Play Duplication: Nature Memory

Next time you throw a party for your child, skip Pin the Tail on the Donkey and try this outdoor game instead! Collect items from nature, like leaves and twigs, and invite players to search for matching objects. But here's the twist: they only have thirty seconds to look at the first set of objects, so the search is based on how well you can remember what you saw! Satisfy your child's curiosity with this fun game that has a competitive edge and helps boost your child's memory. This game is great for picnics, walks in the park, or lazy days on the beach!

What You Need:

• Something to cover objects with, such as a towel
• An outdoor area filled with objects of nature
• At least three kids

What to Do:

1. Pick a leader. The leader gathers between 5 and 10 objects from the immediate area as the other players hide their eyes. These items might be leaves, nuts, sticks, berries, stones, or whatever objects are nearby.
2. After all the objects have been collected, the leader lays them on the ground and covers them with something.
3. The other players are invited to gather around the covered objects. Then the leader lifts the cover and counts to thirty as the other players study the objects, in an attempt to remember them. After thirty seconds, the objects are covered again.
4. Players then have 10 minutes to scavenge the area searching for each of the covered objects.
5. When the time is up, players return with their items and sit in a circle. It's time for the big reveal! The leader removes each object from under the cover, one at a time, and passes it around the circle.
6. As each item is passed, encourage kids to describe what they see, paying close attention to details. For example, instead of just saying, "It's a leaf" talk about what kind of leaf: is it an oak leaf? A maple leaf? A leave with a long stem? A crunchy leaf that's just turned orange? Pass each item around the circle and have each player describe what they see, drawing special attention to any curious features and talking about which animals might use it.
7. Once each item makes its way around the circle, players that found that same item on their search raise their hands and talk about where they found it.
8. All done? Have each player count the number of objects they found that match the ones the leader found. The player with the most matches is the winner!
9. Ask all the players to return each object wherever they found it. This tests their memory and tracking skills, and helps to preserve the environment.