A summer colour hunt is an easy family activity that requires very little preparation.

It can be completed:

• In a backyard
• Around the block
• At a community park
• Along a walking trail
• Near Mirror Lake
• At a campground
• During a family road-trip stop

The goal is not to collect objects.

The goal is to slow down, look carefully and notice how many colours appear in an ordinary outdoor space.

A colour hunt also gives families a simple reason to walk, move and spend time together outside.

What You Need

Bring:

• A printed or handwritten colour list
• A pencil or washable marker
• A small notebook
• A phone or camera when photographs are appropriate
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Insect repellent when needed

Children can draw their discoveries instead of photographing them.

Basic Colour Hunt

Ask everyone to find something representing each colour:

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Light green
• Dark green
• Blue
• Purple
• Pink
• White
• Grey
• Brown
• Black
• More than one colour

Possible discoveries may include:

• Flowers
• Leaves
• Rocks
• Birds
• Insects
• Signs
• Playground equipment
• Clothing
• Buildings
• Vehicles

Encourage children to observe natural objects without picking plants, disturbing animals or entering unsafe areas.

Add Observation Challenges

After completing the basic list, try finding:

• The brightest object
• The smallest colourful object
• The largest colourful object
• Two objects that are almost the same colour
• A colour hidden in a shadow
• A colour reflected in water
• An object with three or more colours
• Something whose colour changes in sunlight
• A colour that was difficult to find
• A colour that surprised you

There are no winners or losers.

The activity is about noticing details and sharing discoveries.

Try a Photo Version

Older children can photograph one object for each colour.

When the hunt is finished:

1. Review the photographs together.
2. Put them in rainbow order.
3. Create a digital collage.
4. Choose the most unusual discovery.
5. Talk about which colour was easiest or hardest to find.

Do not photograph strangers without permission.

Stay on public paths and respect private property.

Try a Drawing Version

Give each child a notebook page divided into coloured sections.

When they find something:

• Draw the object
• Write its name
• Record where it was found
• Describe its texture or shape
• Add another colour seen nearby

This version works well when families prefer to leave phones at home.

Make It Easier for Younger Children

For younger children, begin with four colours:

• Red
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue

Use simple prompts:

• Can you find something green?
• Can you point to something yellow?
• Which colour do you see the most?
• Can you find two things that match?

An adult can mark the checklist while the child searches.

Add Challenges for Older Children

Older children may enjoy finding:

• A natural example and a human-made example of each colour
• Five different shades of green
• An example of camouflage
• A colour created by light or reflection
• A plant with more than one colour
• A sign that uses colour to communicate
• An object that appears different from a distance

Ask them why certain colours may help plants, insects, birds, signs or buildings.

The purpose is observation and conversation, not a formal science lesson.

Create a Colour Story

After returning home, ask everyone to choose three discoveries and build a short story around them.

For example:

A yellow butterfly landed beside a purple flower while a red wagon rolled past.

Children can write the story, tell it aloud or illustrate it.

Respect Nature and Shared Spaces

Follow a few simple rules:

• Stay on marked or appropriate paths.
• Do not pick unfamiliar plants or mushrooms.
• Do not touch or chase wildlife.
• Leave nests and habitats undisturbed.
• Do not enter private property.
• Take all garbage home.
• Follow posted park rules.
• Wash hands after outdoor activities.

Adults should supervise children near roads, parking areas, water and uneven ground.

Adapt the Activity to the Weather

On a hot day:

• Choose a shaded route.
• Go earlier in the morning.
• Bring water.
• Keep the activity shorter.

After rain:

• Look for colours reflected in puddles.
• Watch for slippery paths.
• Wear suitable footwear.

On a windy day:

• Notice moving leaves, flags and clouds.
• Avoid areas with damaged or unstable trees.

Check the weather before leaving home.

For Families with Different Abilities

Make the activity flexible.

Participants can:

• Walk, roll or sit in one location
• Point instead of writing
• Describe colours aloud
• Use photographs
• Work as one team
• Search from a window, patio or park bench
• Focus on textures, shapes or sounds when colour identification is difficult

The goal is shared participation, not completing every item.

Trusted Source

Public Health Agency of Canada — Physical Activity Tips for Children

The Public Health Agency of Canada encourages active family activities, walking, playground visits and regular movement for children.

A successful colour hunt does not require finding every colour.

The best discoveries may be the details your family usually walks past without noticing.

Simple takeaway: Slow down, look closely and see how colourful an ordinary summer walk can be.

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