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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

The Gift of a Father

Today I am glad I can be here in my hometown to spend Father's Day with my dad.

He's faced significant health challenges in the past few years and I am thankful I get another Father's Day to tell him thank you for always supporting me. Sitting with my dad in the hospital has given me a lot of time to reflect - I feel like that is God's gift to me.

The more years I live on this earth the more I realize we are ALL flawed. Accepting people for who they are is an ongoing goal for me! I certainly gave my dad a lot of gray hair, and he was always there for me when I needed him. 

I love this picture of my dad and me -- I think he was imparting some last bit of wisdom (or more likely asking me if everything was set for the reception!) before he walked me down the aisle.  I was the last of 4 children to be married. I imagine this day signified the end of a 40 year era of raising children for my dad. 

But really... he didn't stop raising me once I was married.

Ever since this picture was taken - 19 years ago - he's still been raising me.  {wink}

My Dad and Me


My dad has always affectionately referred to me as "the caboose" - I was quite a surprise to him at the age of 42! 

I can still see him cheering me on at swim meets -- my event record time book in his shirt pocket. He somehow would always manage to motivate me to swim just a little faster each time. If memory serves me correct he was given a special gift by the high school boys' swim team because he was a honorary dad/cheerleader to all of them.

(I learned just a few years ago that my dad learned to swim in a rock quarry during the Depression. As he was swimming with his grandkids at the age of 80 he told me how it gave him so much joy to watch them swimming in his pool.)

When I backed into his car at the age of 16 (while driving my mother's car) he was of course angry, but I remember not getting killed over that incident! He also somehow put up with my first semester freshman college year shenanigans (hello 1.7 GPA!) and gave me a second chance to pull my grades up before he "parked my butt at home!".

That tough love helped me become a confident, self sufficient adult. (While my dad got very close to graduating from college, he never finished, but he went on to have a successful career as a highway engineer. College was a big deal for him and he is so proud of all of his kids -- all four of us have college degrees, masters degrees, and more!)

When I was in college he drove my car from Florida to SMU - that was a LONG drive - while I flew back to school on the return trip of my plane ticket. He strapped my favorite stuffed monkey in the front seat and drove through the night to have my car there for me. He had packed the trunk so precisely (that engineer coming out) and used every available inch of space. He left to fly back home to Naples and I couldn't find any of my SHOES. He had packed them in the wheel well and had forgotten to tell me!

He has always been supportive of my dreams. Another mom at SMU (on move in day) asked me what I was majoring in -- when I replied "music" she asked my dad how he felt about paying "all that money for just a music degree". My dad's response to her? "I know it's going to be a great investment."

(I agree. It was a great investment, dad.)

When I would bring college friends home for spring break he would make sure everyone had their favorite foods on hand, and would make us all hamburgers and malts. All of my girlfriends loved him because he would tease and joke so much with them. 

I was on the phone with him when the second tower fell on 9/11 - my 2 month old in my arms. I remember my dad saying, "Our world is never going to be the same again."

And he was right. 

When I told him we were going to homeschool his exact words to me were, "Now what in the world are you and Hal thinking?" Guess who brags to everyone about his homeschooled grandkids now? That's right - my dad. He's our biggest homeschool supporter. 

He once told me that when he was a little boy (he was born in 1930) that he thought it would be a miracle if he lived to see the year 2000 and that each year after has been a bonus for him. He's seen a lot in his life and I can learn so much from him. That is not a gift I take lightly. 

As I flew to Florida a few days ago I was recalling the numerous times as an adult when I would call home (and there were several!) needing help from my parents. Whether it was the birth of a baby, a surgery, moving to a new house, or one time when I had a horrible struggle with depression --- my dad was always quick to jump into action, hop into the car and drive 12 hours with my mom to come to my aid. 

Now it's my turn to come to HIS aid and it is an honor to give back to someone who sacrificed so much (emotionally and financially) for me for so many years. 

If you have a dad, I hope you get a chance to tell him you love him this weekend. And, if Father's Day is a painful day for you, please know I'm praying for you.

I don't take the gift of my father lightly.