Whether you’re planning the ultimate kids’ party or searching for a team building task for you and your work crew, a treasure hunt is the ideal fun-filled activity for any event! With multiple themes to consider (from pirates to princesses and everything in between), you’re able to customise the classic treasure hunt to fit almost any occasion.
So, whether you’re planning a celebration for your little one, or perhaps searching for a fun activity to keep guests entertained at a party of your own, we’ve got you covered. We’ll provide ideas for treasure hunt clues, and offer some insights into how you can make your treasure hunt one to remember…
How to plan the ultimate treasure hunt
Below you’ll find all the necessary steps to planning the perfect treasure hunt, no matter the occasion!
1. Choose a location
Your first port of call should be choosing exactly where you’re going to hold your treasure hunt.
If you’re hosting a small party, your garden might be the perfect option, or for larger groups, why not set up some clues in your nearest green space? We’re thinking your local park or perhaps a nature trail with landmarks which you can use as reference points!
And when it comes to treasure hunts for adults, heading into your nearest city is a great option with plenty of scope for adventure.
2. Select your theme
Next, it’s time to get super creative and start brainstorming ideas for a theme. Your theme will of course vary depending on your budget as well as what age range are going to be participating, but here are a few fun ideas:
- Pirate adventure theme: when it comes to treasure hunt ideas for kids, a pirate adventure theme is a well-loved classic. Simply send your kiddos off on a journey (armed with a map and clues of course) to unearth the missing treasure! A chest filled to the brim with chocolate coins is a prize which is bound to entice them.
- Fairytale theme: another option perfect for kids is a fairytale treasure hunt. We’re thinking Hansel and Gretel-inspired clues, as well as storybook riddles which lead your little ones to their treasure.
- The classic egg hunt: we all know how this one goes… simply hide eggs around your garden then send your kids running (baskets in hand) to find them! But if you’re looking for ways to vary this year’s hunt, dive into our blog on easter egg hunt ideas.
- Riddle treasure hunt: the perfect option for adults, write a list of tricky riddles which once cracked lead to landmarks around a city. Whoever cracks them all first wins the treasure!
3. Choose your treasure
The last thing you want is for your guests to be underwhelmed by the treasure which awaits them… so your next step should be picking out some wonderful prizes!
For kids, simple sweet treats are bound to be a hit, but you could of course go all out and hide toys and other prizes too.
Or when it comes to adult treasure hunt ideas, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of bubbly (this is bound to spur your guests on to take part). Or why not dive into our gifting range to see if there’s anything which catches your eye?
A treasure hunt is also an ideal way to surprise a loved one on a special occasion. For instance, why not set up some clues around the house leading them to the ultimate birthday gift: a two night getaway for two!
4. It’s time to write and hide your clues….
Perhaps the trickiest part of planning your treasure hunt is coming up with what kind of clues you’re going to give. For youngsters, picture clues might be your best bet, and for slightly older kids you could base your clues on riddles.
If you’re looking for clues for a treasure hunt at home, why not start with some fun wordplay? Here are a couple of examples:
- ‘I go up and down, but I never move… what am I? (a staircase).
- ‘I never ask questions, but I’m always answered’ (a doorbell).
There’s also the option of puzzles, for instance scrambling up words which participants must unscramble to reveal their next location!
5. Gather your players and explain the rules
Once your clues and treasure are in place, it’s time to explain the rules and send the treasure hunters on their adventure!
And while you’re here, why not pick out one of our wonderful congratulations cards to say a huge well done to the winner? Plus, it’s a nice idea to hand out a few little extra treats to thank everyone for taking part.
Top tips on making your treasure hunt exciting
Finally, we’ll leave you with a few final tips for ensuring your treasure hunt is one to remember:
- Don’t make the clues too simple (or too difficult…): as mentioned, younger players might require easy treasure hunt clues involving rhymes and accompanying pictures, whereas for older players you’ll want to make your clues a little more challenging.
- Do a quick run-through before you begin: this is important to make sure everything flows smoothly. You’ll also want to double-check that your clues are exactly where you left them!
- Make it as immersive as possible: if you’ve gone with a themed treasure hunt, why not go all out? We’re thinking costumes and fun decorations, as this is bound to get everyone super involved.
So, now you know how to plan a treasure hunt, it’s time to get the ball rolling with creating your very own! Simply choose your location, write up your clues, and hide your treasure for a fun-filled activity everyone will love.
And before you go, why not head over to the thortful blog for more insights and ideas? We’ve got guides on everything from what to write in a children’s birthday card, to tips on what to do on your birthday!
