Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Create magical family memories and start new traditions with this in- and outdoor Christmas scavenger hunt. The perfect holiday activity for toddlers, kids and the entire family. Find a free printable template and everything you need in this blog post.
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If you have been around for a while, you know I love to do scavenger hunts with my kids. After the kids had a blast on our fall scavenger hunt and our Halloween scavenger hunt this year, I knew we had to do a Christmas scavenger hunt as well.
This Christmas scavenger hunt is suitable for kids of all ages, even very young toddlers. Instead of listing Christmas characters and items to find, I included a little graphic for each item. That makes it very easy for children who can’t read yet.
Having some engaging Christmas activities helps so much to make the wait for Santa more fun for kids. I also recommend to try out a Christmas countdown paper chain to help your young kids understand time better and make the wait for Christmas more predictable.
Now if you live in a part of this world where it’s cold, rainy or snowy, like here in Germany, it can get a bit tricky to get outside for a longer time to do a scavenger hunt. That’s why I have made a free printable Christmas scavenger Hunt that can be done inside as well as outside.
How to play the Christmas scavenger hunt
There are three ways to do this scavenger hunt:
OUTSIDE: Print out only the first page of the scavenger hunt template. I recommend printing out one checklist for every kid to avoid conflicts and to make it more fun for everyone.
Take your family on a walk around the neighborhood, searching for all the Christmas characters. Take a look at the Christmas decorations in your neighborhood and look for Santa, stars, icicles and more.
Playing it this way is perfect for a nice sunny or snowy day that isn’t too cold.
OUTSIDE: If the weather isn’t so great but you still want to get out of the house, this option is for you.
Load up your kids in the car and go for a drive around your neighborhood searching for all the Christmas items on the scavenger hunt checklist.
This is also fun to do at night to see all the Christmas lights and lit up decorations. Take some hot chocolate for the kids with you and everyone will have a blast.
You will only need to print out the first page of the scavenger hunt template (as copies as participating kids).
INSIDE: The third way to play this Christmas scavenger hunt is to do it inside.
If you don’t feel like going out or you are looking for a fun activity for your kids’ next Christmas party, this way of doing the scavenger hunt is perfect for you.
This way of playing is also great Christmas activity for teachers to do with their students in their preschool and kindergarten classrooms.
For this option you will need to print out both pages of the scavenger hunt template. Print out as many copies of the first page (checklist) as participating kids.
The second page contains 16 picture cards that match the items listed on the first page and needs to be printed only ONCE. Cut out all 16 pictures and place them throughout your house.
Your kids will then use the scavenger hunt checklist to find all the hidden Christmas characters around the house.
If you have all items listed on the checklist as decorations in your house, you don’t have to print out the picture cards and just let your kids find the items in your decorations.
No matter what way you choose to do the Christmas scavenger hunt with your family, I highly recommend laminating the printable checklist and have your kids use a dry erase marker to check off the items they have found.
This will let you re-use the template and you can do the scavenger hunt more than one time, without having to print it out again.
At the end of the season store the laminated checklist with your Christmas decor and you will have it ready to go next Christmas.
Don’t forget to take a look at these Christmas craft ideas, Christmas books your toddler will love and holiday books for preschoolers and kindergarteners, more Christmas activities and fun.
Submit your info below and I will send you your free printable Christmas scavenger hunt straight to your inbox. Print it out and you are ready to create magical memories and Christmas traditions with your kids and the entire family.
Hope you are having a fun holiday season!
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