How to Design a Treasure Hunt for Kids

Have kids work together to find the hidden treasure.

Pirates and treasures fascinate many children. Creating a treasure hunt for your children or for a group of children can be a fun activity for everyone. Finding the treasure is a great reward, but the process of looking is at least half of the fun. Making a basic treasure hunt for young children isn't complicated, but you should tailor any treasure map to the age of the group.

Things You'll Need

• Treasure map or clues
• Treasure
• Shovels (optional)

Instructions

1. Chart your territory. Whether the hunt is in the back of the school yard, in your living room or in the forest, find significant landmarks that the children will recognize. A single tree is a confusing landmark, but a large rock by a particular tree is a good clue.

2. Consider the age of your participants. Children who do not read yet will either need pictorial clues or an adult (or a very patient older sibling) to read the clues. Children of all ages prefer a communal treasure hunt, in which they work together to hunt clues, rather than competing against one another for the treasure. Accomplish this feat by explaining that everyone will proceed from one clue to the next one together, rather than running ahead.

3. Write the clues. A treasure map is charming, but hiding clues on a route is more practical to ensure everyone progresses through the treasure hunt together. Write little rhymes or puzzles for them to solve, such as, "You can see this from the window sill; Jack and Jill went up the _ _ _ _." Hide the next rhyming clue at the hill, and so on. Age the map or clues artificially by staining the paper with black tea or by burning the edges.

4. Set boundaries. Before you set your children free to run hither and yon, remind them to stay within safe boundaries. Reassure them that no clue would ever be hidden somewhere dangerous or in the trash. Remind them to stick together, because they must all be present to unearth the treasure.

5. Hide the treasure. If you are going whole hog and plan to bury something, have shovels waiting. Remember to have enough treasure to go around, plus a little extra in case you have miscalculated. The treasure can consist of party favors in bags, a box full of plastic gems or a watermelon to share.

Tips & Warnings

• Never underestimate the power of gold spray paint to make ordinary objects appear extraordinary.

• Beware of hiding food items outside unless they are well-wrapped--the ants may find the treasure first.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Creative Kids at Home: Make Your Own Treasure Hunt