A scavenger hunt is a great way to keep kids entertained while teaching them about the world around them. The following list provides scavenger hunt ideas for kids that can be tailored to any age group. From finding objects in nature to completing tasks at a local store, there is sure to be something for everyone on this list!
What is a scavenger hunt?
A scavenger hunt is a game in which players have to find and collect items (or check off items on a list) from a specific location. Scavenger hunts can be played indoors or outdoors, and can be tailored to any age group or interest.
Benefits of playing scavenger hunts
Scavenger hunts are a great way to encourage kids to get up and move around. They also promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as creativity. Additionally, scavenger hunts can be used to teach kids about the world around them, whether it’s finding objects in nature or completing tasks at a local store.
How to play a scavenger hunt
First, decide on the location of the scavenger hunt. This can be indoors, outdoors, or even virtual. Next, create a list of items that need to be found or tasks that need to be completed. Make sure the items are age-appropriate and within the abilities of the players. Finally, give each player a copy of the list and let them loose! The first player to find or complete all of the items on the list is the winner.
Scavenger hunt ideas for kids
1. Nature scavenger hunt: Go on a nature walk and see how many items from a provided list the kids can find.
2. Backyard scavenger hunt: Hide items around the backyard and have the kids search for them.
3. Indoor scavenger hunt: Hide items around the house and have the kids search for them.
4. Neighborhood scavenger hunt: Have the kids find specific items or perform tasks around the neighborhood.
5. Photo scavenger hunt: Give the kids a list of things to find and take a picture of.
6. Scavenger hunt with clues: Write out clues for the kids to follow in order to find the hidden items.
7. Geocaching scavenger hunt: Use a GPS to hide and find containers around the neighborhood.
8. Letterboxing scavenger hunt: Hide small boxes around the area and have the kids find them using clues.
9. Water scavenger hunt: If your family likes to take trips to the beach, lake, or river, then this is a great activity for you. Make a list of items you can find in the water and try to find them all.
10. I Spy scavenger hunt: Give the kids a list of items to find and have them cross it off as they spy it.
11. Container scavenger hunt: Hide small containers around the area and have the kids find them.
12. Shape scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are a certain shape, such as circles or triangles.
13. Color scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are a certain color, such as red or blue.
14. Sound scavenger hunt: Have the kids listen for specific sounds, such as an animal or a car horn.
15. Touch scavenger hunt: Have the kids identify objects by touch, such as smooth or rough.
16. Taste scavenger hunt: Have the kids identify objects by taste, such as sweet or sour.
17. Smell scavenger hunt: Have the kids identify objects by smell, such as flowers or food.
18. Counting scavenger hunt: Have the kids find a certain number of objects, such as 10 rocks or 5 leaves.
19. Timed scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects in a given amount of time, such as 1 minute or 5 minutes.
20. Alphabetical scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects in alphabetical order, such as A is for apple or B is for ball.
21. First and last scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that come first or last in the alphabet, such as Z is for zebra or X is for xylophone.
22. Syllable scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects with a certain number of syllables, such as 1 syllable or 2 syllables.
23. Size scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are a certain size, such as big or small.
24. Opposites scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are the opposite of something else, such as hot and cold or wet and dry.
25. One at a time scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects one at a time and put them in a designated area.
26. All at once scavenger hunt: Have the kids find all of the objects on the list at once and then bring them to a designated area.
27. Team scavenger hunt: Divide the kids into teams and have them compete to see who can find the most objects.
28. Individual scavenger hunt: Have the kids compete individually to see who can find the most objects.
29. Relay race scavenger hunt: Divide the kids into teams and have each team member take turns finding an object.
30. Simon Says scavenger hunt: Have the kids do what Simon Says in order to find the hidden objects.
31. Mother May I scavenger hunt: Have the kids take turns asking Mother for permission to take a certain number of steps in order to find the hidden objects.
32. Red light, green light scavenger hunt: Have the kids take turns being the traffic light. When it’s green, they can move to find the hidden objects. When it’s red, they have to stop.
33. Hide and seek scavenger hunt: One person hides items around the house or yard while the others go and find them.
34. Scavenger hunt with a twist: Have the kids do the scavenger hunt blindfolded, with one hand behind their back, or backwards.
35. Minute to win it scavenger hunt: Have the kids complete challenges in order to find the hidden objects.
36. Obstacle course scavenger hunt: Have the kids complete an obstacle course in order to find the hidden objects.
37. Cranium scavenger hunt: Divide the kids into teams and have them compete to see who can answer the most questions correctly about the hidden objects.
38. Charades scavenger hunt: Have the kids act out clues in order to find the hidden objects.
39. Pictionary scavenger hunt: Have the kids draw clues in order to find the hidden objects.
40. Riddles scavenger hunt: Have the kids solve riddles in order to find the hidden objects.
41. Word search scavenger hunt: Have the kids find words in a word search in order to find the hidden objects.
42. Crossword puzzle scavenger hunt: Have the kids solve a crossword puzzle in order to find the hidden objects.
43. Treasure map scavenger hunt: Give the kids a treasure map and have them follow the clues in order to find the hidden objects.
44. Scavenger hunt in the dark: Hide the objects around the house or yard and have the kids find them using only a flashlight.
Scavenger hunt theme ideas:
Sports scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects related to a certain sport, such as a baseball or a football.
Outdoors scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are outdoors, such as a flower or a tree.
Indoors scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are indoors, such as a pillow or a blanket.
Bedroom scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are in their bedroom, such as a toy or a book.
Kitchen scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are in the kitchen, such as a spoon or a plate.
Bathroom scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are in the bathroom, such as a toothbrush or a towel.
Clothes scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are clothes, such as a shirt or a pair of pants.
Food scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are food, such as an apple or a banana.
Animal scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are animals, such as a dog or a cat.
Insect scavenger hunt: Have the kids find objects that are insects, such as a butterfly or a ladybug.
Holiday-themed scavenger hunts: Have the kids find items related to a certain holiday. For instance, on Christmas you can hide gifts around and use Scavenger cards to help your guest find there gift.
Conclusion:
Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids entertained. There are many different ways to play, and you can even customize the game to fit your child’s interests. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple scavenger hunt into a fun and exciting adventure for the whole family!
What are some of your favorite scavenger hunt ideas? Share them with us in the comments below!