7 free printable winter scavenger hunts for kids, teens, and adults. Find indoor, outdoor,
nature, picture, and photo scavenger hunts, plus a blank template.
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My son is 4 now. A prime age for him wanting me to come up with ideas to keep him busy (when he’s not busy building train tracks or playing with Legos or Magna-tiles). Winter break is coming up and I decided to get a head start on my list of “keep the kid busy” ideas. Hence, these free printable winter scavenger hunts!
There are seven options to choose from including outdoor, indoor, a picture hunt for younger kids who can’t read yet, nature, photo scavenger hunts, and a blank template so you can make up your own.
If you like these, you might also enjoy my Free Printable Fall Scavenger Hunts. There are multiple options, including an indoor scavenger hunt that would work well during the winter.
And if you’re looking for another activity to do with the kids, check out my puppy chow and muddy buddy recipes. There are plenty of fun recipes to make together—and the results are edible! Haha.
How to Use Your Printable Winter Scavenger Hunts
One-Time Use:
If you’re only using the scavenger hunt once, I highly recommend bringing a sturdy clipboard. It makes checking off items easier and keeps the paper from blowing away. (I once chased family history paperwork all over a cemetery. It was not fun.)
You might also want to tie a pen or marker to the clipboard so it doesn’t get lost along the way.
Multi-Use:
If you want to re-use your scavenger hunt, laminate it or slide it into a plastic page protector. Use dry-erase markers to check off items, then simply wipe the marks away when you’re finished.
Ways to Play
Depending on the ages of the kids involved, you can play differently.
• For younger kids, take your time and just let them find as many items as they can. They’ll have plenty of fun without any competition! (As my 4-year-old will exclaim at the end no matter how many items he finds, “I win!” haha.)
• Take pictures. You can also have the kids take a picture of each item instead of simply checking it off. This works especially well with older kids.
• Race against the clock. Set a time limit and see who can find the most items. This works particularly well if you know some of the items might be difficult or impossible to find. Or see who can find everything the fastest.
• Call it out method. You can give each person their own scavenger hunt. And let each person “call” the item as they see it. Only that person gets to mark it off their hunt.
• Compete with colors. Use a single scavenger hunt and give each player a different colored pencil or marker. When someone spots and calls out an item, they mark it with their color. Whoever has claimed the most items at the end wins!
Downloading & Printing
• Print options: regular paper works fine.
• All of the files are in pdf below. Each printable has its own PDF file- it will be next to or below the image. Just hit the “download” button (or pink word “download,” depending upon browser).
• All of the files are in pdf format below or next to each image. (Example: the indoor winter scavenger hunt pdf next to the picture of the indoor version). Just hit the “download” button (or pink word “download,” depending upon browser).
• The default size of these is full-page. However, if you want smaller, simply reduce the print size.
Outdoor Winter Scavenger Hunt
Bundle up and head outside for a winter scavenger hunt! This printable features 20 things to look for while taking a walk around your neighborhood, including winter clothing, snow & ice-related items, and other seasonal sights. It’s a fun way to turn an ordinary winter stroll into an activity for the whole family.
Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt
Explore the outdoors with this free printable winter nature scavenger hunt! Featuring 19 things to find, including pinecones, bare trees, a bird, brown grass, and animal tracks, this scavenger hunt encourages kids to look a little closer at the natural world around them. Take it along on a nature walk, a hike, or a visit to a local park.
Indoor Winter Scavenger Hunt
Stay warm and have some fun with this free printable indoor winter scavenger hunt! Featuring 20 things to find, including hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, blankets, and other cozy winter essentials, this scavenger hunt helps turn an ordinary day at home into a fun activity for kids. It’s perfect for cold or rainy days when you’d rather stay inside.
Winter Picture Scavenger Hunt
Little ones can join the fun with this free printable winter picture scavenger hunt! Designed for preschoolers and kindergarteners, it features 16 winter-themed pictures to find, including mittens, snowmen, hot cocoa, and more. Kids can use the pictures to search for items without needing to read, making it a fun and easy winter activity for younger children.
Winter Photo Scavenger Hunts
Put a creative spin on the traditional scavenger hunt with these free printable winter photo scavenger hunts. Instead of simply checking items off a list, participants take pictures of the items. Choose from two versions with 20 photo challenges each: one for kids and another for teens and adults.
Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids
You’ll need:
• Camera: an old smartphone, an inexpensive digital point-and-shoot camera, or a kid-friendly camera. (We got my son a VTech KidiZoom camera that he earned through weeks of chores, and he loves it! Just be aware that it also has built-in games. My four-year-old certainly didn’t take long to discover those. Haha.)
• Printable photo scavenger hunt: use the list to decide what to photograph.
• Optional clipboard and pencil: Kids can check off items as they photograph them.
This printable features 20 things for kids to photograph, from evergreen trees and signs of winter to more open-ended challenges like something they love. It’s a fun way to encourage kids to explore their surroundings, pay attention to details, and get creative with their pictures.
Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens and Adults
Obviously, a photo scavenger hunt is a fun activity without any competition. But if you want to add a competitive element, there are a few ways to play.
Competition options:
• Photo Race: Set a time limit. Each completed photo earns one point. Highest score wins.
• Difficulty Challenge: Assign points based on difficulty. Easy photographs earn 1 point, more challenging ones earn 3 or 5. Whoever earns the most points wins.
• Creative Photography Contest: Everyone completes the same challenges, then votes for the most creative, funniest, or most beautiful photographs.
• Team competition: If you have a larger group, divide into teams and use any of the competition methods above. Just make sure you set ground rules and scoring in advance to prevent disputes.
A quick reminder: Stay in safe, permitted areas, respect private property, and ask permission before photographing people. Always follow local rules and regulations.
Challenge your creativity with this winter photo scavenger hunt for teens and adults! Featuring 20 photography prompts, including a reflection, winter shadow, close-up, and contrasting colors, this printable encourages participants to look at familiar surroundings in new ways. Use it as a relaxed photography activity or turn it into a friendly competition. The download also includes a second page with instructions and ideas for photo scavenger hunt competitions.
Blank Winter Scavenger Hunt
Want to create your own winter scavenger hunt? This free printable blank winter scavenger hunt template features 20 empty checkboxes with space to write your own things to find. Customize it for your neighborhood, a classroom activity, a winter party, or whatever adventure you have planned. It’s a fun way to make a scavenger hunt that fits your location.
What Did You Think?
What did you think of these free printable winter scavenger hunts? Which one was your favorite? the photo hunt? (Did you like the prompts for the teen/adult version?) The indoor hunt? Comment below and let me know.
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