STEM Challenge – Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt

We went on a scavenger hunt. Not your ordinary hunt, but one in an ordinary place – the hardware store. And it was anything but ordinary. Inspire your kids to be young makers and learn the tools of the trade with a fun Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt.  I’ve crafted a free printable that’s perfect for your next Saturday morning trip to the store or scout adventure. This post contains affiliate links.

Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt Supplies Needed

You don’t need much for this activity, just this Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt Printable with all of your questions and a sense of adventure. A clipboard and something to write with helps too. FYI, I made this hunt checklist with early elementary kids in mind. It might be a little easy for older kids, but definitely try it with preschoolers too.  They just might need a little more guidance.

Click Here to Download Your Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt Printable

Learning Through Exploration

We started it off with a bit of exploring and familiarization of the store. The first part of the printable has the kiddos look for different things they may find in the store. My daughter actually turned this into a writing exercise and wanted to spell out items she found.

One of the best things that came out of this adventure was a lot of questions. “What’s that mom?” “What does that do?” And the funniest of the day was the most perplexed question. “Mom, why do they sell so many toilet seats at the hardware store?” Good question honey. I really don’t know.

One section of the scavenger hunt was all about comparisons.  I asked her “What can you find that is taller than you?” She made a beeline for these colorful bins and started stacking.

This really was a cool learning experience for both me and my daughter. It’s definitely worth the time and adventure to inspire their curiosity. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Ace Hardware for our amazing experience. I went into the store, armed with a camera and a curious kid and they were totally supportive. And kind of thrilled that my daughter was so into what they do.

Download your FREE! Hardware Store Scavenger Hunt Printable and have some fun!

Get Inspired by the Hardware Store

Are your kids inspired by the hardware store? Have them try Tinkering Trees or a Portable Tinkering Kit!

Or here are a few of my favorite kid-sized tools and inspirational books.

28 Days of Hands-On STEM Activities for Kids

These STEM Goes Green activities are part of an amazing series of hands-on STEM activities for kids. I’ve joined up with 28 other bloggers and we’re creating 60+ fun science, technology, engineering & math activities. Each week is a different topic: STEM Goes Green, STEM Challenges, Coding for Kids & STEM On the Cheap.  Click here for the full list of activities.

Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math Fun for Kids

Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that use can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Kids: 50+ Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math Hands-On Projects for Kids ebook! It’s packed full of a year’s worth fun learning activities that will wow the boredom right out of your kids.