Looking for a free activity to keep children entertained over the summer holidays? A nationwide photography competition is encouraging young people to swap screens for the outdoors and discover the natural world through a camera lens.
The The Week Junior Science+Nature Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest is now open to children under the age of 16 across the UK, inviting them to explore local green spaces and capture the beauty of nature through photography. Entries can be submitted until 22 August, giving families several weeks to take part during the school holidays.
This year’s theme, “Focus on Nature”, encourages children to do more than simply take pictures. Young participants are invited to immerse themselves in the outdoors using all five senses, taking time to notice the sights, sounds, smells, textures and wildlife around them while developing their photography skills.
Throughout the summer holidays, children are challenged to complete a nature scavenger hunt by finding and photographing 10 different natural objects from the official scavenger hunt list. Whether exploring a local park, woodland, beach, nature reserve or even their own garden, the challenge is designed to inspire curiosity and encourage children to spend more time outside.
As well as being a fun family activity, the competition offers children the chance to build confidence behind the camera, improve observation skills and take a closer look at the wildlife and habitats around them.
For parents looking for low-cost ways to keep children busy over the holidays, the scavenger hunt is an easy activity that can be completed at a family’s own pace, whether on a weekend walk, a day trip or an afternoon in the garden.
Prizes for Young Photographers
The overall winning photograph will appear on the front cover of The Week Junior Science+Nature magazine, giving one young photographer the chance to see their work published.
The winning image will also be exhibited at The Photography and Video Show 2027, while the winner will receive a Canon EOS R50 Twin Kit camera and a Canon SELPHY CP1500 printer as part of the prize bundle.
The competition closes on 22 August, with the winners due to be announced on 11 September.
Whether your child is already keen on photography or simply enjoys exploring outdoors, the competition offers a great excuse to head outside this summer, discover local wildlife and get creative while making the most of the school holidays.
How to Enter
Taking part is straightforward. Families simply need to Visit theweekjunior.co.uk to download the official Scavenger Hunt Checklist, head outdoors to find and photograph the 10 natural treasures on the list, then choose their favourite image to submit via the online competition entry form. A parent or guardian must complete the entry on behalf of children under 16.
