Heartfelt Hunt: A Nature Scavenger Hunt for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about chocolates and crowded restaurants. Why not take love outside? This year, ditch the cliché and embark on a Heart-Shaped Nature Scavenger Hunt! It’s a fun, creative way to explore the outdoors while celebrating love in all its forms. Whether you're adventuring solo, with a partner, family, or friends, nature has plenty of hearts waiting to be found—you just have to know where to look!

How to Hunt for Heart-Shaped Wonders

Nature has a way of scattering love all around us, from heart-shaped leaves and stones to the delicate patterns in tree bark. The goal of this scavenger hunt is simple: find as many naturally occurring heart shapes as you can! You can snap photos, sketch them in a journal, or just enjoy the moment of discovery. Need some inspiration? Look for:

Leaves– Redbud trees and certain violets are famous for their heart-shaped leaves.

Rocks– Riverbeds and trails often have naturally smoothed stones in surprising shapes.

Tree Bark Patterns– Knots and ridges can sometimes form perfect hearts.

Clouds– Keep your head up—romance might be floating by!

Mushrooms & Flowers– Some species naturally grow in heart-like shapes.

Customize Your Hunt

A heart-shaped scavenger hunt can be tailored to any type of adventurer:

For Families: Make it a playful challenge! Give kids a checklist of heart-shaped items to find, or let them create their own. Bonus points for the most unusual heart!

For Couples: Turn it into a romantic nature date. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa and take turns pointing out hearts to each other. Take selfies with your love and your heart-shaped finds as keepsakes.

For Friends: Make it competitive! Whoever finds the most hearts wins—maybe the loser buys the post-hike snacks.

For Solo Explorers: Use this as a mindfulness exercise. Slow down, breathe deeply, and let nature surprise you with its hidden love notes. Capture your discoveries in a journal or with photos to reflect on later.

Leave No Trace, but Take the Love With You

As always, practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring. Instead of taking objects home, snap a photo or sketch your finds. If you're lucky enough to discover a truly unique heart-shaped rock, consider leaving it for the next wanderer to find—sharing a little love with a stranger.

Happy heart hunting!