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Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Scavenger hunts are fun for kids of all ages and can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. The basic premise of a scavenger hunt is that players, working alone or in teams, are sent on a mission to find and/or collect a specified list of objects within a certain time frame. The first person or team to return to the starting location within the stated time frame and with the completed list of items is declared the winner.

Traditional Scavenger Hunt
- A traditional scavenger hunt involves individuals or teams each being given a list of objects to find and return with to the starting location. You can personalize the rules by stating where players can and can't go. Additionally, you can follow a theme or create a random list of objects. For example, if your fun scavenger hunt idea is for a wildlife-themed party, your list of items could include a leaf from a specific type of tree, a rock of a certain size and three different kinds of flowers. If you're being random in your list, creative items could include things like a cup from a fast food restaurant, an autograph from a neighbor, a single tube sock and a telephone book from another state.
Hidden Treasure Scavenger Hunt
- If you want to conduct your scavenger hunt in a particular area or are following a party theme for young children, you can create a "hunt and find" scavenger hunt by hiding objects yourself and providing the teams with clues or a map to help them find the goods. For example, if you're having a princess-themed party in your back yard, you could hide plastic wands in flower beds, plastic tiaras under lawn furniture and plastic rings or baubles behind garden statuary.
Clue-Finding Scavenger Hunt
- Another twist on a scavenger hunt is to provide participants with a clue that will lead them to a second clue, which will lead them to a third clue, and so on, until they reach a "grand prize" or final clue. If you're hosting a children's party, you could even have little "prizes" at each clue location, like candy or small toys.
Photo Finish Scavenger Hunt
- With digital cameras and cell phone cameras so readily available, a modern twist for a fun scavenger hunt is a "photo hunt." Participants are given a list of items that they must photograph and return with; the first team back to the starting location wins. This is an especially good game for teenagers and older kids. Fun photo list ideas include items such as an out-of-state license plate, a garden gnome, a black mailbox and a red bicycle.

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