Who's in the Garden: A Scavenger Hunt for Little Ones

Scavenger hunts are one of those activities that feel exciting to children but are genuinely developmental too. This one focuses on the minibeasts and wildlife you are likely to find in a typical London garden.

How to Set It Up

All you need is a simple checklist of things to look for (you can draw or print pictures if your child is not yet reading), a magnifying glass if you have one, and some outdoor space. Even a small patch of grass or a few plant pots will do.

What to Look For

Encourage children to look carefully and quietly before moving. Some good targets for a London garden:

• Bees
• Worms
• Spiders
• Ladybirds
• Butterflies
• Blackbirds
• Squirrels
• Robins

Some Fascinating Facts to Share

Bees have five eyes and six legs.

Worms have no eyes, legs or arms - yet they are one of the most important creatures in the garden.

Spiders have eight legs, while insects have six.

Ladybirds are actually a type of beetle.

Butterflies attach their eggs to leaves using a special natural glue.

Robin eggs are a beautiful light blue colour.

Great Questions to Ask

• Is it furry, slimy or smooth?
• How many legs can you count?
• Does it jump, run or fly?
• Where do you think it lives?
• What do you think it eats?

This kind of conversation develops observation skills, patience, vocabulary and early scientific thinking - all while simply being outside.

We spend time in our Balham nursery garden every single day, whatever the weather, and the children's curiosity about the natural world never gets old. If you would like to come and see Little Starlings for yourself, book a tour.