A List of Ideas for a Scavenger Hunt for Teenagers

Shopping Mall Scavenger Hunt

• Send teens on scavenger hunt through the shopping mall. Have them track down hard-to-find items such as chopsticks, perfume or cologne samples or a discarded unusual plastic or rubber clothing tag. Create your own list or use the alphabet as a guide for items from A to Z. Teens are quick and resourceful, so make sure scavenger hunt items are challenging to track down. Other difficult to find items include mascara brushes, men's collar stays, bookmarks and green straws. Score items on difficulty and review proper mall manners with teens before they set out on the hunt.

Neighborhood Photo Scavenger Hunt

• Give each teen a disposable digital camera, or have them bring their own if they prefer. Send them out into the neighborhood hunting for the perfect moment to capture specific photos. This scavenger hunt requires thought, spontaneity and imagination. Items and situations should be difficult to find, but well known to occur in the neighborhood. For example, a photo scavenger hunt should include items like Siamese acorns, golf carts, bright orange "kids at play" cones or a front door with an unusual knocker. Make photo opportunities even more challenging with assignments such as a black cat, blue jay or a specific automobile make and model. Award prizes for most items found and extremely impressive or creative photos.

Clue-Based Scavenger Hunt

• All items in this scavenger hunt are actually clues except for one. Hand-written or printed out clues feature brainteasers that lead to other clues in a series of locations that edge closer to a single grand prize or "treasure box" of smaller prizes. This scavenger hunt has no limits on creativity. Base clues on anything from brainteasers to logic riddles. Relate the clues to the reward and teens will try to guess the reward along the way to increase their chances of finding it. For example, money brainteasers might lead to a cash prize, optical illusions might lead to a new video game or a gaming store gift-card, and fashion know-how clues might lead to a pair of jeans, accessories or a new dress.