Last Updated on January 31, 2025
Kids love adventures and these treasure hunt clues for kids are the perfect way to have an adventure at home. You can never have too many activities for kids on hand and these printable clues are super fun!
Treasure hunts are great as birthday party activities, but they’re also a lot of fun any time you want to surprise the kids or keep them busy for a little while.
What is a treasure hunt?
A treasure hunt is an opportunity for kids to search for something special. They can be done for someone’s birthday, on holidays or just for fun.
The basis of the treasure hunt is that kids will have fun riddles leading them from place to place and clue to clue. Eventually the clues will lead to the “treasure” at the end of the hunt.
The clues should take into account the ages of the kids participating in the hunt. For younger kids, the clues need to be easy enough for them to figure out.
Older kids will want more of a challenge, so the clues should require a little more thinking and deductive reasoning.
What should the treasure be?
A treasure hunt is similar to a scavenger hunt in some ways. I have seen a birthday scavenger hunt that leads to a birthday gift at the end.
The prize at the end of the hunt really depends on what kind of hunt you are having. It’s the little something that adds to the fun of decoding the clues.
I love to surprise my kids with something FUN for no reason at all. When I do a surprise treasure hunt I will typically make the prize something simple.
The excitement is really the process of figuring out each clue and completing the challenge.
Here are some easy treasure hunt prize ideas:
- Games the whole family can enjoy such as: 5 Second Rule
, Spoons or Pictionary - Movie tickets to see an upcoming family movie
- Gift Cards
- Craft or Activity Kits
- Coupon Book
, 
or 
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Here Are Some Simple Riddles You Can Use
I put my thinking cap on and wrote some easy treasure hunt clues for kids that will work for almost any family.
These clues are all fairly generic and lead to places that most homes will have. You’ll choose the starting point where you’ll hand them the card that leads them to the first “clue” that will, in turn, lead them to the next one.
If you have more than one child seeking the treasure, encourage them to take turns reading the clues. For a lot of kids, reading the clues is one of the best parts!
Here are the clues and where they each lead:
- Getting the first clue will be a joy. Look for it where you would put your toy.
LOCATION: Toy box - Now that you are playing the game look in the place where we keep your picture in a frame.
LOCATION: picture of the child - If you want to find more clues look in the place you put your shoes.
LOCATION: where child keeps their shoes - Get up and walk on your feet, you will find the next clue under your favorite seat.
LOCATION: where child typically sits - You are finding clues and feeling bold, now go to the place you keep foods really cold.
LOCATION: refrigerator or freezer - The next clue is easily seen if you go to the place you go to get clean.
LOCATION: bathtub or shower - This isn’t a wild goose chase if you go to the place where you can see your own face.
LOCATION: bathroom mirror - While you are up walking around go to the place where you go to lay down.
LOCATION: child’s bed - When you look for the next clue you might want to plug your nose because its hiding where you store your dirty clothes.
LOCATION: laundry hamper - You have worked so hard to get every clue, to find out the last one go where the coffee does brew.
LOCATION: coffee pot
Of course, this is just one idea. You can always create a themed hunt for kids if you prefer!
For example, you could create a scavenger hunt game based on a color, letter, room, or category. For a themed hunt, you would hide the clues in/on/under objects and spaces that fit the theme.
Theme hunts make it a little easier for the kids to find the clues since it narrows down the possibilities of where they might be hidden.
How to write your own riddles & clues
Many people enjoy treasure hunts, so it can be fun to create your own riddles and clues for kids. It’s a great way to get creative and keep the hunt interesting. Here are some tips on how to craft your own riddles and clues:
- Start by coming up with a theme or story to tie together all of the clues. This will make them more cohesive and also give you an idea of what kinds of objects you’ll need to hide in order for the clues to make sense.
- For each clue, think about where it might lead next and what kind of object or location could match it. You can start by making the clue simple so that the children have an easier time figuring it out but then gradually increase the difficulty as they progress through the hunt.
- Keep in mind that some clues may need more than one part, such as a combination of a number and a word, or two related items that must be found together in order to solve the clue.
- Once you have your list of objects to find, think up some fun riddles or puzzles that relate back to each item. For example, if there is a key involved you could have a clue like: “The key lies hidden beneath where I always sleep.”
- Make sure that all of your riddles are age-appropriate for who will be playing the game!
Creating your own treasure hunt riddles and clues can be lots of fun and provide hours of entertainment for kids! With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to craft exciting new challenges for them in no time at all!
More Treasure and Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids
These hunts are a great way to make the holiday season even more special. Here are a couple of holiday themed hunts with themed scavenger hunt riddles:
Have older kids? Try one of the ideas from this list of scavenger hunt games:
Want to get the kids outside for some fresh air and away from screen time? Try one of these Outdoor Scavenger Hunts:
- Photo Scavenger Hunt
- Seasonal Hunts: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
More Ideas for Family Fun
If you need some more ideas for family fun be sure to check these out:
- Would You Rather Questions for Kids
- 55 Fun Riddles for Kids
- Printable Bingo Cards
- Indoor Party Games That Can Be Played at the Dining Room Table
- 15 Family Games to Play with a Deck of Cards
Printable Treasure Hunt Clues for Kids
I made these riddles into a printable to share with you and your family. This is easy to download, print off and use at home for some family fun!
Just fill in the form below to get immediate access.
Happy hunting!
Printable FAQs
Fill in the form above. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an email from “Wondermom Wannabe” with a direct link to the printable. If you do not see the email in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder.
The most likely place will be in your computer’s Downloads folder. You can also select “Downloads” in your browser menu to see a list of your downloads, then simply select “Show in folder” below the file name to see where it is stored on your computer.
You’ll need a program that supports PDFS, like Adobe Acrobat (which is free). Open the program, click File > Print. Select your printer and set the number of copies you want to print. Double check your print preview, then click print.
Unable to locate form to complete to receive printables for Treasure Hunt.
The sign up form is near the bottom of the post, under the heading, “Printable Treasure Hunt Clues for Kids” There’s an image of the clues and then words, “Free Printable
Treasure Hunt Clue Cards” Then, there’s a place for you to put your email address. Then, you just click on the blue button with the words “yes please” and you’ll be sent the free printable. When you scroll down to this location in the post, you might have to wait a second for the sign up box to show up. If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Is this printable able to be edited. I noticed a typo in the picture and wondered if it was able to be changed or if it was fixed on the printable? No one else seemed to comment so I was unsure. The description seemed to be normal, just not the image.
The next clue is easily seen if you go to the place you TO GO get clean.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Nellie, thank you so much for asking because it was indeed a typo on the PDF and you are the first person to bring it to my attention! I’ve just updated it and am emailing it to you directly.
I signed up but still haven’t received an email and I checked my spam folder as well. Is there a way to get this emailed to me please?
I looked up your email, and it says you cancelled your email. So, if you want the printable, you’ll need to put your email in the above form.
Hi!
Would love to have access to the printable of this treasure hunt!
Thanks
Fill in the form above. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an email from “Wondermom Wannabe” with a direct link to the printable library where you’ll find the link to the printable above as well as all of my other free printables. If you do not see the email in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If it’s in your spam folder, make sure you mark it not spam and move it to your inbox before clicking on the confirmation link.
I can’t print anything, especially the treasure hunt page.
There are 2 links that shows, one is for the printable link and one is for the post explaining the printable. The printable link will take you to the actual printable you can download (it is a pdf). The post explaining the printable link will take you back to the blog post. Make sure you click on the printable link to be taken to the download. If you still need help, let me know.
Same thing as other commenters. I can’t find this treasure hunt printable after I submitted my email and scrolled through so many other printables. I try searching for it and it just takes
Me to your blog post with no link to the printable. Please send me directly if possible!
There are 2 links that shows, one is for the printable link and one is for the post explaining the printable. The printable link will take you to the actual printable you can download (it is a pdf). The post explaining the printable link will take you back to the blog post. Make sure you click on the printable link to be taken to the download. If you still need help, let me know.
I have searched treasure hunt, scavenger hunt, etc and it is not in the vip library
On the left side of the VIP library, there are different categories. This printable is in the Games & Activities category. The name of it is, “Treasure Hunt Clues for Kids.” If you need any additional help, let me know.
Signed up but do not have access to the printout, please send me a copy
There are 2 links that shows, one is for the printable link and one is for the post explaining the printable. The printable link will take you to the actual printable you can download (it is a pdf). The post explaining the printable link will take you back to the blog post. Make sure you click on the printable link to be taken to the download. If you still need help, let me know.
I signed up to get the treasure hunt printable and when I went to confirm my registration the e mail was in my spam and then when I clicked on the link to confirm, it did nothing! Help please!
Try marking it as “not spam” and then see if you can click on the link when it moves it to your regular email.
Hi, This printable cannot be found in your library. I am frustrated that I gave you my email address then couldn’t actually access what you wronte the blog about. ARGH!!!
It is there, I’m sorry you couldn’t find it. It’s in the Games & Activities section. The printables are in order alphabetically, so just scroll down until you see the Treasure Hunt Clues for Kids.
I also cannot find the treasure hunt. I type it in and it’s nowhere to be seen. There is no games and activities section
I’m sorry you’re having trouble getting the printable. I’ll go ahead and send it to you in an email.
Same situation- unable to find this printable after signing up.
I’m sorry you’re having trouble getting the printable. I’ll go ahead and send it to you in an email.
Same exact issue. I looked at all 11 pages of free printables. I don’t see them organized by categories at all. I can see why you might want to switch up your free selection, but you should definitely update the blog posts when you do!
On the Printables library in Airtable, on the left hand side are different categories. The Games & Activities category is the second one. If you click on that, you’ll find the Treasure Hunt Clues for Kids.
This is just what I am looking for … taking my daughter to Legoland and want her to hunt for clues with the final one being the tickets 🙂
That sounds like a lot of fun with a great reward at the end!
cant wait to try it out!!
I hope your kids have fun! Thanks for commenting.
thanks
looks great!
Thank you! Thanks for commenting.
I just used this scavenger hunt in a pinch when I needed some unexpected tooth fairy cash……our tooth fairy usually gives $2, but we had a lost tooth surprise us at the end of the day and my wallet had no singles!!! I shook my purse for loose change, found 8 quarters, and taped one to each clue. Tomorrow morning will be fun. 😊😊
Thanks for the quick easy scavenger hunt!
Thanks. This takes the work out of party planning
Printing, thanks!
Awesome for my sons birthday!
looks cool
Thank you
We did this yesterday for my 8 and 10 years old boys and they LOVED it ! They keep begging for more . Thank you so much for
My kids loved this treasure hunt and are begging me to do some more! They’re 6 and 8 years old and these clues were perfect for them! Thank you:)
These are so great! Pinning them for future fun with the grands!
LOVE this post Jamie – congrats for being one of our Featured Guests at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
I’m so glad I took the time to do lots of treasure hunts with my boy when he was younger! I hope lots of people download your cute clues!