Every kid loves a challenge where they can get prizes and gets them up and move around. Scavenger Hunts are a great way to get your kid thinking, moving and having fun.
There are some great scavenger hunt ideas that can be used for a day to day hunt or themed ones for birthdays and holidays. Here are a few great ideas and themes for an epic scavenger hunt.
1. Riddles
Mark up some spots outside or on objects (washable) inside with a question mark and a riddle near by. Make it a riddle that will lead them to the next clue for example: “What Gets Wet as it dries? ” The answer is a towel so the next clue would be near some towels.
2. Puzzles
Get a few small, cheap puzzles from the dollar store, put them together and write the clue for the next spot on the back of each puzzle. Then leave a pile of the pieces in each spot. The kids have to put the puzzle together, flip it over and read the clue to find the next pile of puzzle pieces.
3. Follow the string
Get some cheap yarn or thin string and create a maze either in their room or through the house or even a playground. Leave a note that they have to unravel the string following through wherever it goes. At the end of the string leave a small prize. This is a great idea for Easter baskets or birthday presents or even to prolong that Christmas morning leaving presents along the way. The kids love the challenge and it is pretty fun to set it up.
4. Nesting Dolls
Ever heard of the Russian Nesting Dolls? Get a cute little set either online or if you can find from a local artist. Start by leaving the smallest one in a very obvious place, partially open with a clue inside as to where the next one is. Each doll will have a clue and a treat inside. When they get to the biggest doll the set will be complete and will have a final clue as to where the big prize is !
5. Art Scavenging
Use some white crayons on water color papers to leave clues, the kids have to paint over them to see what it is at each art station. You can do the clue as a drawing so that when the scavenger hunt is over you still have some artwork from the fun times. This can be done with other medias as well like glue and salt, unfolding origami or at night with glow in the dark paint.