This winter scavenger hunt for kids uses colored ice sculptures. Freeze colored shapes and then hide outside for kids to discover. Photo updates by Andrea Martelle
Updated January 2024
When you live in a cold climate, it can take quite an effort to get your kids outside during the winter.
But it’s important to get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise outdoors, even in the dead of winter. So, what to do?
How about an outdoor, snowy scavenger hunt for kids?
How to Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt
MATERIALS
- Ice molds (you can use anything you have on hand – we used ice cube trays for the update)
- Water
- Food coloring (or liquid watercolors)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make your ice sculptures
First, make some colored water using food coloring or liquid watercolors. Then pour the colored water into whatever molds you are using.
Next, put the molds into the freezer and wait until they are frozen solid.
- Hide your shapes!
While your children are otherwise occupied, remove the ice from the molds (a little warm water helps). Then hide your shapes throughout your yard or garden!
- Go on your scavenger hunt!
Finally, get bundled up and head out for your ice sculpture scavenger hunt!
This winter scavenger hunt is always a hit! Your kids will have a blast running around the yard looking for the sculptures. And they’ll delight in uncovering the bright and bold the shapes against crisp, white snow.
There’s no doubt we’ll do this one again before winter’s end. And for a delicious warm-up after your own hunt, try homemade hot cocoa!
More Winter Activities for Kids
- 30+ Winter Activities for Kids
- Winter Art Project: How to Make Stacked Ice Sculptures
- Winter Craft: How to Make a Beautiful Nature Ice Wreath
- How to Paint Snow for Kids
- 12 Winter Sensory Bins for Kids
- How to Do a Melting Ice Science Project with Salt
Want even more creative ideas?
Check out our Winter Fun Creativity pack!
Cozy up with some of our favorite wintertime activities for creative kids! This pack has 40 pages of winter-themed art activities that will keep your kids busy even on the snowiest day!
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