Get outside to study nature and search for the first signs of the coming winter with this fun outdoor learning activity for kids!
Invite children on a nature walk to search for the first “signs of winter” with this educational winter nature scavenger hunt for kids or adults. As the Winter Solstice approaches (and for several weeks after it passes), signs of winter’s arrival are everywhere. As one season changes to the next, the vibrant colors of autumn give way to the evergreens and dreary greys of later winter. While some signs of the coming winter are universal to everyone around the world, such as cooling temperatures, others will depend on where you are in the world or the climate in which you live. As the weeks continue to pass and the winter draws to a close, get outside to search for the signs of spring!
Winter Scavenger Hunt for Kids:
When we go outside on our daily nature walks, my daughter and I point out the signs of the seasons. We sense these changes around us in nature, and winter is no exception. In other words, we see, hear, smell, and feel the changes of the seasons and point them out to each other in the same way you would point out things you see, hear, or notice when outside on a nature scavenger hunt.
Searching for the signs that the next season has arrived is a game we enjoy playing as each season transitions to the next. Because the seasons are constantly changing in the spiraling nature of life, the game never ends, and neither does our learning or our growth in understanding the inherent wisdom of the natural world. Or our appreciation, everlasting awe of it, and gratitude towards it within the grand circle of life.
Invite children to embark on an outdoor adventure as fall comes to a close with this fun winter nature walk scavenger hunt idea. When the cool, crisp days of autumn give way to the cold, wet (or freezing) dark days of winter, invite children of all ages (and the young at heart) to become aware of the subtle changes around them with this fun outdoor activity for kids and adults.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Educational Opportunities:
Seasonal nature scavenger hunts offer a unique educational opportunity for children of all ages. As children learn about the trees that lose their leaves in the winter, they also learn about the trees that don’t lose their leaves and why.
While most deciduous trees lose their leaves in early winter, most evergreen coniferous trees do not. Nature walks and scavenger hunts can also help children learn more about animals and their behaviors and habits. For example, some birds and animals migrate or hibernate during certain seasons. In contrast, other animals and birds change the colors of their feathers or coats.
Likewise, another learning opportunity lies in understanding plants and the surrounding agriculture. Some crops, such as citrus fruits, ripen in the winter. Meanwhile, other crops fallow or wither and die.
The differences children observe between the different plants and animals that inhabit the area they live in each season (using all of their senses) can cause them to wonder why and ask more questions. This curiosity opens the door to even more learning opportunities as they continue to explore and discover the answers to the questions they seek.
Signs of Winter Coming: Scavenger Hunt Printable
Visit the Rhythms of Play Learning Center to download and print the Signs of Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable! Or, copy the first signs that winter is coming into your nature journal!
Or, try our winter scavenger hunt for preschoolers. It has pictures to make it easier for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners to use.
First Signs of Winter’s Arrival in Nature: A Scavenger Hunt for Kids:
Get outside on an outdoor scavenger hunt with the kids this winter. Searching for the signs that winter is coming and on the way is an excellent outdoor educational activity for kids. Go on this winter nature scavenger hunt to help children learn about the changing seasons and their many differences while having fun.
Download and print the winter scavenger hunt list HERE–> Signs of Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable.
Below is a list of common nature signs that winter is approaching or has arrived. However, some winter signs you see might not be on the list. Different areas and climates can exhibit distinct signs based on their location.
Please add any “signs of winter” you’ve seen that are not on our winter nature scavenger hunt list in the comments below. We’d love to hear all about the signs you notice appearing around you!
Weather and sunlight:
- Temperatures drop, and the weather grows colder.
- You can see your breath when you breathe, speak, or sing.
- Morning frost appears all around.
- Rain, hail, or snowfall to the ground.
- Icicles are often found hanging from rooftops, trees, and other structures.
- The blanket of snow on the ground grows thicker if you live where it snows.
- Each day grows shorter and shorter as the winter solstice approaches.
- After the solstice, the days grow longer.
Garden and Plants:
- Most trees, except evergreen trees, lose their leaves and go bare.
- Grass doesn’t grow as fast.
- Winter flowers such as Hellebores, Winter Jasmine, and Snowdrops are in bloom.
- Unless you have a greenhouse or live in an area that stays warm all year, the garden goes fallow.
Wildlife Signs:
- Pets and other animals shed less and grow thicker winter coats.
- Many animals hibernate for the winter and can no longer be seen in the wild. (Bears, hedgehogs, etc.)
- Birds (and some animals) finish their migration south for the winter (geese, swallows, hawks, cranes, etc.)
- Invertebrates such as butterflies and ladybugs also disappear into hibernation until the spring.
Other Random Signs:
- Gas and energy bills start to rise as the thermostat is turned up to raise the house’s temperature.
- Smoke can be seen and smelled emanating from chimneys.
- People are bundled up in warm winter gear when outside.
- Snowballs can be seen flying, and you might get ambushed!
- Christmas and holiday decorations are everywhere.
Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt for Winter
Invite children to go on a nature scavenger hunt this winter to find the first familiar sights of the season. Or, try our winter scavenger hunt for preschoolers. It has pictures to make it easier for toddlers and preschoolers to use.
As the winter solstice approaches, signs of winter begin to appear around us. I’m sure you are starting to see familiar signs on the list above. So tell me — what “signs of winter” have you noticed?
While some signs of winter’s arrival are universal, others depend on where you live. As the winter draws to a close, get outside to search for the signs of spring!
This post is a part of the Get Outside and Connect Series. For more information, click on the link. You may also enjoy this list of outdoor learning activities for kids.
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids:
- Winter Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
- Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
- Search for the Signs of Summer Scavenger Hunt
- Signs of Autumn Fall Scavenger Hunt
More Winter Activities and Crafts for Kids:
- Winter Bucket List of Fun Activities
- Best Winter Art Projects for Kids
- Winter Solstice Books for Kids
- How to Make Beaded Snowflakes
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