Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
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Back-to-school shopping can feel like a never-ending list of notebooks, pencils, and supplies. But what if you could turn that yearly chore into a fun activity for kids? With this Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt, kids get to help find items while you check off your supply list.
This free printable transforms shopping into a game—kids mark off squares on a grid as they spot each supply in the store. It’s an easy way to add excitement, independence, and maybe even a few smiles during your shopping trip.
Why Try the Back-to-School Shopping Scavenger Hunt?
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Makes shopping fun – Kids love having a challenge to complete.
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Encourages independence – They can search and mark off items themselves.
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Builds skills – Reading, observation, and organization are all built in.
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Creates memories – Instead of a chore, shopping becomes a tradition.
What’s on the Shopping Scavenger Hunt?
The 5×5 scavenger hunt grid includes common back-to-school supplies like:
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Pencils
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Crayons
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Scissors
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Backpack
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Lunchbox
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Glue stick
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Notebooks
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Erasers
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Ruler
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Hand sanitizer
…and more! There’s also a blank square so kids can add something extra they need, like a calculator, special art supplies, or even a favorite pencil case.
How to Play
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Print the back-to-school scavenger hunt before heading to the store.
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Give each child their own copy (clipboards make it extra fun!).
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As you shop, kids search for items on the grid and mark them off.
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The goal is to see if they can complete the whole board!
Tips: Don’t need everything on the list? You can still find them without buying them!
If you’re shopping online, kids can still “hunt” by helping scroll through items on the website and checking them off on the grid.
Free Printable Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt
I created a black-and-white, kid-friendly scavenger hunt that’s easy to print and use. Kids will love the satisfaction of marking off their finds, and you’ll love having an extra set of eyes in the supply aisles.
Download the Back-to-School Shopping Scavenger Hunt Here:
Make It a Tradition
Turning your school supply run into a scavenger hunt is a simple way to bring joy and energy into an otherwise stressful errand. Kids feel involved, shopping feels less like a chore, and everyone walks away a little happier (and ready for the first day of school).
Print your grid and let the back-to-school fun begin!
See More Back to School Ideas:
Printable Back to School I-Spy
Printable Back to School Mad Libs for Kids
88 Back to School Writing Prompts for the First Week
