We’re all spending more time at home these days. A walk through the neighborhood, wherever you live, has become an essential part of daily life.
Instead of just checking out your neighbor’s landscaping, use your stroll to play one of our fun versions of the classic “eye spy” game. Get your children involved, or just try one of these versions on your own. We promise fun either way.
Neighborhood scavenger hunt
Before you walk out the door, brainstorm a list of all the classic items you might see around the neighborhood (or just use ours below.) As you see each one, mark it off, and treat yourself when you get home. This one is perfect for keeping little companions busy.
Ideas of what to look for: bird, tree, flag, bicycle, stop sign, dog, fire hydrant, trash can, mailbox, hose, car, wind chime, a package on a front porch, a cat in a window, a door hanger, a for sale sign.
Sensory scavenger hunt
Engaging the five senses during a walk is particularly fun to do during a socially distanced hike or in a more rural neighborhood setting. Use our list of natural items to search for, and if you’ve got a child to engage, this is another good option.
Ideas of what to look for: listen for a buzzing bee, smell green grass, touch a smooth stone, feel wind on your face, touch the bark of two different trees, feel the soil, find a green leaf, find a pattern or design in nature, smell a flower, listen for a bird singing.
Color scavenger hunt
The simplest of our three ideas — and maybe the most versatile — starts with a piece of paper and a few markers. Choose several colors and color a box on the page. Then head outside, and look for objects in nature that match the colors on your page.
If you’re hunting with children, have them color on the side of a paper bag. When they get outside, the bag acts as a carryall for all their new, colorful natural treasures.
Have you found new ways to explore the outdoors using your eyes and the senses? Let us know in the comments. And if you use one of our ideas, let us know that, too.
The ilumin team is still seeing patients in a safe way through the pandemic so their family’s eyes are healthy and looking toward the future. Call ilumin to schedule your consultation today.
