3 Great
Scavenger Hunts
Written By Gregory Lauzon
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Scavengers get a bad rap. We tend to think vultures, hyenas, seagulls circling a Dumpster. Ah, but our venerable national symbol, the bald eagle, isn't above scavenging dinner.. And even high-society Elsa Maxwell made scavenger hunts a centerpiece of her exclusive soirees in the 1920s (but then hunting for diamond brooches is more dignified than scouring the highway for flattened squirrels). For any scavenger, the thrill is largely in the chase. Our three hunts channel kids' natural curiosity and get them digging in the dirt, meeting the neighbors, and even uncovering some family secrets. We've provided printable lists and short lists here to get you started. You provide the family secrets.
A Scavenger Hunt Primer
Explain the rules before you hand out the hunts. Once kids get hold of that list, they won't hear a word you say.
With really young kids, find the first clue as one big group so everyone can see how it's done. Or, print out pictorial hunts just for them here. Tried all those and itching for more? Visit scavengerhuntsforkids.com. Remind players that the game is as much about teamwork as it is about finding things. Suggest that they take turns reading clues, carrying the bag of discoveries, and so on.
Don't be afraid to modify any of the hunts to suit your particular situation. No nature nearby? Design an urban hunt for restaurant takeout menus, an unused(!) doggy-doo bag, a subway ticket, and so on.
