List of Ideas for a Pirate Hunt

Treasure Map

• The old standby when hunting for pirate booty is a treasure map where "X" marks the spot where the treasure is located. Treasure maps work well for outdoor treasure hunts where there is a lot of space to move around and a number of landmarks to include in the map. Having the hunt outdoors also makes it more feasible to bury the coveted treasure. To create an aged look, soak paper in tea and allow to dry before creating the map. You can also burn the edges of the paper.

Clues and Riddles

• For kids old enough to read, you can provide clues and riddles that will eventually lead to the treasure. The answer to each clue or riddle must be reached in order to determine where the next one is. Eventually, the last clue will lead participants to the treasure. Clues can include questions whose answer will lead to the next location or poems with words missing that will be needed to determine the next location. For younger kids, use picture clues instead of words.

Scrambled Words

• This is another good treasure hunt idea for kids that are able to read. Using a separate piece of paper for each letter, write a word or series of words that will lead to the treasure. For example, if the treasure is in the sandbox, write each letter of the word on a separate piece of paper and hide the pieces all over the treasure hunt area. Once kids have found all of the papers, they'll have to unscramble the word to determine where the treasure is.

Breadcrumbs

• Just like Hansel and Gretel once did, leave a trail of breadcrumbs that will lead to the treasure. Of course, you don't actually have to use breadcrumbs. Marbles, coins and even poker chips will work fine. Adjust the level of difficulty according to the age of the participants. For the littlest players, a simple line will work well. For older kids, spread the markers out a bit further and make them less noticeable.