How to Throw a Halloween Scavenger Hunt for All Aged Kids

Children from 3 to 18 years old can be involved with Halloween scavenger hunts.

Children of all ages can get rowdy around Halloween, and a scavenger hunt is an easy way to keep them busy. Unlike treasure hunts, which require you to write and hide a series of clues, scavenger hunts are simple to put together. Hide a series of objects, make a list of the hidden objects, and explain what children must find, then set them loose. This activity can be more fun for all involved if children dress up in Halloween costumes to play.

Things You'll Need

• Paper shapes
• Small Halloween items
• Double-stick tape
• Prizes

Instructions

1. Create items for children to find. Cut Halloween shapes such as pumpkins and bats out of paper, or cut apart sheets of Halloween stickers into individual stickers. Keep the paper backing on. You can also hide Halloween-themed actual items. Some examples include miniature pumpkins, Halloween pencils, small bags of candy corn, and plastic masks,

2. Hide the items throughout the designated search area. Use double-stick tape to place shapes onto walls, toys, shelves or any other available surfaces. Hide some items low so younger children can spot them, and hide other items high for the older children to find.

3. Prepare prizes to give out at the end of the hunt. Give edible treats such as small bags of candy or pumpkin cookies, or give Halloween safety items such as small flashlights or light-up pumpkin necklaces. Hide these items until children have completed the hunt.

4. Form children into teams. Although scavenger hunts can be played individually, pairing up younger and older children will encourage teamwork. Avoid arguments and hurt feelings by creating the teams yourself. Pair a younger child with an older child, matching up personalities that will work well together. You can also form teams by pulling names out of a hat.

5. Create a list of rules. Older children may naturally move faster and get impatient with their younger teammates, so explain that teams must stay together at all times and look out for one another. Hand out the list of items to be found.

6. Start the scavenger hunt. If you're playing in a large area that can't be seen from one spot, organize adults throughout the area to supervise children as they play.

7. Pass out prizes to the teams who find the most items. You may also want to give a prize to each team to avoid any tears.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Fun Halloween Party Games for Kids: Scavenger Hunt
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Scavenger Hunt