Find a Nature Treasure in Every Color of the Rainbow

Finding a nature treasure in every color of the rainbow combines color exploration and outdoor discovery into one playful activity. As children search for items they naturally slow down and look more closely at the world around them, strengthening observation skills and attention to detail. Leaves, stones, flowers, bark, and berries all become part of a vibrant scavenger hunt that encourages curiosity and helps kids notice the incredible variety already present in nature.

This activity also creates a wonderful opportunity to expand vocabulary and descriptive language. Alongside familiar colors, children can be introduced to more nuanced names like chartreuse (think wolf lichen), indigo, or rust, helping them connect language to real-world experiences. Talking about shades, textures, and where each treasure was found supports early science and language development while making learning feel like a game that invites creativity, movement, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Having fun with this activity? Try these ideas:

• Paint each cup of an egg carton with a different color or shade and challenge your child to find a match in nature.

• Combine color hunting with rock hunting and find a rock of each color of the rainbow.

• Mix paint colors to make the same colors you discovered in nature.

We’d love to see what you’re up to this Spring Break. Tag us @mountain_sprouts or #MSCCSpringBreakChallenge to share photos with us on social media.