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Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?

One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)

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Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)

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For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!

Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.

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Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:

(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)

Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:

(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)

Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.

Scavenger hunt    

  • Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.
  • Take a picture of two people swinging.
  • Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this!  -or-  Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:
  • Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:

  • Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.
  • Trade a penny for something more valuable. 
  • What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?
  • Find the little library and write down the name of one book. 
  • Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.
  • Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.
  • Take a picture of something red.
  • Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.
  • Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.
  • Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.
  • Return home

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Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:

Scrambled word = teenager

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The boys loved the scavenger hunts!

What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.

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Click here to read “How to Host an Amazing Backyard Birthday”

Kathryn: I am a mom to four young boys and wife to one handsome man. I love hot coffee and good books! I'm a midwest girl living and loving life in Minnesota. I'm originally from Indiana, but have lived in: Ohio, Florida, Oklahoma, Illinois, Colorado, and NOW Minnesota!!
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