How to Have a Scavenger Hunt

Break the ice at birthday parties, family reunions or corporate events by organizing games like a classic scavenger hunt. Party-goers of all ages can participate in the contest that leads them on a quest to find objects, answer questions and accomplish entertaining tasks.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of scavenger hunt you'd like to hold based on the age group, occasion, available time and weather conditions. For kids, consider hiding simple objects to find in the backyard. If it's raining, conduct an indoor quest or one in which participants must find photos, words or phrases in newspapers and magazines. Contests for older party-goers can take place in the neighborhood or shopping mall.

2. Provide a list of objects players must find or offer clues to their whereabouts. Include questions with answers they must find or stunts they must complete like singing a song for a neighbor or trying on a red hat at the mall.

3. Choose a theme. Ask birthday party attendees to find items like candles, gift tags, balloon stickers and confetti scattered throughout the house or have Christmas party guests locate specific decorations on neighboring houses, for example.

4. Divide players into teams at large gatherings. Be sure to split them fairly if you've got a variety of age groups. Create tasks with differing skill levels so everyone can participate.

5. Offer prizes in different categories like fastest time, most creative item found or most enthusiastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a spin on the traditional scavenger hunt by asking guests to bring a digital camera so they can take photos of required objects or a video camera so they can record tasks accomplished at specific locations.