Free Zoo Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
A zoo scavenger hunt printable is a simple way to turn a day at the zoo into an adventure kids won’t forget.
My son always gets excited spotting animals in real life that he’s only read about, and having a scavenger hunt makes the experience even more interactive.
These scavenger hunt printables offer a picture-based version for younger kids and a clue-based version for older ones, making it easy for all ages to stay engaged, curious, and excited as they explore.
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Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo
A zoo scavenger hunt gives kids a goal: spot animals, observe their behavior, and check them off their list.
This scavenger hunt comes in two versions, one with colorful pictures for younger children and another with fun descriptive prompts for older kids.
Whether you’re exploring a small local zoo or a large wildlife park, it’s an easy way to keep kids curious and engaged as they explore.
How to Use
Print the two-page scavenger hunt set and bring it along on your next trip. I recommend using a storage clipboard to keep papers safe (and to hold a few markers or pencils too).
Kids can use a simple pencil to check off animals they spot — no extra prep needed, just a little curiosity and a sharp eye.
Zoo Picture Scavenger Hunt
The first version is designed for younger children and features 15 cartoon images of animals and familiar zoo sights.
As kids explore, they can mark off each one:
- Monkeys
- Elephants
- Bear
- Butterflies
- Picnic area
- Giraffe
- Big cat
- Penguin
- Ice Cream
- Zookeeper
- Reptiles
- Zebra
- Tortoise
- Fish
- Birds
Younger kids especially love spotting colorful animals like butterflies and penguins, sometimes the ice cream stand gets checked off even faster than the animals!
Zoo Animal Scavenger Hunt
The second version offers a bigger challenge for older kids, using descriptions instead of pictures.
Encourage them to look closely, think critically, and match animals to these traits:
Today, I saw an animal…
- that plays in trees
- that has a trunk
- that has stripes
- that can swim
- with scales
- that is tall
- that has a tail
- that I love
- that can fly
- that eats meat
- that has no legs
- that has spots
- that is small
- that has horns
- that has claws
Older kids might enjoy turning it into a photo scavenger hunt — taking pictures of each animal they find that matches the clues.
If your kids enjoy spotting animals at the zoo, they’ll love our farm scavenger hunt printable too, a fun way to explore farm animals up close.
Fun Prize Ideas
Adding a small prize for finishing the scavenger hunt can make the day even more exciting! Here are a few fun and easy prize ideas kids will love:
- Animal Stickers: Great for all ages and easy to hand out at the end of the visit.
- Mini Plush Zoo Animals: A small stuffed animal makes a perfect keepsake after spotting the real thing.
- Animal-Themed Keychains: Ideal for older kids who want a reminder of their scavenger hunt success.
- Zoo Activity Book: This scratch-off art book lets kids trace, sketch, and reveal colorful zoo animal designs, a creative reward for their hard work.
- Animal Pencils and Erasers: Practical and fun, a great choice if you’re doing a scavenger hunt with a group.
A small reward adds extra motivation and gives kids something special to remember their zoo adventure!
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More Animal-Themed Activities for Kids
If your kids enjoyed spotting animals at the zoo, keep the fun going at home with these creative animal activities:
- Zoo color by number printables offer a fun way to keep the excitement alive after a day of animal watching.
- Zoo animals I spy is a great way to sharpen observation skills even after the zoo trip is over, featuring familiar animals kids love to find.
- Penguin life cycle worksheets break down how these amazing birds grow and survive, perfect for kids who loved seeing penguins at the zoo.
- Penguin handprint art combines creativity and learning for younger kids fascinated by arctic animals.
- Zebra handprint art turns a simple handprint into a striking striped design, tying in perfectly with spotting zebras on your scavenger hunt.
- Butterfly life cycle worksheets are a great follow-up if your zoo trip included a butterfly house or garden.
Each activity adds a little more discovery and creativity to your animal adventures!
Get the Free Zoo Scavenger Hunt PDF Here!
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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free scavenger hunt to play at the zoo.
More Scavenger Hunt Printables
If your kids love scavenger hunts, there are plenty of other themed adventures to try!
- At the aquarium, kids can search for fascinating sea creatures with our aquarium scavenger hunt printable.
- Get up close with butterflies while identifying different species in the butterfly scavenger hunt printable.
- A garden scavenger hunt printable encourages kids to explore plants, insects, and garden tools in nature.
- Take the fun outdoors with a camping scavenger hunt printable, perfect for spotting natural objects and essential camping gear.
- The neighborhood scavenger hunt printable turns a simple walk into an exciting way to discover local landmarks and wildlife.
- A day at the beach gets even more exciting with a beach treasure hunt printable, where kids can search for seashells, marine life, and hidden treasures.
These printables offer even more ways to make everyday adventures fun and educational!
Last Updated on 28 April 2025 by Clare Brown