Activity/game for hiking kids: 'Sniff It'

Sniffing objects found in nature can bring alive the hiking trail in new and
unexpected ways. Photo courtesy of talkingplant / Photoree.

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 Sniff It.

As with grab bag, have kids collect in a bag objects they see on the ground along the trail. At a rest stop, have them exchange bags. They then close their eyes, pull an object from bag, sniff, and try to identify it. Be sure to return the objects to the ground when done.

Materials: Paper or plastic bags.

Ages: 5 and up.

More great day hiking games and activities for kids:
g Butterfly nets
g Grab bag
g Nature bingo
g Game Show

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