Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Twelve things to spot on a walk around the block, each with its own checkbox under a green title banner: a stop sign, a mailbox, a fire hydrant, a house number, a red car, a bicycle, a dog on a walk, a crosswalk, a street light, a flag, a flower garden and a neighbor waving. Nothing on the list needs to be picked up or touched, so it suits a stroll on a sidewalk as well as a drive through town.

Street things first: the stop sign, the crosswalk, the street light and the fire hydrant usually stand near the corners, so check them off each time you reach one. The front yards hold the mailbox, the house number, the flag and the flower garden. The red car, the bicycle, the dog on a walk and the neighbor waving come and go, so keep looking up for those the whole way.

Walking the route with the list helps children learn road safety signs and where they are used: stop at the stop sign, cross at the crosswalk, hold hands by the street. Reading house numbers aloud adds a little number practice.

On the way back, ask your child which item was the hardest to find and why. A walk on a different day of the week, or after dark when the street lights are on, makes the same sheet feel new.