How to Devise a Scavenger Hunt for Teens

For Older Teens

• 1

  Divide the group into even teams. Give each team a Polaroid camera, a notebook and pen and a list of items to find or collect.

• 2

  Assign each item a point value. Make the list random or follow a theme, such as animals or machinery.

• 3

  Make it fun. Do you want the kids to bring back a mop? A pull tab? Have their pictures taken on a coin-operated horse?

• 4

  Stipulate that each team member must have his or her photo taken at least once.

• 5

  Declare the team with the most points after an hour the winner. Be sure to get a group photo.

• 6

  Award gift certificates, novelty gifts, candy or movie passes as prizes.

For Younger Teens

• 7

  Send kids in groups of four or five on bicycles.

• 8

  Hide clues in plastic Easter eggs or empty film canisters stashed around the neighborhood.

• 9

  Write clues that tell the kids what to do next. The messages can lead them to the next egg, or they can be pieces of a larger puzzle that fits together with all the other clues.

• 10

  Surprise the kids with a pizza, CDs or passes to a movie when they find the end of the hunt.