Free Birthday Scavenger Hunt Clues for Kids (Printable Rhyming Riddles)
Birthday scavenger hunt clues are one of our favorite ways to make gift-giving more fun and interactive on a child’s birthday.
Instead of just handing over presents, we turn it into a birthday scavenger hunt with rhyming clues hidden around the house. It’s simple to set up and always a hit.
These printable clue cards work for a quiet morning surprise or a full-blown party activity, and they’ve helped make birthdays at our house feel a little more magical.
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Birthday Treasure Hunt Clues
When we first used these birthday scavenger hunt riddles, I kept it simple, clues hidden in shoes, books, and by the TV.
It took less than 10 minutes to set up but kept my son busy and laughing for ages. You can hide a gift with each clue or save everything for the final spot, it depends on the vibe you want.
If you’re doing this for a party, let the kids solve clues in teams or take turns. At home, it’s a great way to make the day feel extra special without a lot of prep.
How to Set Up
Start by printing the birthday scavenger hunt clues. There are two pages with six clues each, ready to use at home or in the classroom.
Print the clues in color for the best effect, but black and white works just as well if that’s what you have. They’ll look a bit sturdier if you print them on cardstock, but regular paper will also do the job.
Cut out the 12 clues. They’re intentionally large to make them easy to handle, but you can fold them if they need to fit in smaller spaces. (A paper cutter makes this step a lot quicker, but scissors work too.)
One tip: use a pen to mark where you hide each clue and in what order. It really helps keep everything organized.
The cards aren’t numbered because every house is different, and I want you to arrange them however works best for your space. This treasure hunt is also a hit at birthday parties, kids can work in teams to solve the riddles and find the prizes.
You can also enjoy our birthday scattergories free printable for even more fun!
Ready to start? Here are the rhyming birthday scavenger hunt clues to guide the kids on their adventure.
What are the Clues?
These 12 rhyming riddles are designed to be a hit with kids of all ages, especially when hidden in unexpected places!
- You’re one year older, oh what fun, the next clue is hidden in the shoes you wear to run!
- The next clue is hiding go and look, it is hidden inside your favorite book!
- Today is your birthday, hip hip hooray, your next clue is hiding where you play!
- Keep going, you’re doing great, the next clue’s hidden where you find your plate!
- Keep going strong, you’re almost there, the next clue’s hidden where you brush your hair!
- Go look and find where the birthday gifts are hidden, maybe have a look by the television!
- Happy Birthday! Let’s have some fun, the first clue’s hidden where the day’s begun!
- You’re one year older, and oh so wise, check where you go to say your goodbyes!
- You’re one year older, you’re growing tall, check where you go to play with a ball!
- Have you made your birthday wishes? The next clue is hiding where you wash the dishes!
- My favorite food is birthday cake, the next clue is hiding where you bake!
- You’re getting closer, you’re almost there, the next clue’s hidden where you find a chair!
Birthday Gift Ideas to End Your Scavenger Hunt
Not sure what to hide at the end of the hunt? Here are some birthday gift ideas that work especially well as final prizes or along the way:
- For sporty kids: A new soccer ball or jersey can be the grand reveal, or smaller items like wristbands or trading cards can be hidden with the clues.
- For creative kids: Try art supplies like a sketchpad or mini watercolor set—easy to wrap and stash in clue locations.
- For curious minds: Educational gifts like map puzzles or fact books are a fun surprise after solving all 12 clues.
- For LEGO lovers: A small buildable set makes a great final treasure or can be broken into bags to find clue by clue.
If you’re still browsing, we’ve rounded up even more birthday gift ideas for kids to help you plan something special.
WANT ALL OF OUR SCAVENGER HUNTS IN ONE PLACE?
More Ways to Keep the Party Fun
Want to stretch the fun beyond the hunt? Try these easy printables:
- For an out-of-this-world theme, check out our free space birthday invitations that set the tone for a cosmic adventure!
- Little dino enthusiasts will love our free dinosaur birthday invitations that build excitement before the big day.
- Involving kids in birthday handprint art activities allows them to create unique keepsakes that celebrate their special day!
- A free birthday bingo game is a great way to keep the fun going, providing an engaging game for all ages during the party.
These ideas will ensure a memorable birthday party filled with creativity and enjoyment!
Get the Free Indoor Birthday Treasure Hunt Clues Here!
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Last Updated on 20 May 2025 by Clare Brown