Sure, summer is a great time to visit sunny beaches and amusement parks full of costumed, college-age people with perfect teeth. But sometimes you simply need to pay the bills and stay close to home. With just a little creative thinking, you can create a Family Scavenger Hunt list and collect a decent pile of souvenirs from your summer adventures without even leaving town.
When you are making plans for your summer activities, think of some small things that would be easily and cheaply purchased or found at the places you’ll be visiting. They can be anything, really. Souvenirs you would buy in gift shops like polished rocks from a roadside shop, or a backpack patch from an state park gift shop. Or, you could gather things like “creek stones from five different creeks” (pick up stones big enough to write the date and creek name on!). If you like to get out in the woods put things like a hickory nut or an empty turtle shell on your list.
I love a jar full of odds and ends and pebbles and broken glass, but some of you may be a little less tactile. In that case, buy each of the kids a disposable camera and let them collect their “souvenirs” visually. You can do some research on trees or wildflowers that grow in your region, and let the them collect photos of each one. (Since most state parks restrict the collection of wild flowers, this option will keep you on the right side of the law.)
You could also create a photo list that includes some historical buildings in your area, different makes and models of vehicles, favorite parks or trails you walk… there are so many options. When you start thinking about it, you will have ideas coming out your ears!
What kinds of souvenirs do you like to pick up when you’re playing tourist? Share your ideas in the comments!
What a great idea! I’m pinning this and not just because you’re my friend :P
When I travel, I like to get mugs from the places I go. If I go to a lot of places on one vacation, I usually pick the two most important mugs to get. For example, I have a mug from the Capitol in DC but also the Newseum. The staycation version of that would be pretty easy as lots of places have branded materials. Another idea is magnets, which I used to do until I realized my fridge reminded me of my great aunt.
[…] recently read a blog from a blogger in Northwest Arkansas who talked about “staycation scavenger hunts.” Basically, a fun activity to do with your kids on a staycation (or vacation!) is to create a […]
I love collecting rocks from different areas. I have a beautiful collection from Brighton, London and a few glittery rocks from Greece. :)
When I was a kid, I collected bells from every place we visited. My parents and older siblings also would frequently add to the collection. It grew, and it grew and it grew, until I finally stopped because it was overtaking my bedroom. I haven’t seen those bells in years — I’m betting they’re somewhere in my parents’ attic.