Five fun treasure hunts

Are you planning a children’s party soon? And would you like to organize a treasure hunt? Definitely do it because kids almost always enjoy a treasure hunt. There are various ways to organize a treasure hunt. In this article, we will explore five fun treasure hunts that you can easily organize yourself.

1. Classic treasure hunt

Let’s start with the classic treasure hunt. Put on your detective shoes and mark a route with crepe paper, balloons, or colored string. Remember, the younger the kids, the bigger and more noticeable the markers should be. Be creative and make following the trail a party in itself! Children often rush through the treasure hunt. Do you want them to wait at a certain point? Then arrange a signal for the children to wait for each other there. For example, by hanging two ribbons/balloons together or using a different color.

2. Photo treasure hunt

The photo treasure hunt is a fun variation. Take pictures of different locations, print them out, and create a booklet. Let the children follow the treasure hunt based on the photos. The most boring path is transformed into an exciting adventure. Ensure a mix of easy and challenging (detail) photos to keep it varied. The older the children, the more detailed the photos can be. Also, read our article “photo treasure hunt in nine steps.”

3. Do-It-Yourself treasure hunt

Want a hassle-free party? Opt for the Do-It-Yourself treasure hunt! Divide the kids into two groups. Let group 1 set up the treasure hunt for group 2. The best part? You don’t have to go out in advance, but provide guidance to ensure the route is clear. Let the children create their own adventure!

4. Map treasure hunt

Do you have aspiring explorers at home? Print out a map, draw a route on it with a marker, and make it extra special by giving it an old-fashioned look with a tea bag. Laminate it, and there you go! The map serves not only as a guide but also as a fun souvenir for the children to take home.

5. Puzzle treasure hunt

For the clever detectives, there’s the Puzzle treasure hunt. Print questions on A4 sheets and put them in plastic sleeves. These sleeves not only serve as clues but also as puzzles. Every time the children find one, they must answer the question, which will lead them to the next location. Together, the clues also follow a code word or solution.

Organizing the treasure hunt

Are you worried about organizing a treasure hunt? Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think! Start by determining the location and mapping out the route. Choose a treasure hunt that suits the children’s age. Create a checklist of all the necessary items, such as maps, photos, or puzzles, and make sure you have everything ready well in advance. You can involve other parents or family members in setting up the treasure hunt if needed. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in creating an effortless and enjoyable party! If you’d like some assistance, you can order a ready-made treasure hunt. You just need to come up with the route yourself!

Duration of the treasure hunt

An important consideration when organizing fun treasure hunts is their duration. Take into account the children’s age and choose a treasure hunt that matches their attention span. Generally, treasure hunts for elementary school children range from 1 to 2 hours. Ensure there’s enough time for starting, completing the hunt, and any additional activities. The goal is to provide a fun, challenging experience without it becoming too lengthy. A well-timed treasure hunt will result in happy faces and satisfied parents at the end of the day!