Play the Mystery Bag Nature Game

Dad pciking from bag

Gather nature objects, put them in a bag, and have a friend guess what they are without looking.

What You Need

  • Bag – any type, but must not be transparent – fabric works best
  • Nature objects
  • Snacks (optional)
  • Small toys (optional)

What You Do

  1. Send at least one person to look for nature objects
    Send people in groups of two or more so no one gets lost, and small children should be with an adult.
    Here are hints for a successful game:
    DOS

    • Unusual shape
    • Variety of shapes

    DONT’S

    • Make sure the objects are not slimy or muddy – dirty is fine!
    • Make sure items fit in the bag
    • Don’t pick living things
    • Make sure the items are not sharp
    • Don’t put in trash
    • Be careful not to put poison ivy or poison oak

    Have them put the objects in the bag.
    Girl showing acorn

  2. Once enough nature items have been gathered, take turns guessing
    Reach into the bag and guess what the item is without pulling it out.
    Examples of nature objects might be:

    • acorns, chestnuts (it makes it tricky to guess when they are still attached to the twig)
    • insect galls (made by wasps – look like a ball of bark)
    • fallen leaves – can you identify what type of tree they came from?
    • pine cones
    • pine needles
    • pebbles (can you identify what type of rock?)
    • crabapples
    • cattails
    • milkweed pods

    Boy reaching into bag

  3. Take turns gathering and guessing
    And parents might supplement nature items with snacks (in packages) or small toys, just to add some surprises!
    Dad pciking from bag