Go on a Candy Cane Hunt!

Looking for a simple and fun holiday activity that’s perfect for kids of all ages?  

Send them on a candy cane hunt.  

This Christmas themed scavenger hunt is one of our favorite Candy cane activities  of all times. 

It’s guaranteed to get the kids laughing and giggling this holiday season.  And we all could use a few more giggles this year.  

Years ago, when my kids were just in preschool/kindergarten, we started this tradition as one of the activities in our Christmas Countdown Calendar.   

I can still picture them, giggling and laughing, as they raced around the yard, helping each other find the red and white striped candy.   It was magical to watch them as they raced around the yard in their coats and mittens, lost in the excitement of the hunt.  

It is still one of their favorite activities each year.  (Tweens like to have fun this time of year, too!)

Having a candy cane scavenger hunt is a fun kids Christmas activity for all ages.

If you are looking for more ways to bring the joy back this season, you may also like:

Candy Cane Fishing —  The whole family will have fun fishing for ornaments in this simple Christmas Minute-to-Win-It Game.

Melting Snowman STEM Activity —  This low-prep STEM activity will keep kids of all ages busy and having fun. 

Elf on the Shelf STEM Activities —  Have an elf?  Try out some of these elf-themed STEM projects with the kids.  

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Candy Cane Hunt

Hosting your very own backyard scavenger hunt for candy canes is easy to set up.

First, you will want to have plenty of candy canes.  

You can use real candy canes or plastic candy cane ornaments for your hunt.  We usually use a mix of the two.

Red and white pipe cleaners twisted together can make quick and easy candy canes for this activity as well.  And, the kids will have fun helping to make them.  Just twist a red and white pipe cleaner together, and form a hook to create your very own candy cane.  

Once you have your candy canes ready, head outdoors to hide them. 

Try hanging them from various tree limbs and shrubs.  You could also hang them from flower pots, swing sets, bird feeders….  Be creative with whatever space you have available.  

You might even want to surprise them with a few super big candy canes standing around.  

If the weather isn’t cooperating, or you don’t have an outdoor space to use, you can hide the candy canes indoors.  Going on a candy cane hunt is a fun activity when you’re stuck inside in the winter.  

Once you’ve hidden the candy canes,  it’s time for the scavenger hunt!

Bring the kids outside and challenge them to see how many candies they can find.  

It is truly magical watching kids race to find candy canes that are hidden among the otherwise barren branches.

Now, grab those candy canes and get ready to hear some excited giggles!

Having a candy cane hunt is the funnest candy cane activity around.