As a dad, I’m always looking for creative ways to get my kids off their screens and into the great outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the allure of video games and endless YouTube videos, but there’s something magical about spending time in nature. It’s not just about fresh air and exercise—it’s about discovering the little moments that you just can’t replicate indoors. That’s where Adventure Bingo: Explore Nature Edition comes into play.
The idea hit me one Saturday morning as my kids groaned at the thought of another “boring” hike. I realized I needed to change the narrative, to make nature feel like an adventure rather than a chore. That’s when I decided to create a nature-themed bingo game. And let me tell you, it worked like a charm. The kids were immediately on board, and what started as a simple way to keep them entertained turned into one of our most memorable family traditions.
What Is Adventure Bingo?
Adventure Bingo is exactly what it sounds like: a classic bingo game reimagined to encourage exploration. Instead of numbers, the bingo grid is filled with items you might find in nature. Think pinecones, bird feathers, wildflowers, or even less obvious things like a squirrel or a buzzing bee. The goal isn’t just to play bingo; it’s to engage with the environment in a way that feels fun and interactive.
I printed out some bingo cards (easily customizable online), grabbed a few pencils, and handed them to the kids. Each square had something they needed to find or observe during our hike. As soon as they realized it was a competition, the grumbling stopped.
Why It Works
Nature can sometimes seem overwhelming to kids—too big, too quiet, or just plain boring if they’re used to flashy entertainment. Adventure Bingo breaks it all down into bite-sized, achievable tasks. Suddenly, they’re not just walking through the woods; they’re on a scavenger hunt, eyes peeled for the next item on their list.
This simple game also taps into their natural curiosity. Seeing them crouch to examine an ant trail or squeal with excitement over spotting a hawk in the distance reminded me of what childhood is supposed to feel like.
How to Set It Up
Setting up Adventure Bingo is super simple. You can make your own cards or download pre-made ones online. I liked creating custom cards tailored to the location we were visiting. For example, if we were heading to a park with a pond, I’d include things like “a duck on the water” or “a frog.”
I also made sure to add a mix of easy and challenging items. Some squares might be as straightforward as “a tree” or “a rock,” while others encouraged them to look deeper, like “a bird’s nest” or “a butterfly.”
Here’s a rough guide to creating your own bingo cards:
- Choose a 5x5 grid (or smaller for younger kids).
- Fill the squares with nature-related items, sounds, or activities.
- Print the cards and pack a few pencils or markers.
Customizing for All Ages
One thing I quickly realized is that Adventure Bingo isn’t just for little kids—it can be fun for the whole family. For younger kids, keep the items simple and add pictures to help them identify objects. For older kids (and even adults), you can make the game more challenging by including specific species or harder-to-spot items, like “a red-tailed hawk” or “a maple leaf.”
If you want to mix it up even further, you can add action-based tasks to the card, like “skip a rock across the water” or “climb a tree.”
The Unexpected Rewards
Adventure Bingo turned out to be more than just a fun game. It taught my kids to slow down and really notice their surroundings. They started asking questions: “Why does moss grow on one side of the tree?” or “What kind of bird is that?” It sparked conversations about ecosystems, animal behavior, and even the importance of preserving nature.
And then there were the small but unforgettable moments. Watching my youngest jump up and down because she found a perfectly round acorn or seeing my oldest try (and fail) to capture a photo of a dragonfly—it was pure joy.
For me, the best part was watching them work together. Sure, there was a bit of sibling rivalry at first, but by the end of the hike, they were helping each other fill out their cards. “I think I saw a mushroom over there!” one would shout, and they’d both race to see if it counted.
Extending the Adventure
After the hike, we’d take some time to talk about what we found. Sometimes we’d sketch our favorite discoveries or look up more information about a plant or animal we didn’t recognize. It turned into a full-blown learning experience without them even realizing it.
We also started keeping track of our bingo adventures. Every time we played, I’d jot down a few highlights in a notebook. Over time, it became a little family journal of our outdoor escapades.
If your family is competitive, you can also add prizes. Maybe the winner gets to pick the next outdoor activity or choose what’s for dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just something to keep the excitement going.
Taking It Beyond the Backyard
While we started playing Adventure Bingo on our neighborhood trails, we’ve since expanded to all sorts of locations. Beaches, mountains, and even urban parks all offer unique opportunities for exploration. You can adapt the game to fit any environment.
For example, at the beach, squares might include “a shell,” “a crab,” or “a piece of driftwood.” In a city park, you could add “a squirrel,” “a flower bed,” or even “a trash can with a recycling symbol.”
Why Every Family Should Try It
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your kids, get some exercise, and instill a love for nature, Adventure Bingo is a no-brainer. It’s simple to set up, endlessly customizable, and, most importantly, fun for everyone.
In an age where it’s hard to compete with the constant pull of screens, this game offers a refreshing way to reconnect—with each other and with the world around us. And who knows? You might just discover that you enjoy it as much as the kids do.
The next time you’re staring at a weekend with nothing planned, consider grabbing some bingo cards and heading outside. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to turn a simple walk into an unforgettable adventure.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to print out some new bingo cards. The kids are already asking when we can play again.
