Hobbies And Interests
Magazine Hunt
Perfect for a rainy day or if you're looking for a quiet children's activity, a magazine hunt is an easy way to entertain children. Glance through a magazine and make a list of objects for the children to find. Choose objects that are more easy to find for younger children and more obscure objects for older children. Provide a magazine for each child or team. If the magazines are similar in subject matter they will likely include similar objects. Otherwise, make a separate list for each magazine. Instruct children to cut or tear out each list object they find. When a child or team has found all the items on the list--or a time limit has run out--reward the winning child or team with a small prize. If you don't have any magazines use picture books, but make sure they don't tear out the pages.
Scrambled Letters
Paint letters or words on rocks in your yard--or print them on pieces of paper--that spell out a prize or prize location. Hide the letters or words around your yard and instruct the children to find them. If you want to give them more direction, tell the children how many objects they're looking for and give them clues to where they're hidden. This treasure hunt is a stimulating way for children to work as a team, as well as practice their reading skills.
Nature
Exercise your child's nature knowledge with a fun treasure hunt that can be played with one or many children. If you have a large group of children you may want to divide them into teams. Provide each child with a bag to collect the items they find. For safety purposes, you might want to give the children gloves to wear. Give each child or team a list of nature objects to collect, tailoring it to the appropriate age level. Reward the first team to collect all the listed items--or reward each team as they complete the treasure hunt.
Buried Treasure
Children enjoy figuring out mysteries and uncovering objects, so a treasure hunt that includes buried "treasure" will be a sure hit with any group. Constructing the treasure hunt is simple and can cater to any theme. Collect the objects you want to bury or hide and begin with the end "treasure". If you choose to bury the objects, make sure you bury them shallowly or cover them with leaves so the children don't get too dirty and you don't end up with large holes in your backyard. Describe the place where it's hidden. That will be the final clue. Work backwards until all clues are written and objects hidden, keeping in mind the age group you're planning for. Give each child a copy of the clues and watch them work together while also monitoring their safety. The end object should either tell them where their prize is located or reveal a special treat for participants.