Walks & Scavenger Hunts in the Great Outdoors
Grab your favorite mask and head outside to explore the great outdoors! From discovery walks to our NEW City Science Quest, these 2021 Atlanta Science Festival events will satisfy any explorer’s curiosity!
Orienteering Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at 7:00 AM
Presented by: DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs
Mason Mill Park contains a 100-acre forest with many surprises. This self-guided scavenger hunt will help you find 100-year-old dams, fairy houses, gnome homes, decorated Christmas trees, interesting graffiti, City Champion trees, and many other unusual things. But to find these spots, you’ll have to use your wits to solve clues and your compass-orienteering skills to find the way. Are you up to the challenge?
Electronic and touch-free, in-person pick up of the scavenger hunt instructions will be available at Mason Mill Park. This program is self-guided and appropriate for social distancing.
Botanical Mysteries | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at 9:00 AM
Presented by: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Use your super sleuth skills to solve botanical mysteries at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For this self-led adventure, families pick up a guide in the Visitor Center before embarking on their botanical voyage through the beautiful spring garden. The journey will include 5 stops where families become plant scientists to solve puzzles and uncover clues. We recommend that families bring their own clipboard and writing utensil. Suggested ages: 6 – 10.
Note: This opportunity is available on March 13 & 14 from 9am – 5pm and on March 16 – 21 from 9am – 7pm. The Garden is closed on Monday, March 15.
Check out Atlanta Botanical Garden’s COVID-19 precautions here. Register here.
Cascade Springs Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 AM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Decatur Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 AM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
CCPLS Family Tech Time Experience | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at 10:00 AM
Presented by: Cobb County Public Library System
Head out to the STEM Bio Walk at the Mountain View Regional Library to celebrate the history of STEM and the women who made it happen. This self-paced experience is available Saturday, March 13 through Friday, March 26, 2021. Using QR codes, kids grades K-5 can use a smart phone or tablet to discover the role of women in STEM.
While you are here, pick up a Brown Bag STEM Take and Make kit per household (while supplies last – you will need to have registered for this) to do science at home during our online guided event on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 4:30PM.
Air Quality Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 13th at 11:00 AM
Presented by: Emory University
Calling all community scientists and amateur sleuths! Ever wanted to work with researchers, hunting ways to change the world? Here’s your chance! Air Emory, in partnership with Science ATL, is hosting an Air Quality Scavenger Hunt! Your mission is to use clues and an Air Emory sensor to collect air quality data around Historic Fourth Ward Park to be used by environmental scientist Eri Saikawa, Associate Professor for the Emory Department of Environmental Sciences, and her team. So, pull on your lab coats and lace up your hiking boots for this one-of-a-kind environmental experience right in Atlanta’s own backyard. Register for which 30-minute time slot you want and we’ll see you there!
For a related at-home or in-class competition for grades 6-12, check out the Georgia Air Quality Challenge.
In order to protect participants and researchers, participants will be given the opportunity to sign up for assigned time slots to pick up and return air sensors (no more than 12 per time slot). Though this is an outdoor event, masks are still required for participants when they are retrieving or returning tools. Hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be available for participants. Register here.
City Science Quest | Saturday, March 13th at 4:00 PM
Presented by: Science ATL
Gather your wits and mobile devices, for your quest awaits… Uncover Atlanta’s innovations, discoveries, and STEM careers by completing missions from the comfort of your own home in this app-based scavenger hunt.
Compete against other curious kids and adults as you submit photos, videos, and text evidence to earn points for completing missions. Prizes will be awarded! Registration gives you access to any or all of the three scheduled two-hour sessions; each session will offer new missions! The other sessions are scheduled on March 21 at 4pm and March 27 at 9am.
You’ll need a smartphone or tablet, wifi access, and some help may be required from family members. Adults should work together with elementary or middle school kids, but older players should be able to manage on their own.
Cascade Springs Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 14th at 1:00 PM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Decatur Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 14th at 1:00 PM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Fernbank Forest Night Walk | Friday, March 19th at 7:30 PM
Presented by: Fernbank Museum
Enjoy a guided walk through Fernbank Forest as the sun sets and into the early evening. Test out your senses to see how you would fare as a nocturnal animal, and maybe even observe some if you’re lucky!
Fernbank requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor spaces and adheres to all current guidelines, including physical distancing. Attendance is strictly limited to 15 participants and advance reservations are required. See FernbankMuseum.org/Safety for more information. Register here.
Zoo Seekers! | Saturday, March 20th at 9:30 AM
Presented by: Zoo Atlanta
Be one of the first to explore the Zoo with a new lens, through the NEW Zoo Seekers program! Designed for families, this safe, self-guided, discovery program will encourage you to use your senses to uncover the unique ways that zoos participate in saving wildlife and wild places. With the help of a borrowed Exploration Pack containing observation and measurement tools, you and your family will visit zoo habitats and animals, completing hands-on activities and practice skills used by scientists working to protect the environment. This program is for all ages, inspiring you to learn more about animals, zoos, careers, and the natural world.
Register at the link where you’ll have the chance to select a specific time slot to join in on the fun! Zoo admission is included in your ticket cost.
Backpacks will be sanitized between users. Standard safety precautions from Zoo Atlanta, including masks, will be in place. Learn more here: https://zooatlanta.org/visit/zoo-atlanta-and-the-coronavirus-covid-19/ Register here.
Beltline and Piedmont Park Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 20th at 10:00 AM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Sweet Auburn Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 20th at 10:00 AM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Sensory Garden Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 20th at 1:00 PM
Presented by: The Branch Out Initiative
In this sensory scavenger hunt, you will get to search for sensory experiences and native plants and animals across Grant Park. Along the way, you’ll stop at checkpoints throughout the park to pick up supplies for an at-home planting activity with video instructions. This is a self-paced event; you can arrive at any time within the 1-4pm window.
This event was designed with disabled participants and their families in mind, but anyone can participate! If distance or physical accessibility are potential barriers to participation, feel free to contact Branch Out —we’ll do our best to adapt the materials for your family’s needs.
Wildflower Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 9:30 AM
Presented by: Fernbank Museum
Join us for a small group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest and learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found in Atlanta.
Meet in Museum lobby, and we’ll head out from there.
Fernbank requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor spaces and adheres to all current guidelines, including physical distancing. Attendance is strictly limited to 15 participants and advance reservations are required. See FernbankMuseum.org/Safety for more information. Register here.
Beltline and Piedmont Park Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 PM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Sweet Auburn Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 PM
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.
All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.
Proctor Creek Trash Trap Tour | Thursday, March 25th at 10:00 AM
Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance
Join us for a field trip to Proctor Creek watershed to view our Trash Trap Network! We’ll tour one location where all ages can access Proctor Creek, participate in an aquatic trash assessment, evaluate methods used by the trash trap team, compare different trap technologies on their effectiveness, and discuss pollution and downstream impacts to coastal waters if the trash had not been interrupted and removed. We’ll also discuss potential recycling and reuse opportunities for the plastics and other materials found in the traps. We won’t get into the creek during the tour, but you will work with the trash team who does wade in to remove the trash and facilitate the trash inventory.
Everyone will have their temperature taken upon arrival and masks are required. We ask that you sanitize your hands throughout the tour and practice 6′ social distancing. Participation will be limited to 20 people. Register here.
Proctor Creek Trash Trap Tour | Thursday, March 25th at 12:30 PM
Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance
Join us for a field trip to Proctor Creek watershed to view our Trash Trap Network! We’ll tour one location where all ages can access Proctor Creek, participate in an aquatic trash assessment, evaluate methods used by the trash trap team, compare different trap technologies on their effectiveness, and discuss pollution and downstream impacts to coastal waters if the trash had not been interrupted and removed. We’ll also discuss potential recycling and reuse opportunities for the plastics and other materials found in the traps. We won’t get into the creek during the tour, but you will work with the trash team who does wade in to remove the trash and facilitate the trash inventory.
Everyone will have their temperature taken upon arrival and masks are required. We ask that you sanitize your hands throughout the tour and practice 6′ social distancing. Participation will be limited to 20 people. Register here.
Mathvenger Hunt | Saturday, March 27th at 1:00 PM
Presented by: Agnes Scott College
Do you like doing scavenger hunts but wish they were nerdier? Do you enjoy solving fun math problems but also want a lot of pointless walking around between questions? If so, join us for what a Google search claims is the only Mathvenger Hunt in the history of the Western Hemisphere!
