How to Make a Simple Hidden Objects Game

Choose a location to hide the objects for game play; it's important to define boundaries so your kids aren't searching for objects in vain. Consider hiding the objects outdoors if the weather is scheduled to be cooperative; otherwise, plan for the game to be conducted indoors in a room or series of rooms in a location like your home, church or school.

Gather a variety of small objects from around your home to hide for your game. Examples of items could include figurines, thimbles, coins, buttons and other nicknacks. You can also make your own objects to hide using paper cutout shapes. As a general rule, do not hide items that are breakable or valuable.

Create a series of clues based on the objects you've chosen to hide. These could be visual or written clues depending on the age group and literacy skills of the children who will be participating in game play. Try to create clever riddles and rhymes for the clues if possible.

Hide the objects around the space you've chosen to use. Take notes of specific hiding locations as you hide each item; this will help you to determine which objects remain unfound at the end of the game for easy collection and cleanup. Do not allow the players to peek at these notes.

Give each player a list of the clues to find the hidden objects, then give them an allotted period of time to find the objects; this time period shouldn't be too long, but should be realistically based on how many objects you've hidden, as well as how difficult your clues are. After the time period runs out, call the players back to reveal what they've found. The player with the most found objects wins the game.