Free First Day of School Scavenger Hunt Printable

The first day of school scavenger hunt printable is one of our favorite ways to ease back into learning after a break. It’s fun, low-pressure, and gets everyone moving, whether you’re teaching at home or in a classroom.

We’ve used this activity for years, and even as Freddie’s gotten older, it’s stayed part of our routine. It turns the usual school supply scramble into a lighthearted game, setting a positive tone for the day.

If you’re also looking for first day of school printables, this scavenger hunt pairs well with simple signs, goal sheets, or “get to know you” pages to round out that first morning.

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Fun Ways to Kick Off the Year with a School Supply Hunt

Whether you’re teaching at home or in a classroom, this printable school supply scavenger hunt helps kids reconnect with their learning space and start the year with energy and fun.

There are two nearly identical versions of the printable scavenger hunt included. One labeled “homeschool” and the other “school”. So you can use whichever fits your setting best.

What’s Included

You’ll get a two-page printable scavenger hunt, one labeled “homeschool” and one labeled “school.”

The lists are nearly identical, with just a couple of small changes: “clipboard” becomes “school bag,” and “pens” are swapped for “crayons.”

It’s easy to use in any setting with no extra prep.

What Kids Will Find

Each scavenger hunt version includes a list of 15 common school supplies.

Kids can search for them, check them off, and either bring them to you or put them away in the right spot, whatever fits your setup best.

Items to find 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.

How to Play

There’s no right or wrong way to use the scavenger hunt, just pick what fits your day best:

• Hide-and-Seek Style: Hide the supplies around your home or classroom and let kids search and collect them using the checklist.
• Tidy-Up Game: Have kids find each item wherever it’s already stashed and return it to its proper place. Great if your space needs a quick refresh.

Both versions are fun, and both get the kids moving, thinking, and ready to start the year.

More First Day Activities to Try

If you’re looking for more first day of homeschool ideas, these printables can help you keep the day fun, low-pressure, and meaningful.

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 your home library or classroom book corner.

First day of school sign – Capture the moment with a themed sign your child can fill in and pose with, an easy tradition to start.

Get to know your students worksheet – Whether you’re teaching one or many, this printable is a simple way to break the ice and learn fun facts.

First day of school crown – Let kids decorate and wear their own crown to mark the start of the year—especially fun for preschool and early elementary.

Books We Love for the First Day of School

Books have always been part of our first day routine. They help set the mood, ease nerves, and open up conversations. These are three first day of school books we’ve read more than once, and still come back to.

• The Kissing Hand – A gentle, comforting story about separation and reassurance that’s perfect for younger kids starting school for the first time.
• First Day Jitters – This one always gets a laugh. The twist ending is great for showing that everyone, even teachers, can feel nervous on day one.
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – Funny and relatable with just the right mix of silly and sweet. Great for talking about how to treat others in a new school setting.

These stories have become part of our tradition and make a nice quiet moment before or after a busy start.

Get the Free First Day of School Scavenger Hunt PDF Here!

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

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

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

Last Updated on 8 May 2025 by Clare Brown