How to Write Clues for a Scavenger Hunt

On the Look-out

Arguably more fun that actually doing the scavenger hunt is writing the clues. When writing a Scavenger hunt there are quite literally limitless possibilities. You are only limited by what your imagination can create, so here are some great ideas on how you can write a fun, challenging and unique scavenger hunt.

Instructions

1. The first thing you need to do before you begin writing is to consider your goal in writing the scavenger hunt. Are you looking for something fun and simple? Or perhaps more challenging and even a little competitive? Whatever your goal in writing the Scavenger hunt, it's important to create one that everyone will have a fair chance at and enjoy. Consider everyone's interests, and maybe pick some ideas that seem foreign and new to you as well. Now you are ready to begin writing clues, but instead of simply saying find this, or find that, you might want to try to mix it up and make it a little more interesting.

2. 

   It can be fun and also very interesting to create a cross word puzzle out of the items. List a small phrase that will describe each item you are searching for, but not enough to give it away. Then put the actual name of the item into a Cross word Generator (they are easy enough to find online). This can increase the difficulty and make a memorable event.

3. 

   Similar to the Cross Word Puzzle, you might try a word Scramble. Online Scramblers (Superkids) website can scramble items for you. This also adds a new layer of difficulty and can keep the scavengers guessing.

4. Another idea is to create the clues and then remove a word or two from the phrase. Just insert a blank line and to understand the clue the scavengers will have to expend a little more effort.

5. 

   One of the most fun ideas is to use pictures to substitute for clues. Imagine something similar to Pictionary where the clue is just a series of pictures. It will be a little more difficult to create, but also more fun to find. Be careful to create picture-series that are not overly cryptic or confusing.

6. Finally, you can experiment with the presentation of your clues. Change up the font, put the clues on different small pieces of paper, or even in a different language. This will increase the longevity of the event and certainly ensure that the event is one-of-a-kind.