winter Photo scavenger hunt game for tweens

Grab this fun winter photo scavenger hunt the next time your tweens need something fun to do or when you’re tired of hearing them say, “I’m bored.”

Winter can be an excellent time to explore the outdoors, but most older kids need a reason to head outside in the colder months. So, give your tweens some motivation with a fun photo scavenger hunt game!

Just print off the list of items they need to find and capture on camera, then send them out to spot as many things as possible.

Girl in winter coat and hat, using a camera to take a picture of a tree with branches covered with snow.

Your family will love competing in this winter-themed scavenger hunt and will enjoy comparing their photos afterward.

So, don’t let the cold weather stop your kids from being active. Tweens will love this activity and won’t mind running around outside for a bit.

Especially if there’s some hot chocolate waiting for them at the end!

What is a photo scavenger hunt?

A photo scavenger hunt is where a group of people compete to find specific items on a list and take pictures of them.

They can either work together in teams or compete against each other as individuals.

It’s usually a timed activity with players racing around a set location, trying to locate as many items from the list as possible. When time runs out, whoever has photographed the most things wins.

Photo challenges can take place anywhere. In your own backyard, at a local park, in different locations around town, inside your house, as part of a neighborhood walk, etc. It’s a perfect activity to get your kids more familiar with an area.

My husband and I completed one in our local city recently. It’s a place we’ve visited hundreds of times, but as we walked around searching and snapping pictures, we discovered all kinds of new things.

You can fill the list with anything you’d like. Things in nature like birds and trees or man-made objects like benches or signs.

It can be themed, like this winter one, or completely random. It’s totally up to you.

They’re so much fun!

Winter Photo scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are some of my favorite winter activities to do as a whole family. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and a cool way to bond with older kids.

This printable game comprises 30 clues that all relate to winter. Most clues are of outdoor winter items, so this is primarily an outdoor scavenger hunt.

However, your kids will need to look inside for a few clues, like the one for hot cocoa.

The pdf includes the winter photo challenge list and instructions to help your game go smoothly.

In order to complete the scavenger hunt, tweens will need to race to find as many of the items on the list as they can and take a picture of them before time runs out.

The person with the most things checked off when the time ends wins.

This is such a fun thing to do on a snow day!

What do I need for a winter-themed photo scavenger hunt?

There are a few things your tweens and teens will need before they head out for this fun winter activity.

  • the entire list printed out
  • a pen or pencil
  • warm clothes
  • a cell phone or a camera (disposable, digital, or instant cameras)

In addition, make sure everyone knows the search area and time limit before they head out.

fun ways to use this game

The easiest thing to do with this printable is to play it like a game. Kids can either work in teams or as individuals for some friendly competition.

You can also print it off and bring it out when you need a fun brain break during your homeschooling day or to get your tweens and teens away from their screens for a little.

It would make a great adventure during a snow day or as one of your family’s fun winter activities.

If your tweens want to include more people, gather the neighborhood kids or plan a fun winter scavenger hunt as an activity for your next day of co-op. It will be a big hit!

As you can see, there are plenty of ways this game can easily fit into your schedule.

benefits of a photography scavenger hunt

Aside from being a ton of fun, there are some benefits to getting tweens and teens outside searching for the 30 items on this scavenger hunt list.

Kids will have to rely heavily on their observation skills to find the things from their printed list.

This game encourages kids to think outside of the box and builds their creative problem-solving skills.

For example, there’s a sled on this wintery list. Sure, it’s simple to snap a picture of one leaning against a garage, but what if you live in Florida or it hasn’t snowed lately? Tweens will have to come up with unique ways to look at the list of items if they want to cross them all off.

They’ll also work on their time management skills by keeping an eye on the clock so they can make it back before the time limit runs out. That means they’ll have to make some decisions along the way. How will they search for things and will they have to leave some scavenger hunt items behind?

It also gives them a reason to be outside, get some physical exercise, and explore nature – all great mood boosters!

And with the photos they take along their journey, they’ll be able to look back at all the fun they had this winter.

Girl wearing a winter coat, hat, gloves taking a picture outside with her phone.

No matter how you choose to use this scavenger hunt, it’s a great activity for tweens, teens, and the whole family.

So get everyone off the couch and have a great time during the cold winter months snapping photos during this unique outdoor adventure!

Additional Ways to Have Fun This Winter

More Printable Scavenger Hunts

An opt-in box for a winter photo scavenger hunt.

Is your tween excited to head out on a winter photo scavenger hunt?

Megan Zechman
I love homeschooling! Learning is a way of life for our family. Most days you will find us exploring our Central Florida community, having fun while learning. I am constantly looking for new and interactive ways to engage my older children.
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman

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