Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Need scavenger hunt ideas? We've got them! There is nothing like a scavenger hunt to brighten a day or liven up a party.

Mom, I’m bored. Second only to ‘what’s for dinner’ this dreaded phrase is the consternation of mothers the universe over. It is usually followed by trouble making, teasing and quarreling for the entertainment value.

Before your child has a chance to utter these words be prepared with a list of things to do. Not just any list, but a scavenger hunt list. Scavenger hunts stop boredom in its tracks and makes a hum-drum party fun and exciting. Below is a list of scavenger hunt ideas the will entertain and have your kids begging for more.

Around the house:

It may not always be feasible to send the brood outside for a scavenger hunt, but there is plenty to find indoors. Try handing the kids a lunch sack and asking them to look for objects often lurking in dark corners, forgotten couch cushions and under the stove. Items may include: A blue toy, coins from the sofa cushions, buttons from the laundry room, a twist tie, or shoe laces. Be creative, look for the common clutter, list it and send the scavengers after it. Remember lists don’t have to contain the same objects, just the same number.

Get them out from under foot:

On a sunny day get those older kids off the couch and into to the sun. Try a nature scavenger hunt. In addition to the list and a bag, give the children a pad of paper and a pencil to draw what they can’t collect. (You don’t want them picking your neighbors prize lilies in their search for a pink flower.)

Items you may put on a list are endless. Have them find a four leafed clover, feathers, shiny stones, and dandelion fluff. Items that can be fun to find and draw are: caterpillars, ladybugs (any kind of bug really), a tomato plant or other garden vegetables, flowers in bloom, a nest or frogs.

When the adventures return they can paint or color the pictures they made. This creates another boredom killing activity.

Mall walkers unite!

For older, teen age children there is nothing like an excursion to the mall. Add an element of innocent fun to their next trip with this scavenger hunt idea. All they need is a list of objects find or tasks to complete and a camera to keep record.

Items to find might include: a mannequin with a red wig, a person drinking an orange Julius, a sales clerk named Amy (or a name of your choosing), a pregnant lady, a baby, people holding hands or someone wearing purple socks.

Tasks to complete could be: making a wish in a fountain, singing a song in the food court, trying on a yellow formal gown, or asking a stranger be in a picture with you.

The sky is the limit, let your imagination go wild and get those mind busy hunting. You an even enlist their help to create even more scavenger hunt ideas, they'll have a blast!

Go to Kids Crafts and Activities for lots more ideas!