Free Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Printable

We’ve done our fair share of alphabet activities over the years, but this alphabet scavenger hunt printable actually got my son excited to practice letters.

No whining, no distractions, just a clipboard, a mission, and a reason to move. We’ve used it in so many ways: racing to find toys that start with each letter, hiding the animal cards around the house, even turning it into a timed game.

If your child’s energy tends to outweigh their focus (like mine), this is one of those printables that blends learning with just enough fun to make it stick.

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How to Use the Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

This free ABC printable includes two different ways to play, so you can adjust based on your child’s age, energy level, or learning style.

It’s low-prep, easy to set up, and one of those activities that works just as well at home as it does in a classroom.

What’s included:

• A to Z scavenger hunt worksheet for finding real objects
• 26 animal-themed letter cards, one for each letter
• Optional tracking sheet for matching or group play

All you’ll need is a printer, scissors for the cards, and something to write with. A clipboard makes things easier if your child is moving around, but a book or folder works fine too.

If you want to reuse the cards, printing on cardstock or laminating them helps them last.

Two ways to use the printable:

Object Hunt – Kids use the A to Z worksheet to find items that start with each letter. This version builds vocabulary, encourages creative thinking, and can be done independently or in teams. We’ve used this inside on rainy days and outside with a timer to keep it exciting.

Animal Card Search – Hide the animal cards around your space and challenge kids to find and match them to the right letters. It’s great for active learners who need to move while they learn. My son especially loved the challenge of finding them all without help, then asked me to re-hide them for round two.

Both scavenger hunt printables are quick to set up and can be used again and again. They’re especially useful if you’re working on letter recognition, phonics, or just need a fun learning break that doesn’t feel like a lesson.

Why This Scavenger Hunt Actually Works

A letter scavenger hunt might look like just a fun game, but it’s doing a lot behind the scenes. This kind of hands-on activity supports early learning in ways that stick, especially for kids who need to move and explore while they learn.

Letter Recognition – Whether they’re matching animal cards or finding everyday objects, kids are connecting letters to sounds in a way that feels natural.

Movement + Focus – This isn’t a sit-still worksheet. It gets kids up and moving, which helps with attention and builds motor skills at the same time.

Vocabulary Growth – As they search, they’re naming new items, asking questions, and expanding the words they know.

Social + Thinking Skills – When played with others, this turns into a group activity that encourages turn-taking, teamwork, and simple problem-solving.

Positive Learning Associations – Turning the alphabet into a game helps kids feel more confident with letters, and more likely to remember them.

More Alphabet Worksheets for Extra Practice

If your child enjoyed the scavenger hunt, these free alphabet printables are another fun way to build confidence with letters, no prep required.

• Alphabet Bingo – A great way to mix movement and focus. We’ve used this for group review and solo quiet time. It’s one of our go-to games for reinforcing letter recognition without it feeling like a lesson.
• ABC Memory Game – Kids match letters to images like “A for Apple,” building visual recognition and early phonics skills. It’s simple, screen-free, and works well for all attention spans.
• Alphabet Animal Coloring Pages – Each page pairs a letter with an animal, like “B is for Bear,” giving kids a creative outlet while practicing beginning sounds.

These printables work well on their own or alongside the scavenger hunt, especially for preschool and early elementary kids who learn best through play.

Winter alphabet worksheetsAlphabet coloring pages & handprint bundlePirate alphabet worksheets

 

Get the Free Printable Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Here!

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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free ABC scavenger hunt.

More Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids

Looking for more interactive learning games? These themed hunts keep kids engaged and exploring in fun ways.

• Neighborhood scavenger hunt – Get kids outside to explore their local community! This activity helps develop observational skills and encourages physical activity while they hunt for everyday objects.
• Back to school scavenger hunt – Perfect for the first day of school, this printable helps students get familiar with their classroom and encourages social interaction with new classmates.
• Library scavenger hunt – Turn a library visit into an adventure! Kids search for different genres, authors, or themes, making reading and literacy exploration more engaging.

These activities are great for keeping learning fun beyond just ABCs!

Last Updated on 7 July 2025 by Clare Brown