Say Cheese! City Scavenger Hunt!
August 11, 2012 by Shelley
My little family just moved to a new city, a new state, a whole new part of the country. Let’s be honest, for the first two weeks I knew how to get to Walmart and back…nothing more. It’s been intimidating to figure out the weather, roads, culture, etc. I was fairly content sitting in my air-conditioned home for the first few weeks. Then, someone told me, “Just bloom where you are planted.” It hit me like a brick. “This is our new home! OUR HOME! A new fun adventure. Let’s figure this place out!” On a scavenger hunt we go!!!
Of course, I want my children to feel like they know this place too. I want them to recognize the library when we drive by, where their school is, where our church is, and of course,… where the closest Baskin Robbins is. 
We also wanted the “local” opinion on fun things to do in the area. {Tripadvisor is truly the best resource with reviews of local restaurants and activities.}
We immediately noticed there was a Splash PAD! Definitely at the top of our list of places to find. My husband and I typed up a list of every last place we wanted to locate. The children were responsible for taking a silly picture of themselves at each location and crossing it off the list.
We hopped in the car and brought along my new Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone to snap photos.
First stop on the scavenger hunt list: The public library.
They all took turns taking pictures using my fancy new Windows Phone.
(photo straight from my windows phone…)
Of course, the splash park was a huge hit.
Other stops included the park, the bank, and of course, Baskin Robbins!!!
By the end of our play date, we had some memorable family photos in front of landmarks near our new home. We flipped through them later that night and my children recognized every last building. All of sudden, this strange place feels a bit more like home.
How well do you know your city? I’d bet there are a few hidden gems you didn’t even know about! I know I’m guilty of taking advantage of a few great spots in my area. Make a list and rediscover the place you call home by going on a City Scavenger Hunt!
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Did you notice my shiny new phone? You may remember me gushing over it here. It truly is the best smartphone around. This is the second of three Windows Phone posts. The third one will knock your socks off. I have some VERY exciting news for a lucky HowDoesShe reader this week.
*Disclosure. This is sponsored-paid post; however, all opinions and reviews of the product are my own.
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What a fun idea- I will remember this one when we move someday!
What city do you now call your new home? I remember reading of your fun weekend tour of the big Meridian world headquarters. I was hopeful that Scentsy would bring you back here. I have never been to one of their parties, and found out more about Scentsy from your report than anywhere. What a perfect time of year to be finding a new home and new friends. Best wishes on your new home.
Welcome! Looks like you are a neighbor! Hope all is going well!
Oh my goodness what a great idea! The irony is, all of these places look very familiar to me! Hope you are settling in to, and loving, your new home!
You are in my town! I recognize the pictures. You will love it here! I take my grandkids to Johnson park all the time.
Such a fun idea! We live in a very very big city so it would be a fun way to discover new places.
We recently relocated from central Florida to greater North Atlanta GA. I was shopping at markets a far ways from the house for weeks until I realized there were 3 right behind my neighborhood. So embarrassing! It takes a while to feel like its home but now that we have a solid church and new school year, we are starting to find our way!
Congrats on the move!
Ps- my most important task was teaching the children their new address, in case we were separated.
I thought this was a fantastic idea…not just for families with children but anyone who moves to a new city. Thanks for the inspiration, which I felt was so good I’ve shared it on my Facebook page
Your kids sure took this on board too. Posing with such abandon, just as kids do
love all the fun, question, where did you get those adorable dresses for the girls with the big flower on the top?
Oh my goodness! You kids are super cute and they’re growing up so fast!
This is adorable! Cutest kids ever. I get the most creative pictures from what the kids take with my phone – they take pictures of things I would never think of and they are fun to have.
Welcome to C-ville. We moved here 4 years ago and have really liked it!