Free First Day of School Scavenger Hunt Printable

This free first day of school scavenger hunt printable is a fun way to help kids explore their classroom, organize school supplies, and get excited about the new school year.

Whether you’re looking for a back to school scavenger hunt for the classroom or homeschool, this printable activity gets kids moving while helping them become familiar with their learning environment.

The free PDF includes both a school scavenger hunt printable and a homeschool version, making it easy to use wherever your child learns.

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What’s on the School Supply Scavenger Hunt?

This school supplies scavenger hunt includes 15 common classroom items that children will recognize from everyday learning activities.

As they search for each item and check it off their list, they’ll become more familiar with their classroom, homeschool room, or study space.

The activity works well as a first day of school scavenger hunt because it encourages movement, observation, and independence while helping kids locate the supplies they’ll be using throughout the year.

It’s also a simple way to turn organizing school materials into a fun back-to-school activity instead of another chore.

Items include:

• Scissors
• Sharpener
• Stapler
• Paper clips
• Coloring pencils
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Sticky tape
• Pencils
• Push pins
• Paintbrush
• Glue
• Paper
• Clipboard or school bag
• Pens or crayons

You can also turn it into a reward activity. Let them pick one item as a back to school gift once they’ve completed the list.

More First Day Activities

If you’re looking for more first day of school activities, these printables can help keep the day fun, engaging, and low-pressure.

• Back to school word scramble – A quick, no-prep activity that gets kids thinking while easing into a school mindset.
• Library book scavenger hunt – Great for encouraging reading and helping kids explore a classroom library, school library, or home collection.
• First day of school sign – Capture the moment with a themed sign your child can fill in and pose with.
• Get to know your students worksheet – A simple icebreaker activity that helps children share interests and learn about one another.
• First day of school crown – Let kids decorate and wear their own crown to celebrate the start of a new school year.

Books We Love for the First Day of School

Reading a picture book is a simple way to ease first-day nerves, start conversations, and help children feel excited about the new school year. These are three of our favorite first day of school books.

• The Kissing Hand – A comforting story about separation and reassurance that’s perfect for younger children starting school for the first time.
• First Day Jitters – A funny back to school story with a memorable twist that reminds kids everyone can feel nervous on the first day.
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – Silly, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful, this book opens the door to conversations about friendship, kindness, and classroom behavior.

Whether you read them at home or in the classroom, these books make a great addition to first day of school activities and help create a calm start to the year.

Get Your Free First Day of School Scavenger Hunt Here!

Both versions are included in the same PDF, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

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

Last Updated on 23 June 2026 by Clare Brown