Children and adults alike play a game called scavenger hunt.To organize the game, create a list of objects to find and clues to help the players locate them.To play the game, divide the players into 2 teams and give them a clue.The players can locate the second item with help from the next clue.The items collected from both teams should be counted when the time limit runs out.The team with the most clues wins.
Step 1: Pick a location with lots of hiding spots.
You can play outdoors or indoors.Pick a spot with no sharp objects.If you can, choose a place with a lot of small hiding spaces or nooks and crannies.Your backyard or a state park are great places for scavenger hunts.There is adult supervision throughout the area if you are planning a scavenger hunt for children.
Step 2: A theme for your scavenger hunt will add a personal touch.
If you are playing scavenger hunt at a birthday party, choosing a theme is a great idea.You can use any theme you want, such as an Easter-themed egg hunt or a pirate treasure hunt.Pick items that fit your theme and pick a prize that is related to the theme as well.If you are throwing a pirate birthday party, you can hide clues like plastic gold coins, a ship in a bottle, and a stuffed parrot toy.It is possible to write clues as if you are a pirate.
Step 3: List the items you want to find during the scavenger hunt.
Pick objects you want the players to find.These can be any household item, like a spoon, action figure, or markers.To keep track of what players find and what is still missing, write down all of the items.
Step 4: Each clue should be written on index cards.
Pick the order in which you want the players to find the items.Each team gets 1 notecard for each clue.Tailor your clues to the age of your players.You can suggest what the item is used for, or draw a diagram.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!"
Step 5: You can hide your items in a variety of places.
Place the item in a hidden spot once you have written out the clues.When hiding the treasure, be sure to include the clue to the next item.It is fun to hide items in places that are easy to find.If you want to hide the item, try placing it at the bottom of a shrub, behind a lawn decoration, or under a doormat.If it is difficult to hide, place the item high in a tree branch, inside of a dog house, or on a bird feeders.To attach the clue securely, place the index card underneath a heavy item or use a rock to hold it down.Put the clue inside the pocket or folder if you are hiding an item.If it is helpful, you can fold it up.
Step 6: Pick out a prize for your team.
It is helpful to consider the age of the players when choosing the prize.Candy, cash, or gift certificates are some helpful ideas.You can choose a prize to reflect the theme of the game.If you are playing a scavenger hunt with a group of 1st graders, offer a small toy or treat as the price.If you are playing with teenagers, give them movie tickets as a prize.A gift certificate to a local restaurant is a great idea if you are playing with adults.
Step 7: A minimum of 3 players are needed to split your group into 2 teams.
Divide your group of scavengers into two equal teams.Ensuring the teams are even is the best way to play with a diverse age group.If you put a couple older kids and a few younger kids on the same team, they can work together throughout the scavenger hunt.If you have an odd number, you can join another player.
Step 8: The scavengers need a time limit to complete the game.
The time limit can be as long as you want.For instance, tell the players to look for clues for 30 or 60 minutes.To keep track of the time, set a timer when you are ready to play.The players want to find the most clues in the shortest amount of time.Let the players know when the game starts.
Step 9: Give each team a clue.
The first clue to each team should be on the notecard when you start the game.The players are free to explore the space in search of the first item after this begins the game.It's important that the players don't know where the items are before the game starts.This is cheating.
Step 10: The players should be allowed to work together to find the clues.
The players should use their creativity and critical thinking skills to figure out where the first item is when playing scavenger hunt.Run to the hiding spot and find the item.When the player finds it, they should give it to the team.If one player finds a key hidden in a jungle gym, they should say something like, "Hey team, I found one!"The group should be gathered together.
Step 11: When the players find a clue, let them read it together.
When a player finds a clue, they should use the index card to find the second clue.Continue until you find all of the hidden items or the time is up.As you play the game, keep the items in your pocket or basket.
Step 12: When time runs out, count the total objects found on each team.
All of the players should stop when your timer is done.The players should meet you at the starting place to count their findings.If you are playing in a large space, you can blow a whistle to end the game.Before you start, make the players listen to the whistle.
Step 13: The team with the most clues is the winner.
The team with the most objects at the end of the game is the winner.Congratulate the winning team and say nice things to the other team.If there is a tie, offer a final clue.The first team to find the final object wins the game.
Step 14: After the game is over, award the winning team their prize.
It is time to celebrate when one team is called the winner.The team should get their prize for a job well done.The prize should be ready when the game is over.Each player on the winning team will get 1 candy bar.They will give out candy bars when the game is over.