This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (2024)

Families will get a kick out of all of these different scavenger hunt themes!

By Marisa Iallonardo
This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (1)

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Of all the boredom-busting activities for kids, scavenger hunts may be the most versatile. You can adapt them to pretty much any situation: They can be an indoor activity or an outdoor activity. You can incorporate art, movement, STEM or just about any of their interests. You can turn them into stealth learning exercises, where they have to hunt for facts or put together clues. And you can tailor them to the skill level of your kids, which makes scavenger hunts something you can do with toddlers or something you can do with tweens.

But, with all those possibilities, it can be hard to figure out where to start. This list of creative scavenger hunt ideas should offer some inspiration to get you going. A good rule of thumb is to start with the location: Are you using this as a rainy-day inside activity, or are you trying to layer an activity on top of another outing, like a hike through the woods or a trip to the beach? From there, you can figure out what themes are most appropriate, be it colors, or items that can be found in nature, or certain seasonal items or decorations. Make your list, tell your kids to sharpen their observational skills and happy hunting!

1

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (2)

Don't fear the next rainy day. Instead, keep this on hand, which challenges kids to find objects that are probably already around the house. The list is flexible, with categories like something "squishy" or something "that lights up," so they can do it over and over again and never have it be the same twice.

See more at Hey Let’s Make Stuff »

2

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

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Keep fresh copies of this one in the car for those long car rides — it's full of things that kids can see out the window, which will keep them occupied during your next road trips.

See more at Makes and Takes »

3

Backyard Insect Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (4)

Arm them with a magnifying glass and send them out into nature to find the not-so-creepy crawlies living around them. Turn it into a STEM activity by having them count the legs, wings or dots.

See more at The Soccer Mom Blog »

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4

Word Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (5)

Forget about the flash cards and work sheets — this scavenger hunt is a fun way to get them to practice their phonics. For this activity, kids hunt the letters and use them at the end to create words.

See more at Hands On as We Grow »

5

Number Hunt

Set up a grid of 10 boxes, and challenge kids to find objects that come solo, in pairs, in a group of three, in a group of four and so on. Not only does this reinforce early math concepts, it's easy and can be done basically anywhere.

See more at Emma Owl »

6

Art Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (7)

Usually, a scavenger hunt list comes with a set of pictures printed on it already. Little artists will love this one because they have to fill in the pictures themselves, inspired by what they see around them.

See more at Buggy and Buddy »

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7

Secret Code Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (8)

This scavenger hunt is really two activities in one. First, hunters have to look about to find the secret clues. Then, they have to use the symbol decoder to put the clues together and unlock a hidden message!

See more at The Dating Divas »

RELATED: The Best Camping Activities for Families

8

Alphabet Bug Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (9)

Little ones will get a kick out of this bug-themed scavenger hunt —and learn to tell the difference between their upper and lowercase letters in the process.

See more at No Time for Flash Cards »

9

Color Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (10)

This fun color-themed scavenger hunt can help toddlers learn their colors, while older kids discover all the different hues that can be found all around them.

See more at I Heart Crafty Things »

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10

Five Senses Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (11)

Kids will get the chance to touch, smell and even hear nature in this creative outdoor sensory scavenger hunt, which includes clues like whistling with grass and cloud-watching.

See more at Chaos and Clutter »

RELATED: The Best Sensory Toys for Exploring Different Textures, Sights and Sounds

11

Movement Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (12)

For another take on a sensory hunt, add some additional movement, like in this version, which features fun — and active — to-dos, like looking for objects to jump over, crawl under, or roll across the ground. It was created by an occupational and physical therapist.

See more at The Inspired Treehouse »

12

Shape Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (13)

Kids will love pointing out the circles, triangles, squares and lots of other fun shapes they find while on an outdoor walk, thanks to this shape-themed scavenger hunt. On rainy days, you can easily modify this to do indoors.

See more at The Many Little Joys »

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13

Reading Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (14)

Take your child’s love of reading up a notch with this book-themed scavenger hunt, which includes 25 diverse prompts, including finding out friends’ favorites or trying different genres.

See more at Modern Parents Messy Kids »

14

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

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Break out those flashlights and headlamps for this at-home scavenger hunt — and see what kids can, well, see at night as they search for rocks, leaves and other backyard staples.

See more at Life is Sweeter By Design »

15

Nature Scavenger Hunt

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Next time you head out on a family hike, take along this fun nature scavenger hunt and challenge your kids to spot everything from bugs to butterflies.

See more at Alice and Lois »

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16

Photo Scavenger Hunt

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This one is meant to get little shutterbugs out there with their cameras. When you take a walk around the neighborhood, see if they can get snaps of all the items on this list.

See more at Hello, Wonderful »

17

Mandala Scavenger Hunt

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Forget the cupcakes! Put your muffin tin to new use with this outdoor scavenger hunt idea. Bonus: it’s a fun way to introduce kids to what a mandala is — and how to put them together.

See more at Little Pine Learners »

18

Zoo Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (19)

Lions, and tigers, and … monkeys, oh my! Kids will get the chance to up their animal-spotting skills while at the zoo, thanks to this zoo-themed scavenger hunt, complete with adorably-designed wildlife.

See more at Sarah White »

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19

Winter Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (20)

If the weather is chilly in your neck of the woods, don those hats and gloves and go on this fun winter scavenger hunt, where kids can search for cold weather favorites like pinecones and icicles.

See more at Seek Adventures »

20

Football Scavenger Hunt

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (21)

There’s no need to wait for the Big Game to try this football-themed scavenger hunt — just cue up a game and kids can start pointing out the quarterback, a touchdown and more. It's great for little siblings who have to watch big siblings play in their games.

See more at Celebrate Everyday With Me »

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (22)

Marisa Iallonardo

Marisa Iallonardo is a writer, editor, and communications pro covering health, parenting, lifestyle, and more.

This Easy Scavenger Hunt Gets Kids Hunting for Objects by Color (2024)

FAQs

What are some good treasure hunt clues for kids with answers? ›

Some good scavenger hunt clues for kids include:
  • If you want to eat, then take a seat! (Dining room chair)
  • One of me per day keeps the doctor away. (Apple)
  • I can't mix batter, but I can bake a cake. (Oven)
  • I come in pairs, I'm easy to lose, I go between your feet and your shoes. (Socks)
Nov 30, 2022

How to do an easy scavenger hunt for kids? ›

How to play:
  1. Create a list of things to find, hear or do. ...
  2. Create a time limit (optional).
  3. Give children the list and let them scavenge around and find, smell or do all of the things on their list.
  4. The player or team who ticks everything off on their list first, or ticks off the most items before the time is up, wins.

How to write scavenger hunt clues for kids? ›

Scavenger Hunt Clues Using Rhymes

Seuss or nursery rhyme books can inspire you and give you the feel for writing a rhyme clue. If you still find it hard, try and use part of a nursery rhyme to start your clue. For example, "One, two, buckle my shoe" might inspire you to write a clue like... "One, two, find my shoe.

How to solve treasure hunt clues? ›

We recommend using an anagram generator to create fun anagrams based on the words you enter. Anagrams can be tricky to solve, so do one or more of the following for any that are more than a few letters: Also give another clue to go with them (e.g. "A comic book"). Give the first letter of each word in the answer.

How do you make clever clues for a scavenger hunt? ›

40 best clues for your ultimate scavenger hunt
  1. You cut me on a table, but I'm never eaten. ...
  2. A band that doesn't play instruments but has plenty of styles. ( ...
  3. Everything ends with me. ...
  4. How many glasses of water can one drink on an empty stomach? ( ...
  5. I am not a lamp, but I can light up. ...
  6. I am not an organ, but I have 13 hearts.
Oct 12, 2022

How to make a simple treasure hunt? ›

How to Plan a Treasure Hunt for Kids
  1. Choose a location for your treasure hunt for kids. ...
  2. Choose a theme and format for your kid's treasure hunt. ...
  3. Decide where you will hide your treasure, and work backwards. ...
  4. Create your kids' treasure hunt clues. ...
  5. Do a final treasure hunt run-through.

How to do a nature scavenger hunt for kids? ›

Include common objects like sticks or trees but also tougher to spot items like a nest or a migratory bird. Just make sure the items or critters or can be found in the area of your hunt! Another alternative is to give them a blank sheet of paper with 10-20 lines drawn on it so they can fill in their own finds.

How do you make a scavenger hunt for kids party? ›

Start with the easiest clue, so that your kid can make a good start on the treasure hunt. Make the boundaries of the treasure hunt really clear, so your child knows which rooms they should search, or whether to go outside. This also makes supervising them easier.

How to do a cute scavenger hunt? ›

Some creative ways to make sure the scavenger hunt is super personalized include: displaying pictures of the two of you throughout the hunt, incorporating inside jokes, nicknames, and shared memories in the clues, sending them to meaningful locations for clues (like where you had your first date), or having a pet help ...

How do you plan a simple scavenger hunt? ›

How To Plan Your Own Scavenger Hunt
  1. Choose your location(s) and time. ...
  2. Pick a theme. ...
  3. Create your lists and riddles. ...
  4. Hide the clues and/or objects. ...
  5. Write your riddles/clues. ...
  6. First one to solve all the clues and grab the final object/figures out the end result wins!

What are some good clues for a scavenger hunt? ›

Below are some of the best 35 treasure hunt clues or riddles that will make your game fun and interesting:
  • I have a lot of stars, but I'm not the sky. ...
  • In the heart of the home, where meals are prepared. ...
  • Make a wish, but don't take a drink. ...
  • Most cans don't have lids, but it would stink if I didn't have a can.
Feb 12, 2024

How many clues for a kids scavenger hunt? ›

If you're running the hunt for kids and want it to be relatively short, you should not have more than 10 items, as it will become overwhelming for them. However, if you're aiming for a longer game with adults who can quickly decipher clues, your items could range anywhere from 20 to 50.

What is a simple sentence for scavenger? ›

someone who collects things that people have thrown away or left somewhere: She earns her living as a scavenger at the city dump. Then scavengers came and dug up the metals worth selling. Vultures are scavengers.

What are fun prizes for treasure hunt? ›

Below are the 9 best affordable scavenger hunt prize ideas:
  • Winning sweets. Everyone, no matter their age, loves a sweet treat. ...
  • A thoughtful gift voucher. ...
  • A winning team trophy. ...
  • Plant a tree in the name of the winning team. ...
  • Charitable donation. ...
  • Company merchandise. ...
  • House or desk plants. ...
  • Lunchtime delivery.
Oct 6, 2022

How to plan a treasure hunt for 10 year olds? ›

How to Plan a Treasure Hunt for Kids
  1. Choose a location for your treasure hunt for kids. ...
  2. Choose a theme and format for your kid's treasure hunt. ...
  3. Decide where you will hide your treasure, and work backwards. ...
  4. Create your kids' treasure hunt clues. ...
  5. Do a final treasure hunt run-through.

What are examples of treasure hunts? ›

List of treasure hunt ideas
  • Inked Treasure Hunt. An Inked Treasure Hunt is one of the best funny treasure hunt ideas for adults. ...
  • Photography Treasure Hunt. ...
  • Clothing-themed Treasure Hunt. ...
  • Name Hunt. ...
  • Bilingual Ensemble. ...
  • Code Hacking Hunt. ...
  • Color-themed Desk Hunt. ...
  • Cooking Ingredients Hunt.
Dec 11, 2023

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