Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean team-building has to take a back seat! Winter might make planning feel tricky, but with the right activities, your team can connect and have fun; indoors or out.
For those who think scavenger hunts are just for warmer days, think again. We’ve put together 15 creative indoor ideas you’ve likely never considered, perfect for staying cozy. And for the brave souls ready to embrace the chill, we’ve got 15 outdoor activities so exciting, they’ll melt away the winter blues.
30 winter-based scavenger hunt activities? Sorted. Let’s make it one to remember! Have fun!
15 indoor scavenger hunt activities
1. Hunt and cook
Team leaders prepare by choosing a winter dish, like a hearty stew or another cozy recipe. The steps of the recipe are numbered and scattered around the office or retreat area for teams to find. The first team to collect all the steps wins the scavenger hunt. Once complete, set up a cooking station with ingredients where the team can try making the dish together. It’s a delicious way to combine teamwork and creativity.
2. Mulled wine station
Bring warmth to the winter scavenger hunt with a mulled wine challenge. Ingredients like spices, fruits, and wine are hidden around the office or retreat space for teams to locate. Once everything is gathered, the real fun begins as teams make their own steaming batch of mulled wine. This task combines hunting skills with a cozy, festive reward. It’s perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your indoor winter team-building day.
3. Winter sock match
Turn mismatched socks into a hilarious team activity. Terrible but detailed sock designs are placed in odd, hard-to-spot areas around the space. Teams must collect and match all the pairs to win. It’s a playful twist on the universal frustration of losing socks at home, but this time with a happy ending—finding them all! This lighthearted task is perfect for sparking laughs and encouraging collaboration as teams scramble to complete their mismatched collections.
4. Gift wrapping hunt
Teams are challenged to find creative substitutes for gift wrap scattered around the office or retreat space. The twist? There’s no actual gift wrapping to be found—just everyday items that could work in a pinch. Think scarves, newspapers, or even office supplies. The fun lies in seeing who comes up with the quirkiest or most inventive ideas. This task encourages creativity and guarantees plenty of laughs when the “wrapping” is revealed.
5. Winter movie matchup
Match movie quotes to their winter-themed films in this scavenger hunt. Pictures of iconic holiday movies are displayed in one area, while famous quotes are hidden throughout the office. Teams must collect the quotes and pair them with the right films. Easy ones like Elf (“Santa is coming? I know him!”) might be quick, but trickier ones like “Merry Christmas, you filthy animals!” will test their movie knowledge. A nostalgic and interactive challenge!
6. Winter word scramble
Letters spelling out a winter-themed word are hidden around the room, waiting to be found. Teams work together to collect all the letters and unscramble them to form the correct word. Words like “snowflake” or “reindeer” add a fun seasonal touch. It’s a simple yet effective activity that blends problem-solving with teamwork. The excitement builds as teams race to complete their puzzle first. Perfect for a lively indoor scavenger hunt.
7. Hidden ice glow
Create a glowing scavenger hunt by hiding “ice shards” (small objects like plastic or glass pieces) coated with glow-in-the-dark paint around the room. Provide teams with UV flashlights to search for the hidden shards. The room should be dimly lit or dark for maximum effect. Teams collect the shards and bring them to a central point. To enhance the challenge, scatter decoy items that don’t glow. This activity blends teamwork, problem-solving, and a bit of magic!
8. Layer-up race
Scatter winter clothing items like scarves, hats, gloves, and jackets around the room. The goal is for teams to locate as many items as possible and dress a teammate in layers within a time limit. The more ridiculous the outfit, the better! To add a twist, include oversized or mismatched clothing for extra laughs. This activity is a fast-paced, hilarious way to foster teamwork and get everyone moving in a fun, wintery challenge.
9. Ice sculpture hunt
Prepare pre-frozen molds shaped like small ice pieces and hide them around the space. Teams collect the pieces to assemble into a mini ice sculpture at a designated station. Provide warm water or small tools to help them stick the pieces together. If ice isn’t an option, use clay or foam pieces for a similar challenge. This activity encourages creativity and collaboration as teams work together to create their frosty masterpiece.
10. Arctic animals trivia
Hidden around the room are fact cards about Arctic animals, each containing clues to answer a riddle. Teams collect the cards, piece together the information, and solve the riddle to win. For added fun, include decoy cards with amusing but unrelated facts. This activity combines problem-solving with learning about fascinating creatures like polar bears or narwhals. It’s an engaging mix of exploration, trivia, and teamwork that brings out everyone’s competitive side.
11. Snowflake construction
Craft supplies and paper are hidden throughout the space, ready for teams to collect and use to create 3D snowflakes. Teams must locate the materials quickly and then race to construct the most impressive or intricate snowflake design. Judging can be based on creativity, size, or structural integrity. This activity combines scavenger hunting with hands-on crafting, giving teams a chance to flex their creative skills while bonding over a classic winter-themed challenge.
12. Ice cube obstacle
Teams navigate an indoor obstacle course while balancing ice cubes on spoons. The catch? Dropping an ice cube means starting over from the last checkpoint. Set up challenges like weaving through chairs, stepping over low barriers, or even a simple slalom path. For added difficulty, increase the number of ice cubes or shrink the spoon size. It’s a lighthearted way to build focus, teamwork, and agility while sparking plenty of laughs along the way.
13. Freeze frame mystery
Teams act out frozen scenes like they’ve hit pause on a story. Clues are hidden in these still-life moments, with other teams tasked to decode the narrative and move forward. Each scene adds a piece to the bigger picture, so observation and teamwork are key. This is all about creative thinking, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition. The first team to piece together the full story takes the win!
14. Ice fishing simulator
Set up a mock ice surface with metallic clues hidden underneath. Teams use magnets on strings to “fish” for these clues, which lead to solving a puzzle or unlocking a reward. Add some decoys to keep it fun and tricky. The end goal might be assembling a key or finding a hidden prize. This activity blends hands-on fun with teamwork, turning a simple idea into a satisfying and engaging winter challenge.
15. Frostbite escape
Thick winter gloves make everything harder in this frosty twist! Teams wear them while tackling challenges like stacking tiny objects, threading needles, or unlocking a padlock. The struggle gets real, but that’s where the laughs come in. The team that finishes fastest wins, but the real fun is in the chaos of fumbling around with gloves. It’s a hilarious and unique way to boost collaboration and problem-solving while having a laugh together.
15 outdoor scavenger hunt activities
1. Scarf hunt side quest
Ever played Where’s Waldo? This task has all the playful energy you need! Start by giving one team member a scarf with a subtle design that isn’t too obvious. Throughout the day, share clues about what everyone should be looking for, without mentioning it’s a scarf. The mystery keeps people guessing and scanning everything around them. It’s a fun, ongoing challenge that sparks curiosity and pairs perfectly with other team-building activities.
2. Photo with a wintery landmark
Pick a local landmark that isn’t too obvious or right outside the office door. The task? Each team must travel to the spot and take the most creative winter-themed photo they can manage. Whether it’s funny poses, props, or clever angles, this challenge brings out their creativity and collaboration skills. It’s a fantastic way to explore, bond, and even collect some great shots for social media. Simple, fun, and packed with opportunities for teamwork.
Like the scavenger hunt photo idea? Check out our full list here!
3. Winter bird watching
Take your team outdoors for a bird-watching adventure! Split into smaller groups and equip them with binoculars or bird-watching apps. The goal is to spot as many winter birds as possible, such as Redwings or Fieldfares. While waiting for sightings, groups can chat and enjoy the peaceful winter surroundings. This activity combines relaxation with a competitive twist, encouraging bonding and a shared appreciation for nature. Perfect for a slower-paced but meaningful team experience.
4. Track the tracks
Stick with the winter wildlife theme and challenge your team to track animal footprints! Teams must find and photograph tracks using their phones or cameras. Once they’ve gathered enough, everyone reconvenes indoors to identify the animals as a group. It’s a fun way to get outdoors and test some detective skills. Just make sure there aren’t any bears nearby. It’s all about footprints, not face-to-face encounters!
5. Hot chocolate ingredient hunt
Nothing warms up winter spirits like hot chocolate! Teams must gather all the ingredients from pre-determined spots to create the perfect cocoa. If there are no shops nearby, team leaders can hide ingredients ahead of time for a scavenger-style hunt. Think marshmallows in one place, cocoa powder in another, and so on. Once everything is collected, it’s time to whip up a cozy treat. The real challenge is resisting the marshmallows before the cocoa is ready.
6. Snowball target practice
A little friendly competition never hurts anyone, especially when snowballs are involved! Set up a range of targets and see which team can knock them down the fastest. No snow? No problem. Teams can create their own “snowballs” indoors using crumpled paper or soft materials. Add a twist by decorating the targets or making them themed. Whether it’s snowy or not, this activity is guaranteed to bring laughs and plenty of team bonding.
7. Hidden ornaments
It’s time for a festive treasure hunt! Ornaments are hidden in trees or snow, and the goal is to locate as many as possible. Think of it as decorating a Christmas tree, but on a grander scale. This is perfect for team building because it encourages collaboration, sharpens observation skills, and adds a playful competitive edge. Plus, nothing says teamwork like strategizing who will brave the snowy branches to grab that last ornament!
8. Snowman building challenge
Who can build the best snowman? Teams must find specific items like scarves, buttons, or hats to bring their snow creations to life. No snow? No problem. Gather the items anyway and nominate your best snowman or snowwoman candidate to dress up instead. This challenge brings out creativity, problem-solving, and loads of laughs as teams compete to create the ultimate frosty (or human) masterpiece. A classic activity with a playful twist!
9. Campfire items
Channel your team’s inner survivalist with this fiery challenge! Teams gather materials like twigs, leaves, and dry kindling to start a small fire. Once the items are collected, everyone gathers around to see who can get their fire lit first. Sounds simple? Not if some items are damp from snow or rain! It’s a great way to build problem-solving skills, resilience, and teamwork as everyone works together to spark some warmth.
10. Snow graffiti
Unleash your team’s creative side with colorful snow graffiti. Fill spray bottles with food coloring and let everyone make vibrant designs in the snow. No snow? Boards and spray paint cans can keep the creativity flowing indoors. This is a great way to get people working together while showing off their artistic flair. By the end of it, the group will have a collection of colorful masterpieces and plenty of laughs along the way.
11. Ice treasure hunt
Turn frozen ice blocks into a treasure-filled adventure. Small objects like coins or trinkets are frozen into clear blocks and hidden for teams to “excavate.” Teams can brainstorm creative ways to free their treasures while racing against each other. A little overnight prep ensures the ice blocks are ready for the hunt. This frosty challenge encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and lots of laughs as everyone battles their way to victory through frozen finds.
12. Frozen time capsule
Create a frozen time capsule to mark the moment. Teams collect meaningful items to bury together, creating a shared memory that could be unearthed one day. This activity becomes even more special during a retreat, giving teams a unique reason to return and reflect on what’s changed. It’s a meaningful and creative bonding task that sparks curiosity while bringing everyone closer. A perfect mix of fun and future reflection for any team.
13. Snowshoe relay
Take relay racing to the next level with snowshoes! Teams race across the snow in a hilarious, slightly clumsy dash to the finish. If there’s no snow, grass works just as well, adding its own twist of uneven terrain to keep things interesting. This activity combines teamwork, physical effort, and lots of laughs as everyone cheers each other on. A classic relay race with a wintry makeover for guaranteed fun.
14. Temperature detective
This is an all-team event that sharpens observation skills while adding a fun twist. Groups within the team are shown various outdoor objects, such as sunlit snow or shaded areas, and must guess the temperature of each. A team leader, armed with a digital thermometer, then takes the actual readings. The group with the closest guess wins. It’s a great way to get everyone involved, blending teamwork, strategy, and a bit of scientific curiosity.
15. Ice bowling
Transform sticks and stones into makeshift bowling pins and roll a ball across the ice for points. It’s all about creativity and skill, with plenty of room for improvisation. If there’s no snow or ice, use an indoor surface with soft pins and a lightweight ball for a safer alternative. This challenge blends friendly, work-based competition with teamwork as groups strategize for strikes. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t hibernate on a winter retreat!
Winter is still going strong at the start of the year in most places, making it the perfect time to book a winter retreat. It’s your chance to kick off the working year on the right foot, with your team recharged and ready to take on the months ahead. A winter retreat sets the stage for connection and collaboration, all in a cozy, inspiring setting.
Plus, we do all the groundwork, so you don’t have to. Simply choose your location, and we’ll do the rest!
With over 850+ retreats organized for companies around the globe, we know what it takes to craft a meaningful experience for every member of your team. Here's what we bring to the table:
- Stress-free travel arrangements? Sorted. ✅
- Comfortable, curated accommodations? Always. ✅
- Thoughtfully designed team-building activities? You bet. ✅
- Exceptional dining options? Handled. ✅
- Expert retreat planning every step of the way? Of course. ✅
And with access to 160+ incredible locations across Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and Africa, your dream retreat is closer than you think.
Contact Surf Office today and let’s create a team-building retreat everyone will love.
