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You can play Scavenger Hunt indoors or outdoors. Pick a spot without any sharp or pointy objects to prevent injury. If you can, choose a place with a lot of small hiding spaces or nooks and crannies where you can hide items easily. Great places for Scavenger Hunts include your backyard or a local state park, for instance. If you are planning Scavenger Hunt for children, ensure there is adult supervision throughout the area. Choosing a theme is a great idea if you are playing Scavenger Hunt at a birthday party, for instance. You can use any theme you'd like, such as a Pirate treasure hunt or an Easter-themed egg hunt. Choose items to find that fit your theme, and pick a prize that is related to the motif as well. For instance, if you are throwing a Pirate birthday party, you can hide clues like plastic gold coins, a ship in a bottle, a stuffed parrot toy, or a small treasure box. You can also write clues as if you are a pirate and say "Arg!" Pick 5-15 or so objects you want the players to find throughout the scavenger hunt. These can be any household items, like a spoon, action figure, or markers, for example. Write down all of the items to keep track of the items players find and what items are still missing. Pick what order you want the players to find the items in and what kind of hint you want to provide. Complete 2 notecards for each clue, 1 for each team. Tailor your clues to the age of your players, and vary the types of clues used. You can write a brief riddle, draw a diagram, or suggest what the item is used for. For example, if you are hiding a fake gold coin, write something like, "Fill your treasure box with me to bask in the riches of the sea!" You can also draw a piggy bank or detail the area where you hid the item. Once you write out the clues, place the item in a hidden spot throughout your Scavenger Hunt area. Be sure to include the clue to the next item while hiding the treasure. It is fun to hide some items in easy-to-find spots and others in more difficult or secluded hiding places. For some easy hiding spots, try placing the item at the bottom of a bushy shrub, behind a lawn decoration, or under a doormat. For more difficult hiding places, place the item high in a tree branch, inside of a dog house, or on top of a bird feeder. To attach the clue securely, you can place the index card underneath a heavy item, or use a rock to hold it down. If you are hiding an item with an opening such as a pocket or folder, put the clue inside. You can fold it up if it is helpful. You can use anything you'd like as the prize, and it's helpful to consider the age of the players when you make your decision. Some helpful ideas include candy, cash, or gift certificates. If using a theme with the Scavenger Hunt, you can pick a prize to reflect the motif of the game. For example, if you are playing Scavenger Hunt with a group of 1st graders, offer a small toy or sweet treat as the price. If you are playing with teenagers, consider offering movie tickets for the group as the prize. A great idea if playing with adults includes a basket of goodies or a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
Pick a safe location with lots of hiding spots to have the scavenger hunt. Pick a theme for your scavenger hunt to add a personal touch. Make a list of the items to find during your scavenger hunt. Write each clue on index cards to use throughout the game. Hide your items with their clue in a variety of places. Pick out a prize for the winning team before you play.