How To Create A Scavenger Hunt for Kids – A Step By Step Guide
There’s a strong possibility that you’ve found this site because you’re trying to figure out how to create a scavenger hunt or fun treasure hunt for a particular event. You might only need a little guidance!
Step 1: Purpose
The purpose must come first, followed by the “perceived purpose.” Simple goals like a birthday or a proposal could be the reason. Having stated that, you cannot reveal to your teammates the goal (“Happy birthday, honey! You need to find the surprise party that’s waiting for you!”).
This brings up the perceived purpose. “I created this day for you; follow the hints,” might be all that is necessary to say. Or maybe a more detailed version, like” you have to pass these tests to become a member of a secret society as an initiate”.
Scavenger hunts for kids can vary greatly depending on your creativity. The day can be divided into two parts: When they locate the chest, phase one is finished. But once they discover the chest, they now need to find the key!
The initial process is really essential, and the route needs to be excellent if you want to make it more immersive or story-driven because you can force them to complete any task or difficulty only if it seems worth it.
You are not restricted by the narrative and are not required to have everything “make sense”, so do your best.
Step 2: Anchor Points
It’s time to investigate and secure your “anchor points.” Consider the “must stop” places on the hunt as anchor points. It’s beneficial to have a decent balance of interesting and enjoyable areas. The last stop is the most crucial anchor point for you. Before jumping all the way back and committing to the beginning, determine the where and when.
Once you’ve determined the beginning and ending points, it’s time to look into potential intermediate spots. No destination should ever be further than 15 minutes travel time from the previous location. It is a straightforward rule you must adhere to. This should also make it easier to focus on the adventure’s radius.
Finding enjoyable and fascinating venues is all that remains after that.
Step 3: Gambits
The next step is to begin adding “gambits” (we term them “gambits” because you won’t use a puzzle at every stop.) to your outline.
The next stop can be reached by using “whatever you employ to propel your player to that stop.” They might be discovering something, or they might be cracking a code or interpreting a message!
Gambits can be divided into one of 3 categories:
- Dead Drops
Any play in which you figuratively bury something for your player to discover falls under this category. It might be something as explicit as a locked box in their house or an envelope held by a statue in a square. The riskiest drops are dead ones. I advise keeping them well hidden, providing your gamer clear instructions, and having someone watch the drop until it is picked up!
- Handoffs
In this play, the necessary items are really handed off by a human. These are more difficult but not nearly as perilous. Simple handoffs could involve arranging for shops, eateries, or family members to be at specific spots so you can approach your player.
- Decodes
In this game, the player is sent to a location where they can decode the message after receiving an encoded hint or set of instructions. Our preferred cypher is a Book/Ottendorf one (National Treasure, back of the Declaration of Independence).
Using a public plaque or sign to decode a secret message created just for you is incredibly entertaining.
Step 4: Polish
Always avoid the mistake of making puzzles and games too simple and the instructions too obvious when you are trying something out. Practice your part and prepare yourself for each scenario that has the possibility to occur.
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Final Thoughts
A good approach to keep children of all ages active, interested, and—most importantly—laughing is with a Scavenger hunt for kids. Add in some ridiculous puzzles, tricky riddles, and other amusing games to keep their minds and bodies occupied.
To change things up, we advise! Decodes can be secure, but if you only present riddles to the participant, their brain may blow up. While dead drops are thrilling, leaving envelope after envelope in public places will make you worry a lot. Achieve that balance!
In a nutshell, by following our how to make a scavenger hunt guide, you should have the below-mentioned points in mind when you’re planning the adventure:
- Always make the process simpler than you would like.
- Keep it under 6 hours. Brains get tired. Aim for no more than two to three hours on your first attempt.
- Mitigate risk. If you’re going to do something risky (Like leaving an envelope in a public place for an hour), Make sure you have a contingency plan.
- If there is a deadline, consider how you can slow down or speed up your player (Like a surprise party or proposal)
We’ve provided you with the above ideas, hints, and exercises to get you started. Children will take pleasure in deciphering challenging clues, overcoming obstacles, taking pictures, and creating memories.
