Setting up a treasure hunt: 5 ways

Planning to set up a treasure hunt but not sure how to go about it? In the article below, we’ll share 5 ways with you. Choose one and get started quickly: Ready, set, go!

1. Arrows on the sidewalk

One of the easiest ways to set up your treasure hunt is by drawing arrows on the sidewalk with chalk. The children follow the tracks and encounter tasks along the way.

Tip: Children often rush through the treasure hunt. It can be helpful to agree on specific points to wait for each other. Invent a signal, like an exclamation mark. Draw this on the sidewalk and instruct the children to wait there for the rest.

2. Use colored crepe paper of balloons

Create the route using colored crepe paper or balloons. For instance, hang a blue balloon for left, a yellow balloon for straight ahead, and a red balloon for right.

Tip: Children often find it challenging to remember left from right. Opt to put a blue dot on the left hand, a red dot on the right hand, and a yellow dot on the nose.

3. Photo treasure hunt

Give the treasure hunt a narrative twist with photos! Take pictures of recognizable places in the surroundings and have the children recognize and follow them. It’s a kind of treasure hunt through images—a fantastic way to stimulate the curiosity of the little ones.

Tip: Vary between overview photos and detail shots to vary the difficulty. The more it’s a detailed photo, the harder it is.

4. Drawing a map

Draw a colorful map of the area with clear route instructions. Practical and personal at the same time! This method not only adds a touch of creativity but also makes the treasure hunt more personal.

Tip: You can draw the map schematically yourself, or you can print an underlay from Google Maps.

5. Creating a GPX route

If you’re computer-savvy, you can also create a GPX route for slightly older children. They often enjoy this. You can create a route with Google’s My Maps for setting up a digital treasure hunt. A contemporary twist that the kids will surely appreciate.

Tip: Test the route in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.

All five methods are ingredients for a treasure hunt filled with fun and smiling faces. Choose the method that suits you best, and rest assured, it will be a party to remember. Let the adventures begin and enjoy every magical moment!