Have you ever done one of those big scavenger hunts that take hours and the list has seemingly impossible things to find? Me neither. But it would be cool to do one of those, right? Maybe just once.

How about a scaled back, family-friendly version?

University Games has this set of cards – an excellent choice for a rainy day – which sends kids searching around the house for random items (for example: “Find something that’s fluffy” and “Find 2 dice”).

Kids get points for stuff they find AND for the stuff they put back. If they don’t put the items back, then you pitch the card game in the trash*, because you’ve got enough cleaning to do without encouraging the kids to take more stuff out.

*For comedic effect only. Don’t want you guys to think I am some kind of earth-hater.

Seriously, though, it is a fun game (yes, I do own it), especially for kids who are starting to read. They get a big kick out of being able to read the cards themselves.

They’re not that easy to find online, but here’s one place you can buy them.

I also like this clever idea from Blynken & Nod; a deck of 32 cards with items that are common around the yard or playground, with a bag for collecting them. It’s very nicely done and would make a nice gift.

It’s an idea that also lends itself well to making your own version, if you’re feeling crafty.

Happy scavenging! Happy weekend!