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Father's Day Scavenger Hunt

When we talk about homeschooling, the topic of homeschooling moms comes up frequently. Dads, however, often do not get the recognition they deserve for all they do in our homeschools. 

Whether dad jumps in to help with math, joins you on field trips, or simply works hard so you have the flexibility to homeschool, they are an important part of the process. 

As we were approaching Father's Day, I wanted to do something extra special to celebrate my husband. I wanted more than just a store-bought gift and a little more original than a handprint painting from the kids (which he saves and adores). 

This year, I decided we would do a special painted rock scavenger hunt to celebrate him! This project gives the children a chance to express their creativity while practicing writing skills and critical thinking skills. 

It is also an opportunity for them to express all of the reasons they love and appreciate him. 

Take every chance you can to help your children think of others - and articulate those thoughts. This training pays off!

Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Materials Needed

Smooth Rocks

Paint Pens

Paper

Depending on where you live, you might be able to go outside and collect some small rocks/stones to use for your scavenger hunt. You can also, however, purchase them online or from your local craft store. 

We live in a very sandy area where rocks are more difficult to find and I like to keep things simple, so we ordered our rocks. 

You can use a variety of things to decorate the rocks, including regular markers. However, if you want the painting to last and be a little more durable, I recommend using oil-based paint pens. 

(This rock painting kit is super simple - comes with everything you need. Something like this allows your kids to get creative beyond their gifts for dad.)


Rock Painting Directions 

My older children decorated rocks on their own and then added a word on each rock to describe their dad. For example, my daughter chose to use the words CARING and LOVING on two of the rocks she decorated.

For younger children, like my son, they can decorate the rocks and then an adult or older sibling can help them write the word or words that they choose. 

Note: The paint pens will stain and are hard to get off of surfaces so I recommend doing this outside or on a plastic disposable table cloth. We always try to keep a few extra disposable table cloths around for messy art projects. We can purchase them for $1 and they do a great job at protecting the furniture and making the mess easier to clean up. 

Painted Rocks Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt


Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Next, it is time to plan the scavenger hunt! If you have children that are old enough to read and write, this is a great way for them to have fun and practice those writing skills. 

Step One:

Decide where you want to hide each rock.

Step Two:

Create a clue that you can put with each rock that will lead to the next rock. Depending on your children's ages this could be super simple or a little more creative. 

For example, it might be as simple as, "where we wash the dishes" for a rock that is near the kitchen sink. However, for more of a challenge the clue could be, " I am something that has a plug but there’s no electricity." 

If they need help coming up with clues, there are lots of ideas online. We found some great ones here. 

You will also need one clue that is not attached to a rock to start the hunt. This clue will lead to the first rock.

Step Three:

Decide how you want to end your scavenger hunt. The fun-painted rocks could be the purpose of the hunt or you could have something else to be found at the end of the hunt. 

That could a favorite treat, a yummy meal, or a fun Father's Day gift. (If you are like me and sometimes struggle to come up with good gift ideas, be sure to check out the fun suggestions below. ) 

Step Four:

Once your rocks are painted, your clues are written, and your ending is decided it is time to have fun! Have the children give dad the first clue and let the games begin! 

Not only will dad get the benefit of seeing all the wonderful things the children had to say about him, but the scavenger hunt itself can be a great family memory! The painted rocks can be saved to use as decorations on a desk or bookshelf as a daily reminder of your love and appreciation. 

Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Below are a few Father’s Day gifts recommended by Mary.

Tshirts, books, kitchen gadgets, and massagers are always popular - these suggestions will just get you thinking.

It’s most important the father in your life feel esteemed, cherished, and LOVED on this Father’s Day!

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Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of four. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family. Some of her favorite parts of homeschooling are hymn studies, living history, and read alouds. She and her children also enjoy incorporating food into their studies as often as possible.

Do you have a special way you honor the fathers in your life on Father’s Day?

Leave me a comment below - I’d love to hear about it!

You might also like:

5 Lessons From My Dad

Favorite Middle Grades Books

5 Good Things for the Homeschool Mom

Sometimes I just want to tell you about wonderful little things I’ve discovered.

Sure, I share quite a bit in my Instagram stories, but I’d like to start putting the things I just HAVE to share with you in a more permanent format.

Some of these goodies will be related to homeschooling, but others will be little luxuries I like for myself. Over the years I’ve discovered that keeping my homeschool running smoothly also entails keeping mama happy (I’m just being honest.)!

I’ve also learned not to feel guilty about desiring these things - or admitting that it’s ok to have my own indulgences. I work hard and I want to enjoy myself when I can.

5 Good Things for the #Homeschool Mom

You know how it goes, though, right? Most often the things I “indulge” in have something to do with my children and benefit them, too!

As we’re coming out of this past year of isolation due to the virus, I feel like it’s been the “little things” that have become big.

I appreciate things so much more; after seeing so many people I love become sick, and after losing my own father to this virus - I’m acutely aware of the importance of taking joy in the ordinary, seemingly “simple” things of life.

5 Good Things for the Homeschool Mom/Spring Edition

Books

You knew this was going to be at the top of my list. It would truly be punishment if you took away my books. In fact, if I don’t get the chance to read at least a little bit each day my mood suffers.

A few months ago a friend asked me if I used Scribd. I had used it a long time ago - but not recently.

I had no idea what I had been missing.

Scribd is essentially audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, periodicals, and MORE. For my $9.99/month subscription I have had a steady supply of ebooks (I read in bed at night on my iPad) and audiobooks (how else does one get their laundry and chores accomplished?).

I’m reading for pleasure, but I’m also investigating a lot of books for our school year next year because they are literally right at my fingertips. This has been one of the best educational investments we’ve made in the past year.

You can try it for 30 days free if you’d like by clicking here. I promise - it’s marvelous.

And — here are the five best things I have read/listening to on Scribd in the past few months;

  • Perennials, by Julie Cantrell

  • 🎧 Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Middle Grades)

  • The Eliot Family Trilogy, by Elizabeth Goudge

  • 🎧 A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle

  • 🎧 Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery

You can share the subscription with your kids, too. There are so many good middle-grade books on Scribd - I’ve been particularly impressed with that!

Waffles

Yes, that’s correct. Waffles.

Mother’s Day was a joyous day in my house because I had waffles for lunch AND dinner! My husband surprised with a Stuffler. This stuffed waffle maker is the best thing we’ve gotten for the kitchen in a LONG TIME. Not only does it make the most yummy stuffed waffles, but it is also super easy to use and makes basically NO mess.

On Mother’s Day, my husband made Cream Cheese Blueberry Stuffed Waffles for lunch and then Reuben Stuffed Waffles for dinner.

This morning we had sausage, egg, and cheese stuffed waffles.

You could teach your children to use this waffle maker - then you too can have all kinds of wonderful meals. Cooking is a life skill we want to teach our kids, right? Get yourself a Stuffler!

Pretty Nails

I really enjoy having my nails look nice. Once the virus hit I wasn’t going to the nail salon anymore, but I was getting despondent every time I would look down at my ugly nails. (I know. Shallow, right?).

But really, looking and feeling good is important for a homeschool mom. We give so much of ourselves every single day, that’s it feels good to just LOOK NICE.

Well, I had no idea these little things called GEL STRIPS existed - they are essentially gel stickers for your nails that really WORK. I am kind of obsessed with them now and am always looking at Ulta and TJ Maxx to see what the latest patterns are. For a fraction of what it costs to get your nails done you can use these fun little strips on your own at home!

I know there are people that sell these same strips - Color Street. I tried those and didn’t like them nearly as well as the ones I just find at Target, Ulta, etc… The brand I like is Dashing Diva, and you can even find them on Amazon.


Better Sleep

Sleep is a non-negotiable for me — and I cannot survive on 5 or 6 hours. It has to be 8. I’ve learned this about myself the older I get, and people in my house have just had to accommodate.

Another lovely byproduct of age is that sleep seems to be more difficult. I’ve found, however, a couple of things that really help me with sleep.

  • Magnesium Lotion - I rub this on my neck and calves before I go to bed and it truly relaxes me. Best thing? This lotion is made by a homeschool family!

  • Sleep Spray - Using this lavender sleep spray helps me fall asleep.

Technology

The speed of technological change makes it hard to keep up with all of the opportunities available to homeschoolers. When my own children were small we used a lot of YouTube videos, but online classes weren’t nearly as popular or numerous as they are now.

Every time I teach a SQUILT LIVE! lesson I think how wonderful it would have been for my own children to have these opportunities to learn about certain subjects from experts who make it interesting and fun.

These are five of my favorite opportunities right now:

Those are the five things for this installment - like I said, it’s the little things that can be big!

Do you have a favorite thing right now?

Tell me about it in the comments below!

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