Scavenger Hunt vs. Treasure Hunt
While not overtly important to the fun, there are differences between a scavenger hunt & a treasure hunt.Traditionally, a treasure hunt uses a series of clues that are often posed as riddles. The clues lead players down a “path” towards a final goal/treasure. These types of hunts are great for solo players or small groups.On the other hand, scavenger hunts typically revolve around a list of things players must find or complete, often within a certain time limit. Scavenger hunts are great for teams. Further, these types of hunts tend to be easier to create since players are locating items that already exist, rather than the creator having to design clues.Both types of hunts are lots of fun and both can easily be customized based on age, setting, or theme.

The first step to designing your hunt is choosing whether you want to create a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.
Scavenger hunt:

• Determine the location/boundaries of the hunt and any other pertinent rules or instructions -will there be a time limit? Must team players stick together, or can they split up?
• Pick a theme if you’ll be using one (pirate, fairy princess, safari, tv show/book, etc.)
• Create a list of items for players to collect, objects to find, or for players to do. If they’re collecting objects, be sure to give them bags to do so.

Treasure Hunt:

• Determine the location/boundaries of the hunt and any other pertinent rules or instructions.
• Pick a theme if you’ll be using one (pirate, fairy princess, safari, tv show/book, etc.)
• Decided on a goal or treasure that will be found after the last clue is solved.
• Create a series of clues to lead up to the hidden treasure. These clues can be riddles, puzzles, maps or images. Be sure to number them so that they stay in order.

Remember, adjust the clues or scavenger lists based upon the age of the children completing the hunts. Harder clues for older children, simpler clues for younger children. You want the hunt to be a challenge, but not so tough that they get frustrated. It’s great to have a helpful hint or 2 on deck in case they get stuck on specific item or riddle.
Remember to keep the children’s height in mind when hiding clues or choosing objects they must find too. Eye level or lower tends to work best.

For my stepson’s birthday we decided to create a pirate themed treasure hunt. There would be 7 clues (it was his 7th birthday) and they would all be readable at his Kindergarten level. To bring the theme alive, we got pirate props, included pirate talk in his clues, and even added a treasure map as part of the clues.

• Divide players into teams if there will be teams.
• Explain any rules or instructions.
• Hand out the first clue or scavenger hunt list.
• Be on hand to give extra hints if they’re needed.

Our hunt:
Our son was introduced to the hunt with half a map, some pirate money, and his 1st clue.
The first clue led him to his winter hat in the entry way.
He followed the second clue to his bedroom. On page 17 of Hop on Pop he found clue #3.
This clue had him locate clue #4 under the tricycle in his room.
Clue #4 led him back downstairs where he had to use math skills to purchase a pirate hat & sword from Dad’s pirate accessory shop.

After successfully figuring out the math for his sword and hat, he discover the next clue in the top of his pirate hat. This clue led him to our game closet to find Trouble.
#6 in the board game led him upstairs to our bedroom, where he needed to locate the Bee Movie.
Inside the DVD he discovered his final clue and the missing half of his treasure map. These final pieces took him to the kitchen where he found his treasure…or “pirate bootie” as he called it.

And it’s just that simple and fun to both make and participate in!

Have you ever conducted your own children’s treasure hunt or scavenger hunt? What other tips or advice would you give for creating and running a hunt?
Plan on making a hunt yourself? What theme have you decided on?