Seasonal art for kids

How to Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt for Kids

November 5, 2022

This winter scavenger hunt for kids uses colored ice sculptures. Freeze colored shapes and then hide outside for kids to discover.

Updated December 2022

We live in Winnipeg, Canada. Winters are cold in these parts. So, it can take quite an effort to get my preschooler and toddler outside this time of year.

But I think it’s important and so I try to find fun ways to get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise outdoors, even in the dead of winter.

This led me to plan an outdoor, snowy scavenger hunt for my two girls.

How to Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt

MATERIALS

Molds (you can use anything you have on hand – we used sand toys for this project)
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 was a hit! My kids had a blast running around the yard looking for our sculptures. They delighted 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!

Winter Arts & Crafts Ideas

Download our FREE printable idea list of 31+ winter activities for kids & families! Or check out the blog post with the links. So many fun ideas for winter!

And if you want even MORE Winter craft ideas, check out our Winter Art Activities Workshop at the Kids Art Spot, our kids’ art club. You’ll get 10 videos of fun Winter art activities PLUS 10 seasonal drawing prompts!