Hobbies And Interests
Treasure Seeking
Turn the backyard into a searching ground for buried treasure. Paint small rocks to look like silver or gold, or use coins or a small toy as a hidden treasure. Put the booty in a dark bag and mark it with a large "X." Make a treasure map, showing objects such as the trees in the yard, the tool shed and the doghouse. Draw a dotted line from where the child will start to where the treasure lies. For a more authentic look, soak the map in coffee grounds and burn the edges of it. Dry it in the oven to add a brittle feel to the paper.
Scavenger Hunt
Tailor a mini scavenger hunt to the age of your child. Hide various items of different sizes around the house or yard; make some locations obvious for a toddler. Use items they wouldn't normally see around the house or in the yard. Indoors, hide rocks or leaves; outdoors, use kitchen utensils or laundry items. If your child isn't afraid of the dark, host the scavenger hunt in a darkened area and give him a flashlight to use.
Fish for Surprises
Ideal for a birthday party, this game requires little more than small party treats, materials for a fake fishing pole and something to serve as the "fishing spot." Wrap each treat in wrapping paper with a bow large enough to allow for "catching." Use a straight stick with a string attached to make a fishing pole. Add a bent paper clip at the end to serve as a hook. Place the favors in a small wading pool, or hide them in a basket or box the children can't see into. Have each child take a turn fishing for a treat, and let the children keep what they catch.
Online Games
Websites such as Hidden Object Games offer hundreds of online search and treasure games for all ages. In some of the games, like Amazing Adventures: The Forgotten Dynasty, players must find all hidden objects to advance to the next level. In Treasure Masters Inc., the player learns he has inherited the belongings of a relative but must find them all first.