How to Create an Outdoor Treasure Hunt for Grade School Children

Figure out what the treasure is going to be and where you're going to hide it. If it's food, make sure it's in a container that animals or insects can't get into and that it can't be seen when it's hidden. A good option for food is to hide it on the seat of a chair that's pushed into a picnic table.

Look around the space and note all of the potential hiding places. For example, the bottom of a swing, the inside of a slide, or the trunk of a flowering tree are all potential locations where you could hide a clue.

Map out the route you want the kids to take. It's best to have them criss-cross around within the space, rather than go to the next closest clue. Moving back and forth makes the kids run more and makes the game feel more exciting.

Write a clue that will lead the kids to the first hiding place. Make sure you number them as you write them, so you remember which one follows which. Write the next clue and the next until you've led them to the treasure. Younger kids will probably be satisfied with five or six clues; older kids will want a longer hunt.

Hide the clues, taping them in place if necessary. It's important that you hide them in order, so use your route map.

Gather the kids who are going to participate and lay down some ground rules. For example, take turns reading the clues, go as a group to the next clue, make sure everyone gets to help search and so on. Give them the first clue and stand back.