Great places for Scavenger Hunts include your backyard or a local state park, for instance. If you are planning Scavenger Hunt for children, ensure there is adult supervision throughout the area. [2] X Research source

For instance, if you are throwing a Pirate birthday party, you can hide clues like plastic gold coins, a ship in a bottle, a stuffed parrot toy, or a small treasure box. You can also write clues as if you are a pirate and say “Arg!”

For example, if you are hiding a fake gold coin, write something like, “Fill your treasure box with me to bask in the riches of the sea!” You can also draw a piggy bank or detail the area where you hid the item.

For some easy hiding spots, try placing the item at the bottom of a bushy shrub, behind a lawn decoration, or under a doormat. For more difficult hiding places, place the item high in a tree branch, inside of a dog house, or on top of a bird feeder. To attach the clue securely, you can place the index card underneath a heavy item, or use a rock to hold it down. If you are hiding an item with an opening such as a pocket or folder, put the clue inside. You can fold it up if it is helpful.

For example, if you are playing Scavenger Hunt with a group of 1st graders, offer a small toy or sweet treat as the price. If you are playing with teenagers, consider offering movie tickets for the group as the prize. A great idea if playing with adults includes a basket of goodies or a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

If you have an odd number, find 1 more player to join in!

Let the players know the overall time of the game before you start.

It is important that none of the players know where the items are located before the game begins. This is considered cheating.

For example, if 1 player finds a key hidden in a jungle gym with a note attached, they should say something like, “Hey team, I found one!” and gather the group together.

Keep the items in your pocket or in a basket as you play the game.

If you are playing in a large space, you can blow a whistle to designate the end of the game. Tell the players to listen for the whistle before you start.

If there is a tie, offer 1 final clue as a tiebreaker. The first team to find the final object breaks the tie and wins the game.

For example, give 1 candy bar to each player on the winning team. Purchase the candy bars in advance so they are ready to give out when the game ends.