Get your kids outside and have fun this winter with a scavenger hunt! A winter scavenger hunt is a great way for kids to explore their surroundings and discover the beauty of the winter season. Here are a few tips for setting up a successful scavenger hunt:
- Make a list of items for kids to find. You can include items like pine cones, acorns, pine needles, animal tracks, and other winter-themed items.
- Set boundaries for the scavenger hunt. You may want to limit the scavenger hunt to your own yard or a nearby park.
- Give kids a time limit. This will add a sense of urgency and make the scavenger hunt more challenging.
- Consider splitting kids into teams for a friendly competition.
- Make sure kids have dressed appropriately for the weather. They’ll be spending time outside, so be sure to bundle them up in warm clothing and hats, gloves, and boots.
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Picture-Based Scavenger Hunt
With a picture-based winter scavenger hunt, not only can you have the kids color the pictures beforehand, but even young children who don’t know how to read yet can join in on the fun! Make sure to scan the scavenger hunt of your choice to ensure most things are findable, grab a pen and clipboard, and have some fun!
List-Based Scavenger Hunt
Kids who are of reading age and above usually want something a bit more challenging than a simple picture list… so there is a much larger written list that is fun and a challenge for any age!
There are tons of fun twists you can add to the traditional list scavenger hunt such as
- Make a time limit – This is especially good for older teens who may still find the list too easy… see who can find the most/all the items first!
- Do a selfie version – Kids love the opportunity to get creative with how they take their picture with the scavenger hunt item. It’s even more fun to share everyone’s silly selfies together after!
- Add a point system – This allows kids to choose between finding the MOST items on the list or the MOST VALUED items on the list!
And if you want to DIY your own winter scavenger hunt, here are some ideas to get you started!
- ☐ Bare tree
- ☐ Ice Skater/Ice skating tracks
- ☐ Icicle
- ☐ Snowman
- ☐ Decorated tree
- ☐ Chimney smoke
- ☐ Holiday lights
- ☐ Sled
- ☐ Holiday wreath
- ☐ Paw prints in snow
- ☐ Bird
- ☐ Snow Shovel
- ☐ Pinecone
- ☐ Snow Angel
- ☐ Snow ball
- ☐ Brown leaf
- ☐ Frozen puddle/body of water
- ☐ Tree that kept its leaves
- ☐ Skis/ski tracks
- ☐ Sled hill
- ☐ Snow toy
- ☐ Snow plow
With a little planning and some winter-themed items to find, your kids will have a blast on a winter scavenger hunt!
