Fun Scavenger Hunts Ideas for Kids

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger Hunts are an awesome way to get the brain and body moving and we have used them a lot as a learning resource within our home education. They are a fun activity for kids but they can also learn whilst playing. There a lots of ways you can set up a scavenger hunt and these are some ideas to get you inspired to design a scavenger hunt for your kids that is all about fun, but at the same time learning!

Create Your Own Scavenger Hunt

By Colour

Give everyone a container they can use to put items into. Gather as many items of a chosen colour that they can.

Miniature

Everyone gets a very small box of the same size. They have to fill it with as many tiny things as possible in an allotted time. No duplicates

Magazine

Make a list of items to search for in a magazine, (i.e. man with a beard, a flower, a perfume bottle). Set a timer.

Alphabet Hunt

Give each child a sheet with a list of A to Z. Challenge them to find one item beginning with each letter

Nature Hunt

Give each child a container to use to put items in. Challenge them to gather as many nature related items as they can. Make sure they know not to put live things into the container.

Clue Based

Come up with scavenger hunt clues to help your children find the items on their list.

Get creative. You can use just about any theme you want for a scavenger hunt. You can also have some cool prizes to make it even more fun!

Printable Scavenger Hunts

If you don’t want to make your own scavenger hunt then I have you covered with a fabulous roundup of some of the best scavenger hunts with free printables.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Indoor Scavenger Hunts

  • Book Scavenger Hunt
    This is a fantastic game to play either at home (if you have loads of books) or even better in a library.
  • Globe Trek Scavenger Hunt
    Get ready for an exciting adventure that will take you on a journey around the globe.
  • Indoor Scavenger Hunt
    This is the perfect activity when you need something to do that is super easy.
  • Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt
    With 3 levels of difficulty, this periodic table game includes nearly all of the elements. What a fantastic way to learn about the periodic table.
  • Indoor Scavenger Hunt
    This free printable features common items that most households will have in them, such as blue crayons or markers, balls, and toys with wheels.
  • Nonfiction Book Scavenger Hunt
    A fun way to teach preschoolers about the different parts common to nonfiction books and how to go about using them.
  • Fun At Home Scavenger Hunt
    An indoor scavenger hunt that is great to add some excitement to rainy days or those times when you’re stuck at home.
  • Colour Scavenger Hunt
    Colour Scavenger Hunt—a thrill-packed, brain-teasing extravaganza that’ll have your kids squealing with delight and begging for more!

Special Occasions

  • St Patrick’s Day
    Start planning your own St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt with this great free printable.
  • Christmas-Theme Hunt
    This Christmas-themed printable scavenger hunt for toddlers and preschoolers is ideal to play indoors and get them moving around and hunting for the objects.
  • Easter Hunt Clues
    Easter scavenger hunt clues, with free printables that your kids will talk about for years to come! 
  • Thanksgiving Hunt
    A fun hunt to get all the family involved.
  • Halloween Hunt
    Get the whole family involved in this exciting Halloween hunt with free printable.
  • Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Kids
    Enjoy strolling the neighbourhood and checking out all the cool Christmas displays while checking off everything on your scavenger hunt list.
  • 4th July Hunt
    Do you want some patriotic fun this 4th of July? Check out this free 4th of July Scavenger Hunt Printable!

Seasonal Scavenger Hunts

  • Summer Scavenger Hunt
    Turn a summer walk into a fun and exciting scavenger hunt with this free printable.
  • Fall Scavenger Hunt
    Take this hunt on walks with you to help your kids learn about nature in the Autumn.
  • Spring Hunt
    Great to keep kids busy outdoors whether your hiking, camping, or going on a nature walk with this free printable spring scavenger hunt!
  • Spring Scavenger Hunt
    Another great spring hunt, perfect for getting your kids outside and exploring.
  • Summer Scavenger Hunts
    For various summer activities: beach, nature walk, camping, and playground and backyard. Also includes a blank one so you can make up your own stuff to find.

Other Great Scavenger Hunts