A few year’s ago, one of my personal work goals was to start a monthly kids passive program. At the time, our library offered a monthly Imagination Station, a pretend play space for approximately ages 2-6, and a monthly teen passive, for students in grades 6-12. Children in the middle often ended up trying to participate in the activities designed for younger or older kids.
Learn about other passive program ideas including:
There is nothing quite as appealing to kids of all ages as a scavenger hunt. These are particularly great passives, as the intended audience of school age children complete them, but younger siblings can too and therefore don’t feel left out.
We have made a ton of scavenger hunts at my library, and a few of my favorites are available to download below. Most scavenger hunts involve a sticker, 1″ button, or bookmark as the prize, typically made by department staff.
Dinovember Scavenger Hunt
I couldn’t help but use Land Before Time characters for the November 2019 Dinovember scavenger hunt.
Mother Bruce Scavenger Hunt
This was made for a Mother Bruce program, but I have used it a few times since. Little ones practice their counting skills by finding all 10 numbered geese.
Pokemon Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt design is adapted from the amazing Ontarian Librarian blog. It makes an appearance in the week before my annual summer Pokemon Party.
Pooh Count the Bees Scavenger Hunt
The Winnie the Pooh Count the Bees scavenger hunt has a different concept behind it–instead of finding six specific pictures, participants count how many bees they could find around the room. I believe I hid around 30, and anyone who gave an answer over 28 received the prize.
Superhero Scavenger Hunt
My very first Imagination Station was superhero themed, and I created a superhero logo hunt around the youth department.
Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt
Definitely a fan favorite at our library, patrons loved this real-life Where’s Waldo game.