Great hiking game/activity for kids: Memory

How many of these
objects can your child
remember? Illustration
by Maryland DNR

Generally, exploring and discovery is enough for kids, but sometimes even they can grow bored with that and become restless. Remember that they naturally have shorter attention spans than adults.

Fortunately, there are lots of tried and true activities you can do on the trail that’ll keep kids from getting bored. Among them is Memory.

Discretely collect 10 objects found on the ground – a pine cone, small rock, fallen leaf, etc. – and cover them with a bandana or other material. Uncovering the found objects, give the kids 10 seconds to see them. Cover the objects; the kids have a minute to find as many of them as they can. The child with the most matches wins.

Materials: Covering, objects along trail.
Ages: 5 and up.

More great day hiking games and activities for kids:
g Butterfly nets
g Grab bag

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.