Scavenger Hunts
Enjoy these wildlife scavenger hunts that you can do on your own or with friends and family!
Almost all of our Hillsborough County Nature Preserves are open again (except for Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, which remains closed to the public). It's time to get back outside and explore! These scavenger hunts are a great addition to your routine while hiking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Just remember to continue social distancing with those outside of your household and give other hikers plenty of space.
Each of these printable wildlife scavenger hunt pages features species that you can find in nature preserves, but you may have to visit multiple preserves to complete each one, and some species are much harder to find than others. Just click on the link under each section to open that particular scavenger hunt, then either print the file out or download it and follow along on your phone as you hike.
Find a preserve near you here- each preserve web page has a link to a downloadable, geo-referenced trail map that you can print or open with a mapping app such as Avenza. Please remember that most Hillsborough County Nature Preserves don't have restroom facilities or water fountains. Bring a snack, water, and a cell phone with you!
Kids' Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
Although this simplified hunt is geared more towards kids, it's still a great option for adults who want to get into watching for wildlife! From the tiniest ant to the majestic white-tailed deer, this scavenger hunt will help kids learn to pay close attention to their surroundings as they hike - and the page includes fun facts about each animal, too. Check off each box as you go.
Feathered Friends Scavenger Hunt
Even beginner birdwatchers will be able to complete this scavenger hunt, which includes many of Florida's most recognizable birds. Each of these bird species can be found in our Hillsborough County Nature Preserves, although some are only here in the spring and summer. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the hunt! You can use the pages at the end of the scavenger hunt to document your finds, or just check off next to each bird's picture.
Butterfly and Moth Scavenger Hunt
Spring is fading and summer is almost here, and fields of wildflowers are blooming in our parks and preserves. You'll find the butterflies and moths in this scavenger hunt flitting from flower to flower, performing their important function as pollinators. Some are brighter and easier to find than others, but all of these species have been spotted in Hillsborough County Nature Preserves. You can use the pages at the end of the scavenger hunt to document your finds, or just check off next to each butterfly's picture.
Spider Scavenger Hunt
These misunderstood beauties are an important part of any ecosystem! Some of Florida's brightest and most beautiful spiders can be found in Hillsborough County Nature Preserves. Spiders are often found spinning webs in open spaces right next to the trail- be extra careful while hiking not to break their webs and ruin their hard work! You can use the pages at the end of the scavenger hunt to document your finds, or just check off next to each spider's picture.
