Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Searching for clues, trying to decode what they mean, and finding hidden treasures? You can’t beat it!

I grew up doing scavenger hunts at home. My dad set up the most epic treasure searches for my friends and me. We’d look everywhere to find KitKats hidden in the microwave or a tiny treasure hiding in the stack of firewood. My friends still talk about how much fun it was. 

My childhood memories inspired me, so I tried making my own version for my son’s birthday last year. Not surprisingly, the kids had a blast (and the parents were impressed). It’s one great way to harness your creativity and be a part of some pretty cool memories for your kids.  

If you consider yourself creative, the possibilities are endless—I bet you have some great ideas brewing already! Craft clues that tell a story, incorporate riddles, use real information about their life to make it personal, or even create a themed adventure using character personalities like pirates, superheroes, or aliens. 

If imagination isn’t your thing—and honestly, who has the time?— tons of free scavenger hunt ideas or inexpensive scavenger hunt options are ready to go. 

The set up

While planning your scavenger hunt, you can write either super basic or more in-depth clues. Try doing more simple hunts in nature using a list of items the kids can search for while walking or playing outdoors.

If you want to join the fun, use your imagination and rhyming skills to develop your own clues. I did this for my son’s 7th birthday party. It was a hit! The kids searched around the house and in the yard, and the final clue led them to the bathtub, where they found a big plastic wrap prize ball filled with goodies I got from the dollar store, spare change, and tasty treats. 

Here are some clue examples: 

“I have a cold nose and a wagging tail. Look for your next clue in my food pail.” (Dog food dish)

“I have four legs and a comfy seat. Under my cushion, you’ll find a treat.” (Chair)

Scavenger hunt tips

Make the clues and hiding spots age-appropriate and easily accessible for kids to search. You don’t need your 5-year-old sticking his head in the oven to find a clue! 

Consider their reading abilities, too. Make clues super simple to understand, or offer to read them out loud if your kiddos haven’t mastered reading just yet.

If you're doing a scavenger hunt with a group, consider having kids take turns reading or searching to find the next clue. You might also divide them into teams so everyone gets a turn.  

The most important rule? Focus on having fun! Don’t forget to sit back and watch as they work to decipher clues to find the hidden treasure. A well-planned scavenger hunt can provide entertainment and create lasting memories for everyone involved. 

Have you ever created a scavenger hunt?

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