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Family Photo Scavenger Hunt
A fun and connecting activity for the whole family
TWEENS (11 - 14 YEARS)
8/19/20262 min read
This one is so simple and so much fun - and it works for absolutely any age, any location, any weather. Give your tween a list of things to photograph (not collect, just photograph) and send them off with a camera or phone. The results are always surprising, always creative and always hilarious.
Find something older than Grandpa. Something blue. Something round. Something tiny. Something made of wood. Something that starts with S.
Why This Works
Photo scavenger hunts develop creative thinking, observation skills and a photographer's eye - all while getting tweens moving and engaged with the world around them. There's also something wonderful about seeing familiar spaces through fresh eyes, and the photos themselves become a beautiful keepsake of the day.
Activity Details
Age Group: Tweens 11–14
Time: 60–90 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
What You Need
Camera or smartphone
Printed or written scavenger hunt list
Timer (optional)
Prize for completion (optional)
Sample List
Something older than Grandpa
Something blue
Something perfectly round
Something tiny
Something made of wood
Something that starts with S
Something that makes you laugh
Something beautiful
Something you've never noticed before
Something that tells a story
Something that is the same colour as Mum is wearing in this photo
Something that you can see in this photo (that isn't a person)
Someone you can see in this photo (catch the photo without them seeing)
Steps
Write your scavenger hunt list together or use the sample list above.
Set the rules - photographs only, no collecting. Everything stays where it is.
Set a time limit if desired - 45–60 minutes works well.
Send your tween off with their camera and let them explore.
When time is up, gather together and look through the photos.
Share the story behind each photograph - especially the unexpected ones.
Create a simple photo book or print a few favourites to keep.
Kim's Tips 💕
Add location-specific items to make it personal - something from the garden, something in the kitchen
Do this at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a beautiful way to see their home through new eyes
Print the photos afterwards and make a mini album together - such a lovely keepsake
A photo printing app on your phone makes printing so easy - ask me for my favourites!
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Let's stay connected!
This post is part of my Tweens Activity Hub - packed with ideas for 11–14 year olds.
With love, Kim xx
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