How to create and hold a Scavenger Hunt!

Instructions:

THEME -

Having a theme will dictate how you formulate your clues, and make it easier for your participants to solve the riddles that lead to the next clue.

When deciding on a theme –

Consider your participants’ ages, level of engagement, and interests.

Availability of theme-related clues and objects.

Your budget.

CHOOSE THE LOCATION

Based on your theme, the participants’ ages and mobility decide on the location.

Things to keep in mind:

How many participants you have.

Age range.

Flexibility of planting or determining the objects to find.

Ease or difficulty of play.

Safety.

Weather changes.

Time Limits.

Availability of bathrooms.

Parking

Permits

Reservations

Fees

Location ideas:

Home
Backyard
Neighborhood
Mall
Park
Recreation area
Shopping center
Museum

When deciding on large areas keep these things in mind:

Safety

Ease of finding the clues.

Scope out the area.

Provide a map that’s simple and easy to follow.

Provide guides at key points.

PREP –

List the items you’ll need.

Suggestions:

Some locations may require a map.
Have a grand prize worth playing for.
Have participant prizes.

For the participants:

Bags to hold gathered items if needed.
Pencils or pens to mark off clues.
A list of all clues in the order they need to find them or photograph them. The list needs to be sequential so that the players know they are on the right track.

CLUES/RIDDLES

Decide whether the clues will lead to items to be gathered, photographed, or just lead to another clue.

Clues – all clues or riddles must lead to the player to the next clue.

CREATE THE RIDDLES

Your theme and the participants’ abilities should dictate the type and wording of your clues.

Your riddles should be funny and clever but be in the scope of the ability of your weakest participants.

Sample riddle: I have two hands on my face. You check my time to keep your pace.

Answer: Clock.

There are websites to help you come up with some good riddles.

Riddlesandanswers.treasurehunriddles.org

www.huntclues.com

Day of the Scavenger Hunt

PLAY & RULES

Set rendezvous points.
Set time limits for each clue.
Set a time limit for the game to be up.
The winner is the person or team to find the final clue or prize.

Hold a PRE-GAME Meet-up

Layout the rules to the participants.
Make sure each team has a watch or timer.

Explain that each team must find and mark off or photograph each clue to be eligible for the grand prize.

Explain the theme and give an example of how the riddle may be solved.

Make sure everyone knows the time-limits for each clue and the game.

Explain where the meet-up points are.

If you have rendezvous points show them on the map.
Choose teams of 1 or 2 people, or larger if you have a big group.

HOLD A POST GAME MEET-UP

Give out participants’ gifts.
Announce the winning team and give out the grand prize.