The Egg Carton Scavenger Hunt

What it is
A simple, reusable nature exploration tool that invites children to collect and observe found objects outdoors. Each egg cup corresponds to a prompt on the template card — a colour, a texture, a seasonal find, or a natural object. No experience required, no special outdoor space needed.

What you need
A standard 12 egg carton, scissors, a small velcro sticker set, and a printed template card. Egg cartons can be saved from home, sourced free from a local grocery store, or purchased inexpensively in bulk if you are making kits for a group.

How to make it
Print your chosen template card on regular paper or cardstock and cut it to size. Attach a small velcro sticker to the back of the template card and a corresponding sticker inside the lid of the egg carton. This keeps the card firmly in place during use and allows you to swap between template variations easily — just peel and switch. This is especially handy if you are making kits for a group or plan to use the same carton across multiple seasons.
For an even more durable option, laminate the template card before attaching the velcro — it can then be wiped clean after outdoor use and will hold up over many outings.

How to use it
Choose a template card that suits the season or environment and head outside with the child. When they find something that matches a prompt, they place it in the corresponding egg cup. Encourage touching, smelling, and noticing along the way.

There is no right order, no time limit, and no wrong finds. The goal is curiosity, not completion.

When finished, items can be tipped out and the carton reused, kept for a nature journal entry, or brought home to share.

Free printable template cards
Six template cards are available as free printable PDFs in the link below. Each card fits inside a standard 12-cup egg carton lid. Print on cardstock for best results, or laminate for repeated use.
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Colours / Water and Flowers
[Download all templates here]