soothing emotions and fits. It's funny how that works, I feel equally blessed and stressed and I wouldn't have it any other way - being a mom is amazing.

While I'm discussing the amazing parts of motherhood, I thought I'd share some mom wins with you guys - this box from Babbleboxx came stocked full of "wins" I felt were worthy of sharing with y'all on the blog.

We'll start with a product we've been using since our little busy bee was born - CeraVe. This company's mission is to provide therapeutic skin care for everyone, including our sweet little babies! I love that their products offer an exclusive blend of three essential ceramides to mimic our skin's, as well as a revolutionary MVE technology to restore our skin's natural protective barriers, providing our kiddos with the best possible way to clean their bodies without all the bad stuff involved.

The Baby Wash and Shampoo has been sitting bath side since before Holly was born and it cleans her while helping to soothe and protect her skin.

After giving her a CeraVe bath, we love to lather her up with their lotion as well. The CeraVe moisturizing lotion is a lightweight soothing way to make sure her skin has all-day hydration! The best part is that pediatric dermatologist helped to develop the line so I know I'm putting what's recommended on her skin, without a doubt.

Another brand household name for us is Lamaze. We love their toys and have enjoyed raising Delainey to learn and grow through play with their science-backed brand. From cute little stacking rings to fun dollies, I thought I had already scored a majority of the wonderful toys they make- but it turns out I was wrong, Babbleboxx sent us over 3 new Lamaze toys to add to Holly's developmental toy collection and they are truly winners!

Starting with her absolute favorite from Lamaze: The Wacky Giraffe. This little guy makes the whole family giggle with silly sounds with every good whack she gives the table. Holls loves hitting this unique sensory toy into everything and I love that with both ends being nice and soft, it's painless and causes no damage to any surface she whacks. She cracks up with us as we all giggle at her swinging the little guy around - it's truly a hoot! When she sees this little fella, she knows it's time to play!

While we're talking about things that tickle her. The Puffaboo Elephant from Lamaze is truly the cutest way to get her to giggle! From playing peekaboo with his crinkly ears to squeezing it to hear it squeak, it's just adorable - but the best part is when it's squeezed this little elephant blows a tiny puff of air. This little puff is the perfect gentle distraction - making her Puffaboo the perfect toy for her fussy days.

Another toy we run to grab on her fussy days is made by Lamaze as well, it's the Soothing Heart Panda. This little bear friend is soothing and adorable, the perfect mixture for getting Holly to chill. With four different melodies, each with a soothing vibration synced to the rhythm of a resting heartbeat - or press the heart five times and you'll hear the heartbeat! It's such a calming, yet incredible toy and one we love to give her whenever we are winding down before bed time!

Speaking of bed time, we have a baby who loves to go to bed with a full belly. I usually nurse her to sleep and then we sometimes provide her with a little "top off" from a bottle, when she allows for it.  We've tried a handful of different bottles and she isn't so sure about most of them but the Phillips Avent Anti-Colic bottles with Air-Free vents seem to work well for her! These special bottles were designed to reduce feeding issues, colic, gas, and reflux - all of which we've had to battle with Hollyn!

Not only are they great for her, they are easy to clean with less parts and somewhat adjustable since you can adjust the nipple size as baby matures and remove the Air Free vent, if you'd prefer. Honestly, I'm not sure why you would though -  I love that the Air Free vent helps prevent her from "drinking air" because the nipple of the bottle stays full even when she is drinking it at an angle while sitting upright, bringing us both comfort whenever she gets a bottle.

Another way we've learned to comfort her lately is with her new Phillips Avent Soothie Snuggle, we were sent a sloth and it has to be the cutest little lovey I've ever seen! These lightweight plush toys attach to a removable Phillips Avent Pacifier, meaning they can be cleaned without a bunch of hassle.

They also make the cutest accessory while being a comforting little companion for Holls, so it's a win-win! It isn't just a cute little fluffy stuffy though, I love that I'm able to locate her paci much quicker with her little sloth friend attached and that it's made with safe and durable materials so I don't have to worry which part of the toy she decides to soothe herself with while we are in this stage of putting everything in her mouth!

Another item from the Babbleboxx that I know is going to be super durable is our Stonz!

These cool shoes and booties are kid-certified, made for developing little feet, vegan, non-toxic, and offered up with a 365 day warranty! Stonz makes everything from adorable casual shoes to snow booties and mittens, all in a range of sizes - designed to provide comfort to kiddos at any age, in any climate, at any time! 

The Stonz toddler booties we were sent will be the perfect addition to Hollyn's winter outfits, especially when we travel home to finally introduce her to family (hopefully) this winter. Keeping her warm in coziness that stays on those kicking feet will be absolutely necessary. I love that these booties are all-weather wind resistant and they just slide on her little foot, easy peasy! All I have to do is tighten them up with the adjustable toggles and she's good to go!

The other shoe Stonz sent over was their Cruiser. These shoes made my day with how stinkin' adorable they are, I mean who knew baby and toddler footwear could be so cute? These Cruisers are 100% my favorite pair of kicks she owns, with a sweet peachy color and a earth-friendly, sturdy and wearable construction, what's not to love?

We've still got a ways to go until Holly B can walk but I love that these shoes are made with a reinforced heel and are safe for walking, when she's ready. They're also made with a breathable mesh upper and a hi-poly insole, so we won't have to worry about her little shoes stinkin' the place up - they'll be fresh and ready for another wear soon.

Speaking of fresh, I absolutely adore the next product that was sent in my Babbleboxx! T.N. Dickinsons Witch Hazel is game changer and always has been in our home! They make a wide variety of products but two that are amazing post-partum are the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe and the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent!

The Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe are a lifesaver those first few weeks after a vaginal delivery. Even if you don't suffer from the dreaded pregnancy hemorrhoids, these extra soft pads help soothe vaginal pain as well and can be used daily to help provide relief!

On the other end of their product line is the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent! This wildly powerful astringent is actually gentle enough for daily use on your face and body but it does it's job unbelivably well. I use it to help when my skin is especially greasy looking or when I'm trying to fight a blemish before it becomes too bad and love how well it works!

While we're on the topic of things that work well, I think it's time to discuss Oilogic. This company takes the stress out of stressful situations with their solutions-based wellness products. Their products arefree from petroleum, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, gluten, dea, dyes, mineral oil, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrance, but they still get the job done - isn't that impressive?!


The two Oilogic products I was sent were the Oilogic Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Linen Mist and the Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath - both are lifesavers and total "wins" with Holly!

The Slumber and Sleep Linen Mist is beyond soothing. The natural aromatherapy calms and relaxes us both, while getting Holly ready for bed. I try and spray the blend everyday before I lay her down so she knows to associate the smell with bed/nap time and so far, it seems like it could be working..

The Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath uses the natural power of essential oils to help treat babies not old enough for traditional forms of medicine. It helps stuffy little ones clear their nasal passage and calms little coughs. Both of these Oilogic products are now available nationwide in the baby aisle at Walmart, CVS, buy buy Baby, Amazon and more!

So tell me, what do you consider a "mom win" in your home?

Hollyn's Favorite Baby Toys from VTech Baby!

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx, regardless all opinions listed below are completely my own.

I feel like Hollyn just came into the world, then I blinked and my baby is now a big, strong three month old. It goes by so quick...

 I'll be real, I'm already kind of missing that sweet newborn stage, but it's so exciting to see her blossoming and learning. She's really coming into herself! I'm cherishing every minute of each stage, knowing she's only little once and watching her recently roll over for the first time was legitimately so exciting. She surprises us daily with new skills and her athletic ability and agility makes tummy time an adventure daily, that's why we are loving all of her VTech® toys lately.

The one toy we've been grabbing for the most lately is the VTech® Kick & Score Playgym. This cute little play mat is the coolest. She's a huge fan because it lights up and plays songs, I'm an even bigger fan because she's learning while she's playing.

The playgym has a little bit of everything to keep my sweet busy bee entertained. From kicking the ball, to playing sounds and familiar phrases, to batting at the fun play pieces nearby the giraffe, she's constantly moving & grooving while chillin' on the Kick & Score mat. I'm able to lay her down on her mat and get a few things done while keeping an eye on her nearby.

It's amazing to see her face light up with excitement when she manages to kick the ball and it's even more fun to see her smiling when she swats at the giraffe toys and hears the rattle of the ball moving. She's so proud of herself and, in turn, I'm so proud of her!

We don't just lay her on her play mat on her back though, we occasionally flip her over and let her use the mat for entertainment during tummy time. It's so amazing to see her face light up seeing a different angle of her favorite toy. She loves seeing the buttons light up and looking around at all the "animal friends" on the toy definitely sparks joy for her!

Even more amazingly, she's starting to wiggle herself around and army crawl a little while laying on the mat, I credit the adorableness of the gym as a source of encouragement for her.

The playgym is not just a toy for babies though, big sister can't wait til Holly is a bit older and they can use the gym as a soccer goal. Until then we look forward to lots of "play" at this stage, for now big sister has been pointing out the numbers on the top of the playgym, playing with the dangling toys while Holly watches. It's fun watching them play together and I love that it's helping Holly strengthen her language skills while they both are exploring the music and songs as a team!

Looking for a great gift for a new baby in your life? Maybe your little one needs a good toy added to their Christmas wishlist? Make sure the VTech® Kick & Score Playgym is on their list this year!

While we are discussing toys, I feel like I need to mention another toy on the top of our list - the VTech® Turn + Learn Ferris Wheel is most definitely a favorite in this house. The way it lights up and sings songs has Hollyn mesmerized and I love that we can use it pretty much anywhere since it's little and attaches to surfaces by a suction cup.

Her face literally lights up when she manages to hit one of her new animal friends and makes the ferris wheel start singing. I imagine we'll be using this toy for years to come at dinner outings, play dates, and beyond.

Speaking of going out on the town, the last toy I want to share with you today but certainly not our least favorite is the VTech® Turtle's Busy Day Soft Book. This adorable little book has a story easy enough for big sister to recite to Hollyn but also has elements to keep them both entertained, from hide-and-seek little puppets to buttons to push to hear songs and phrases, they both are huge fans!

I've been encouraging D to read this to Hollyn while I'm making dinner lately and I love looking over and seeing them both so engaged with a sweet little book.

So, tell me, do your kiddos have a favorite toy? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments!