How to Organize a Treasure Hunt

Choose a theme for your treasure hunt. You can go with the tried and true pursuit for "pirate booty" or adapt the hunt to a child's particular interest such as making it a princess hunt for "jewels," amateur archeologists searching for "fossils" or a fantasy themed hunt for "unicorns."

Plan the scope of the treasure hunt. You will want to have a very small area such as a front yard for younger children while you can expand to a park or several blocks for much older children. Be careful, of course, not to trespass. Only use public areas or private locations for which you have express approval for your event.

Determine the nature of your treasure and obtain it in advance. For instance, if you are using "jewels" you may want to gather together some plastic necklaces, rings and bracelets. If your hunt is part of a birthday party you could use goodie bags filled with treats for the treasure. Obtain your treasure, whatever its nature, from a local dollar store to save money.

Brainstorm your clues. These can be as simple or clever as you like. Gear them toward the average age of the children involved. Draw pictures for very little ones which "show" them the path to treasure with little rewards (such as jelly beans) awaiting them at every right step. Older children can be given challenging directions such as "drop down to the darkest recesses for the next clue" to indicate a basement.

Map out the clues on paper and make a copy for each child. Again, let your imagination rule. Stick to your theme and use your home computer to design the maps making them as simple or elaborate as you like. You can even craft these maps as party invitations which your children's guests will bring with them to the party so that their interest is piqued in advance.

Follow the treasure map yourself to make sure it is correct. One wrong turn could lead your searchers in an exhausting and futile search which could sour the event. Work out any kinks before you give out the maps. Also, gauge whether you have included enough clues to make it interesting but not so many as to make it tiresome.

Hide your treasure well in advance and out of the sight of any potential hunters. Make sure it is in an inconspicuous place. Make sure the area you have chosen is well protected from weather and any other possible spoilers. If you are hiding it indoors be sure it is in spot in which pets want dislodge it or family members spoil the surprise by happening upon it ahead of time.