For parents trying to fill those long summer days, finding something that's free, fun, and educational can feel like striking gold. Between beach trips, camp schedules, and the inevitable chorus of "I'm bored," even the most creative families can run out of ideas by August. That's what makes the 2026 Rhode Island Statewide Scavenger Hunt such a welcome addition to the season. It transforms a simple trip to the library into a statewide adventure, giving kids a reason to explore new places, collect stamps, and maybe even win a giant Good Egg or Bad Seed plushie.
Running from June 22 through August 22, the free program is part of the annual Summer Reading Program, Plant a Seed, Read. Created by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services, the RI Center for the Book, iREAD, and public libraries across the state, the scavenger hunt encourages families to discover the people, places, and stories that make Rhode Island special.
The concept is refreshingly simple. Children of all ages can pick up a passport at any participating library and start searching for the program's lovable mascots, the Good Egg and the Bad Seed. Every time they find one, they earn a stamp, and every stamp brings them a little closer to a prize.
After five library visits, participants receive an entry into a raffle for a giant Good Egg or Bad Seed plushie. Families who snap a photo during one of their library adventures and send it to the RI Center for the Book will also receive a surprise prize, with selected photos featured on the organization's social media pages. Those who catch the collecting bug can keep going, with additional raffle entries awarded after 10, 15, 20, and 25 library visits. The biggest explorers even earn an extra prize from the RI Center for the Book.
The scavenger hunt also offers a fun excuse to see more of the Ocean State. With participating libraries stretching from Westerly to Woonsocket and Newport to Providence, families can turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini road trip. One stop might introduce kids to a cozy neighborhood branch they've never visited, while the next could become the start of a new summer tradition.
Ready to start collecting stamps? Here are the participating libraries for the 2026 Rhode Island Statewide Scavenger Hunt. For more information and details on how to join the 2026 Rhode Island Statewide Scavenger Hunt, visit olis.ri.gov.
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