Blank Scavenger Hunt Templates for Unlimited Adventures

Scavenger hunts for kids are great activities to build teamwork and problem-solving skills. Best of all, the only thing you need to play is a scavenger hunt list. Thankfully, we have blank scavenger hunt templates that allow you to custom-build a collection of items for your kids to spot. Use them for holiday hunts, nature explorations, and even literary searches. 

Short Scavenger Hunt Template

This simple checklist features an editable title area and room for 10 scavenger hunt items. This scavenger hunt template is great for toddlers and young elementary school kids who can take a bit longer to spot the scavenger hunt items and have limited attention spans.

Short Scavenger Hunt Tips and Ideas

Short scavenger hunts are great for preschoolers and special education students, but they can be used in other ways, too. Here are some fun ideas.

• Create a challenging scavenger hunt for older kids by making each item on the list really hard to find.
• Let kids create scavenger hunts for siblings, friends, or even parents by adding in items for others to find.
• Create an alphabet scavenger hunt by writing a letter in each checkbox. Kids will need to find something that starts with that letter.
• Make a number scavenger hunt by placing a number in each checkbox followed by an item. For instance, "3 rocks." Kids must find three rocks before they can check off this scavenger hunt item from their list. 
• Make a color scavenger hunt by coloring each checkbox a different color. Kids will need to find something that is the color in each box.
• Create a shape-themed scavenger hunt where players have to find items in their location that match the many shapes on the list. 
• Use the template for an interactive online scavenger hunt by writing scavenger hunt riddles for kids on each line and then asking kids to delete the riddle and type in the answer when they have it.

Long Scavenger Hunt Template

Older kids and families with teens and adults can use the long scavenger hunt template to create a more intricate search. This list features room for 20 items. The title and list item sections are editable, so you can fill out the scavenger hunt template online and then print it.

Long Scavenger Hunt Tips and Ideas

Kids with longer attention spans, older kids, and those looking for an activity that fills a longer period can easily use this template.

• Give each column a different theme, such as indoor and outdoor, to make the hunt more dynamic.
• Create a team scavenger hunt by pairing kids up and assigning each child a column on the same list to find.
• Use the template as an answer key for your treasure hunt. Write your clues in the left column and the place where you hid the next clue or prize on the same line in the right column.

How to Make a Scavenger Hunt for Kids

A scavenger hunt is an activity where you try to find or collect specific items within a certain timeframe. You can make a simple scavenger hunt for almost any location. You can also create more complex scavenger hunts or plan a treasure hunt for kids, where you hide certain themed items in unsuspecting places.

Step One: Choose a Location

Knowing where your scavenger hunt will take place is an integral step in creating your list of items to find. This is where kids will look for the items on your list. Examples of scavenger hunt locations include:

• Driving in the car
• Inside your house
• In your backyard
• In a classroom
• On a walk through town
• In the woods
• At the park
• At the fair
• At a museum
• At the zoo
• At the aquarium
• On a college campus
• At an arboretum
• At a pumpkin patch or farm
• At the mall
• On a website
• In a video
• In a book

Step Two: Choose a Theme

You don't have to have a theme for your scavenger hunt, but it can make the activity more fun and keep it focused on a single topic. All the items on your list should relate to the theme if you choose one. Examples of scavenger hunt themes include:

• Nature
• Seasons
• Holiday
  • Christmas
  • Halloween
• Clothing and accessories
• Things that move
• Animals
• Foods
• Sports
• Landmarks
• Tools
• Cars
• Plants
• Colors
• Shapes
• Letters

Step Three: Make a List of Items

Your scavenger hunt clues for children will typically be in simple list form. You'll create a checklist of items your kids have to find, and they'll check off each item as they find it. You can create your own list or copy the items from an online list to the template. Here are some tips for a successful hunt.

• Keep your list to ten or fewer items for younger kids.
• Use pictures instead of words for your list with kids who can't read.
• Make a list of 20 or more items for older kids.
• Add some easy and difficult items so kids can be challenged and feel successful.
• Use words kids will understand. For example, if you typically call pajamas "PJs," use the word "PJs" on your list.

Related: The Ultimate List of Scavenger Hunt Items Based on Theme

Step Four: Set a Time Limit

Most scavenger hunts have a time limit, but you can leave the activity open to however long it takes to complete the list. Younger kids have shorter attention spans, so they may not be interested in hunting for more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Older kids can complete a scavenger hunt that takes place across hours or even days. Setting a time limit makes the activity more challenging and denotes a clear end time.

Step Six: Set the Rules

Scavenger hunts typically need some rules or parameters to ensure safety and help kids show that they've actually found the items they say they've found.

• Describe the scavenger hunt location boundaries in detail.
  • This includes areas not to go (like in the road or other people's yards).
  • Always stick with a buddy for safety.
• Have them take a picture of the item.
• Tell them to bring you each item on the list.
• If you have multiple kids completing the hunt, set rules about how they can interact during the activity to keep the peace.
• You can designate a prize for completing the hunt to keep them focused.

Step Seven: Start the Hunt

To start any scavenger hunt, make sure kids know the rules and guidelines and give them all the tools they need to complete the hunt. Things to consider include:

• If kids are checking items off a list, put it on a clipboard with a pencil attached to a string and the clipboard.
• If kids have to collect the list items, ensure they have a basket, bucket, or wagon to hold them.
• If kids need to take photos of the items, make sure they have a camera they know how to use.

Create Your Own Discovery Session Using Scavenger Hunt Templates

Scavenger hunts are fun and easy activities kids can do on their own or with others. A scavenger hunt can be educational or just for fun. Use the printable scavenger hunt templates to create your own unique hunts for family events and quiet weekends.