Blindfold Smell Identification Challenge
Blindfold your child and present strong-smelling items — coffee, orange peel, vinegar — for a scent identification game that sharpens olfactory awareness.
What You'll Need
- 110-12 strong-smelling items (coffee, orange peel, vinegar, cinnamon, etc.)
- 2Small cups or bowls
- 3Cheesecloth or paper towel covers
- 4Blindfold or scarf
- 5Scoring sheet and pencil
What You'll Need
10-12 strong-smelling items: coffee, orange peel, peanut butter, vinegar, cinnamon, chocolate, onion, mint, soap, banana
Small cups or bowls
Cheesecloth or paper towel covers
A blindfold or scarf
A scoring sheet and pencil
How to Play
Set up items in covered cups so smells are contained until testing time.
Create a numbered scoring sheet.
Blindfold your child comfortably.
Hold the first item under their nose. Let them sniff as long as they need.
Record their guess. Move to the next item.
Continue through all items — no touching, just smelling.
Remove the blindfold, reveal answers, and score. Discuss the ones that fooled them.
Tips
Smell is processed in the limbic system, the same brain area that handles emotion and memory. That's why scents trigger such strong memories.
Include tricky pairs: lemon vs. lime, cinnamon vs. nutmeg, coffee vs. cocoa. These force really careful attention.
Let your child be the quizmaster for round two — they choose the items and test you.
Add a competitive element: play against siblings or friends and keep score.
Discuss after: "Which smells were easiest? Which were hardest? Did any smell remind you of a memory?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: 10-12 strong-smelling items (coffee, orange peel, vinegar, cinnamon, etc.), small cups or bowls, cheesecloth or paper towel covers, blindfold or scarf, scoring sheet and pencil.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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