Difference between revisions of "Make an Amazing Treasure Hunt for Kids"
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Whether it's too cold to play outside, a birthday party, or just an ordinary day, treasure hunts are a great and easy way to keep kids entertained. They offer a huge amount of everlasting fun and will improve their physical and intellectual development. Here are ideas on how to stage a treasure hunt for kids. | Whether it's too cold to play outside, a birthday party, or just an ordinary day, treasure hunts are a great and easy way to keep kids entertained. They offer a huge amount of everlasting fun and will improve their physical and intellectual development. Here are ideas on how to stage a treasure hunt for kids. | ||
| − | [[Category:Party Games for Kids]] | + | [[Category: Party Games for Kids]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Preparing the Hunt=== | ===Preparing the Hunt=== | ||
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#*Themes are good excuses to get everyone in costume, which can make it much more "realistic" for many children. For example, you could buy a pack of cheap eye patches and plastic swords and call it a hunt for pirate's booty. | #*Themes are good excuses to get everyone in costume, which can make it much more "realistic" for many children. For example, you could buy a pack of cheap eye patches and plastic swords and call it a hunt for pirate's booty. | ||
#* Do you want additional competition? Split the kids into two teams and have them race to the treasure. This will allow the children to improve their teamwork and better the communication skills. Make sure the kids are old and mature enough to handle this. | #* Do you want additional competition? Split the kids into two teams and have them race to the treasure. This will allow the children to improve their teamwork and better the communication skills. Make sure the kids are old and mature enough to handle this. | ||
| − | #*Will they go after individual prizes, finding one at each clue, or do you want one big treasure waiting at the end?<ref>https://www.persil.co.uk/activities-for-kids/plan-treasure-hunt-kids/</ref> | + | #*Will they go after individual prizes, finding one at each clue, or do you want one big treasure waiting at the end?<ref name="rf17451">https://www.persil.co.uk/activities-for-kids/plan-treasure-hunt-kids/</ref> |
#Figure out how long you want the hunt to take. A good rule of thumb is that kids' patience will last through about twice as many clues as they are years old. Of course, even older kids may get a little tired after 26 clues. Anywhere between 5-15 is generally a good length, depending on how far apart the clues are from each other. | #Figure out how long you want the hunt to take. A good rule of thumb is that kids' patience will last through about twice as many clues as they are years old. Of course, even older kids may get a little tired after 26 clues. Anywhere between 5-15 is generally a good length, depending on how far apart the clues are from each other. | ||
#Make a great treasure. The very last clue should lead to some sort of treasure or fun activity, rewarding everyone for finishing. Consider having a prize for the first person or team to get their as well, which will give some competition and urgency to the hunt.. | #Make a great treasure. The very last clue should lead to some sort of treasure or fun activity, rewarding everyone for finishing. Consider having a prize for the first person or team to get their as well, which will give some competition and urgency to the hunt.. | ||
#* Decorate a box with pictures or construction paper, then fill it with goodies such as candy, coins, or toys. | #* Decorate a box with pictures or construction paper, then fill it with goodies such as candy, coins, or toys. | ||
#*The treasure doesn't have to be a thing. You can set up a great meal, party area, or a game so that the kids arrive at a fun "secret grove." | #*The treasure doesn't have to be a thing. You can set up a great meal, party area, or a game so that the kids arrive at a fun "secret grove." | ||
| − | #*If the hunt is for smaller children, make sure there are some consolation prizes -- everyone should find or go home with something.<ref>http://www.mykidsadventures.com/treasure-hunt-kids-guide/</ref> | + | #*If the hunt is for smaller children, make sure there are some consolation prizes -- everyone should find or go home with something.<ref name="rf17452">http://www.mykidsadventures.com/treasure-hunt-kids-guide/</ref> |
| − | #When writing clues, work backwards from your final treasure. Once you know how it all ends, it's a lot easier to get people there. Each clue needs to lead to the next one, so figure out how to write a clue for your location, then hide it and repeat. Make sure, of course, that the last clue you write (and the first one the kids find) leads back to your starting point!<ref>http://handsonaswegrow.com/32-ways-kids-can-go-on-scavenger-hunts/</ref> | + | #When writing clues, work backwards from your final treasure. Once you know how it all ends, it's a lot easier to get people there. Each clue needs to lead to the next one, so figure out how to write a clue for your location, then hide it and repeat. Make sure, of course, that the last clue you write (and the first one the kids find) leads back to your starting point!<ref name="rf17453">http://handsonaswegrow.com/32-ways-kids-can-go-on-scavenger-hunts/</ref> |
#* Keep in mind that, though the first clue should be easy, they should increase in difficulty as the hunt goes on. | #* Keep in mind that, though the first clue should be easy, they should increase in difficulty as the hunt goes on. | ||
#Create a simple rule sheet. Pass out the rules at the beginning, and tell the kids to hold onto them if they are old enough to read and use it. If they are younger, share this with a few parents and chaperones and have them help enforce. This is a good place to put any special considerations too. Some things to consider include: | #Create a simple rule sheet. Pass out the rules at the beginning, and tell the kids to hold onto them if they are old enough to read and use it. If they are younger, share this with a few parents and chaperones and have them help enforce. This is a good place to put any special considerations too. Some things to consider include: | ||
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#*Where to "turn in" clues, or what do to if you get stuck. | #*Where to "turn in" clues, or what do to if you get stuck. | ||
#*Emergency contact numbers if anyone gets lost. | #*Emergency contact numbers if anyone gets lost. | ||
| − | #*Any time limit, or time to return to the house, even if you haven't "won" yet.<ref | + | #*Any time limit, or time to return to the house, even if you haven't "won" yet.<ref name="rf17451" /> |
===Writing Different Types of Clues=== | ===Writing Different Types of Clues=== | ||
| − | #Make rhyming clues and riddles. The classic treasure hunt clue is a simple couplet, or rhyming lines. These can be easy, like "To find your first clue, look by the glue," or more opaque, such as "We travel together, one black and one white, you only meet us when the food isn't right" (by the salt and pepper).< | + | #Make rhyming clues and riddles. The classic treasure hunt clue is a simple couplet, or rhyming lines. These can be easy, like "To find your first clue, look by the glue," or more opaque, such as "We travel together, one black and one white, you only meet us when the food isn't right" (by the salt and pepper).<ref name="rf2">http://www.parents.com/holiday/easter/printables/printables-treasure-hunt-and-scavenger-hunt-games/</ref> |
| − | #Use pictures as clues. Draw or take photos of places they should investigate, figuring out where the actual location is. This is a great clue for younger kids, as it lets them get moving quickly. For the older crowd, you can up the ante by using vintage photos, satellite shots, or extreme close-ups for a more difficult hunt.< | + | #Use pictures as clues. Draw or take photos of places they should investigate, figuring out where the actual location is. This is a great clue for younger kids, as it lets them get moving quickly. For the older crowd, you can up the ante by using vintage photos, satellite shots, or extreme close-ups for a more difficult hunt.<ref name="rf17453" /> |
| − | #Incorporate games into some of the clues. For example, you could get three identical cups. Show the kids which cup you are hiding the clue under, then rapidly mix around the cups. The kids then have to guess which cup contains the clue. You can run egg races, small obstacle courses, or mini scavenger hunts as well, giving out the clue only once the game is complete.<ref>http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_28.html</ref> | + | #Incorporate games into some of the clues. For example, you could get three identical cups. Show the kids which cup you are hiding the clue under, then rapidly mix around the cups. The kids then have to guess which cup contains the clue. You can run egg races, small obstacle courses, or mini scavenger hunts as well, giving out the clue only once the game is complete.<ref name="rf17454">http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_28.html</ref> |
#*This can be a good way to break up the middle of a hunt. Send them off on the first 4-5 clues, then go set up the game for the middle. After the game is over, they can get some food, water, and sunblock before hitting the next 4-5 clues. | #*This can be a good way to break up the middle of a hunt. Send them off on the first 4-5 clues, then go set up the game for the middle. After the game is over, they can get some food, water, and sunblock before hitting the next 4-5 clues. | ||
| − | #Use secret codes or invisible ink to make the clues a little more challenging. The simplest way to make invisible ink is to write something in white crayon, then have the kids go over it with highlighter. [[Make an Invisible Ink Message|You can also make invisible ink]], letting the kids figure out what to do with the "blank" clue on their own.<ref | + | #Use secret codes or invisible ink to make the clues a little more challenging. The simplest way to make invisible ink is to write something in white crayon, then have the kids go over it with highlighter. [[Make an Invisible Ink Message|You can also make invisible ink]], letting the kids figure out what to do with the "blank" clue on their own.<ref name="rf17454" /> |
#* For kids of all ages, you could turn all of the lights off in a room so it is pitch black. Tell the kids to search for the clues with flashlights or by feeling around. | #* For kids of all ages, you could turn all of the lights off in a room so it is pitch black. Tell the kids to search for the clues with flashlights or by feeling around. | ||
| − | #Hide the clues in something "gross" or fun to explore. You might dunk the clues in a bowl of wet spaghetti "brains," forcing kids to go dig through. If you have some waterproof clues, you can put them in the bottom of the pool, giving kids a chance to jump in and swim (as long as they are supervised). Anything that makes them move and try out different things will be a blast.<ref | + | #Hide the clues in something "gross" or fun to explore. You might dunk the clues in a bowl of wet spaghetti "brains," forcing kids to go dig through. If you have some waterproof clues, you can put them in the bottom of the pool, giving kids a chance to jump in and swim (as long as they are supervised). Anything that makes them move and try out different things will be a blast.<ref name="rf17451" /> |
#Consider multi-part clues for older treasure hunters. For example, you can get custom-made puzzles cheaply online, which you can print with a clue. Then, at each smaller clue, you give out a puzzle piece, which build up to reveal one last clue or secret. Other ideas include: | #Consider multi-part clues for older treasure hunters. For example, you can get custom-made puzzles cheaply online, which you can print with a clue. Then, at each smaller clue, you give out a puzzle piece, which build up to reveal one last clue or secret. Other ideas include: | ||
#*Giving out letters at each clue as part of a word scramble. The scrambled word is a password for another clue, or the answer to reveal the final treasure. | #*Giving out letters at each clue as part of a word scramble. The scrambled word is a password for another clue, or the answer to reveal the final treasure. | ||
#*Themed questions such as -- "the final answer is the one thing all the other clues have in common," or "the final clue comes from the first letter of all the other clues." | #*Themed questions such as -- "the final answer is the one thing all the other clues have in common," or "the final clue comes from the first letter of all the other clues." | ||
#Incorporate age-appropriate trivia, including popular characters and songs. This is especially fun if you have a themed treasure hunt. For example, you can ask "Where part of the house did Harry Potter have to live in as a kid?" which would send the children scrambling towards the closet for the next clue. | #Incorporate age-appropriate trivia, including popular characters and songs. This is especially fun if you have a themed treasure hunt. For example, you can ask "Where part of the house did Harry Potter have to live in as a kid?" which would send the children scrambling towards the closet for the next clue. | ||
| − | #*Be sure to check with some kids beforehand, so that these clues are actually relevant or answerable!< | + | #*Be sure to check with some kids beforehand, so that these clues are actually relevant or answerable!<ref name="rf17454" /> |
| − | #Use a map instead of classic "clues." This goes well with puzzles or multi-part clues. Write out a map, complete with illustrations and a few intentionally misleading parts (like an "accidentally" erased area). Then, at each location in the map, put a small prize or clue needed to open the final treasure, which prevents kids from racing straight to the end.<ref | + | #Use a map instead of classic "clues." This goes well with puzzles or multi-part clues. Write out a map, complete with illustrations and a few intentionally misleading parts (like an "accidentally" erased area). Then, at each location in the map, put a small prize or clue needed to open the final treasure, which prevents kids from racing straight to the end.<ref name="rf17452" /> |
===Running the Treasure Hunt=== | ===Running the Treasure Hunt=== | ||
#Let the guests know the appropriate clothing for the hunt in advance. There is a big difference in getting a kid ready for an indoor hunt and an outdoor romp around the woods. Since only you know the clues and destinations on the hunt, be sure to let people know what to wear. | #Let the guests know the appropriate clothing for the hunt in advance. There is a big difference in getting a kid ready for an indoor hunt and an outdoor romp around the woods. Since only you know the clues and destinations on the hunt, be sure to let people know what to wear. | ||
| − | #*Make sure you account for the weather as well, especially if you're outside. If it rains, can you still hold the hunt?< | + | #*Make sure you account for the weather as well, especially if you're outside. If it rains, can you still hold the hunt?<ref name="rf17451" /> |
#Decide on some fun way to present the first clue to the kids. The general idea is that the first clue leads in some way to another location, which has a clue leading to another location, and so on until they reach the treasure. But the first clue is usually delivered in a dramatic fashion, kicking things off with a bang: | #Decide on some fun way to present the first clue to the kids. The general idea is that the first clue leads in some way to another location, which has a clue leading to another location, and so on until they reach the treasure. But the first clue is usually delivered in a dramatic fashion, kicking things off with a bang: | ||
#*Presenting the clue in a cool box or wrapping, like a "wax sealed" envelope, a mini treasure box, rolled up in a bottle, etc. | #*Presenting the clue in a cool box or wrapping, like a "wax sealed" envelope, a mini treasure box, rolled up in a bottle, etc. | ||
#*Presenting the clue to everyone at once, like with a banner, sign, or by announcing it out loud. | #*Presenting the clue to everyone at once, like with a banner, sign, or by announcing it out loud. | ||
| − | #*Running a game or challenge, such as a pie eating contest, egg race, etc. When they finish the challenge, they get the first clue.<ref | + | #*Running a game or challenge, such as a pie eating contest, egg race, etc. When they finish the challenge, they get the first clue.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Be available for help and guidance if kids get stuck. While some challenge is good, and you don't have to help every time, kids will get quickly frustrated if they stall out on a clue. Have a couple of "back-up" clues in your brain to point kids in the right direction if you see them getting worried. | #Be available for help and guidance if kids get stuck. While some challenge is good, and you don't have to help every time, kids will get quickly frustrated if they stall out on a clue. Have a couple of "back-up" clues in your brain to point kids in the right direction if you see them getting worried. | ||
| − | #*Let the kids know at the beginning where to find you or other parents. Make sure you tell a few other chaperones where the clues are located so that they can help as well.<ref | + | #*Let the kids know at the beginning where to find you or other parents. Make sure you tell a few other chaperones where the clues are located so that they can help as well.<ref name="rf17454" /> |
#Provide water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially if it's going to be a long hunt. The last thing the kids will be thinking off as they dig for clues is hydration and sun block. So keep it on hand for them, or leave a few water bottles and block at some of the clues, allowing them to refuel on the go. | #Provide water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially if it's going to be a long hunt. The last thing the kids will be thinking off as they dig for clues is hydration and sun block. So keep it on hand for them, or leave a few water bottles and block at some of the clues, allowing them to refuel on the go. | ||
#*A couple boxes of granola bars are a great, on-the-go snack. You can pass them out at the beginning or give them out halfway through. | #*A couple boxes of granola bars are a great, on-the-go snack. You can pass them out at the beginning or give them out halfway through. | ||
