How to Send Dad on a Treasure Hunt

Go beyond just handing Dad his gifts this year - make him work for them! With some planning, this can be a Father's Day he'll never forget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cassette Tape Recorders
• Crayons
• Kraft Papers
• Markers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Compasses

1. Choose your Father's Day gifts. Go with a theme (golf, fishing, home improvement and so on) to make it more interesting.
2. Figure out how much area you want to cover. Do you want to send Dad all the way to the park to find a clue? Or the hardware store? Perhaps Dad isn't the type to parade all over town, in which case you're better off sticking to home and the yard.
3. Write the clues. These can be cryptic messages, poems, drawings or even recordings. Use your imagination. Have all the kids help.
4. Arrange the gift locations ahead of time. For example, if one of the presents is a treat from the local bakery, make sure a particular employee is in on the plan and will be there when Dad drops by.
5. Wrap presents in plain brown paper and put the next clue on the outside - or inside.
6. Keep the kids involved - but warn them not to give too many hints.
7. Have Dad's favorite meal waiting when he returns, or present him with a gift certificate for his favorite restaurant.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the mood with music. The themes from "Mission Impossible" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" are good for starters. If a cassette player is the first gift, make the hunt more fun by providing some clues on tape.
• The sky's the limit. Enlist the kids and other family members for ideas. Use maps, string, a compass, balloons, plastic eggs ... Hide a key to a locked box under the welcome mat.
• The hunt should challenge but not prove impossible. You don't want Dad to get frustrated figuring out your clues.