50+ Free Scavenger Hunt Printables for Kids

Scavenger hunt printables are one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary day into something kids actually get excited about.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, filling time during a holiday break, or just looking for a low-prep way to get everyone moving, this page is packed with ready-to-use ideas that work in real life.

We’ve used these for road trips, backyard play, rainy afternoons, and even classroom icebreakers. They’re flexible, fun, and most importantly, kids love them.

From themed clue-based hunts to seasonal checklists and photo challenges, you’ll find a mix of options to print and use anytime.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Best Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Outdoor hunts are a simple way to get kids moving, exploring, and noticing the world around them. Whether you’re in the backyard, at a local park, or on a road trip, these free printables turn everyday moments into little adventures.

Everyday Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

• Neighborhood scavenger hunt – Take a walk and spot local landmarks, nature, and community details.
• Backyard scavenger hunt – Look for bugs, leaves, and hidden surprises right outside your door.
• Garden scavenger hunt – Explore the plants, flowers, and critters that call your garden home.

Adventure-Themed Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

• Farm scavenger hunt – Spot animals, crops, and equipment during your next farm visit.
• Zoo scavenger hunt – Keep kids engaged by checking off animals and zoo features as you go.
• Beach scavenger hunt – Collect seashells, footprints, and sandcastles on your next trip to the seaside.
• Camping scavenger hunt – Add some fun to your campsite with things to find around the tent or trail.
• Road trip scavenger hunt – Keep boredom at bay with things to spot through the car window.
• Butterfly scavenger hunt – Identify 12 common butterflies while learning about their colors and patterns.

Seasonal & Holiday Outdoor Fun

• Earth Day scavenger hunt – Focus on eco-friendly finds like recycling bins and pollinators.
• Tree scavenger hunt – Spot and identify different tree species on your next walk or hike.
• Cinco de Mayo scavenger hunt – Look for festive symbols like maracas, flags, and sombreros.
• Summer scavenger hunt – Search for signs of summer like flip flops, sunglasses, and ice cream trucks.
• 4th of July scavenger hunt – Spot patriotic decorations, colors, and celebrations outdoors.
• Fall scavenger hunt – Look for crunchy leaves, pumpkins, and signs of the season.
• Pumpkin patch scavenger hunt – Add an interactive twist to your fall outing with themed finds.

Fun & Free Photo Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Teens

Photo scavenger hunts are a great way to keep older kids and teens engaged, especially when they get to use their phones or cameras.

Whether it’s for a holiday, party, or just a creative boredom-buster, these hunts turn ordinary surroundings into a photo challenge.

• Valentine’s Day photo scavenger hunt – Find and snap heart-shaped items, pink flowers, and festive decorations.
• Easter photo scavenger hunt – Capture Easter eggs, pastel colors, and bunny-themed displays.
• Halloween photo scavenger hunt – Document spooky scenes like jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, and haunted house decor.
• Thanksgiving photo scavenger hunt – Search for fall details like leaves, pies, and cozy table settings.
• Christmas photo scavenger hunt – Take festive shots of twinkling lights, wrapped gifts, and holiday ornaments.

Perfect for small groups, family time, or classroom fun, these printable photo hunts make memory-making part of the game.

Fun & Free Indoor Scavenger Hunts

Indoor hunts are an easy way to keep kids engaged when you’re stuck inside, whether it’s raining, too cold, or just a quiet day at home.

These printables work well in classrooms, on field trips, or as boredom busters at home.

• Book scavenger hunt – Liven up reading time or library visits by spotting genres, characters, and favorite titles.
• Museum scavenger hunt – Help kids stay focused on key exhibits and artifacts during field trips.
• Presidential scavenger hunt – A hands-on way to explore U.S. Presidents during lessons or themed holidays.
• Aquarium scavenger hunt – Spot sea creatures and underwater features during your next visit.
• ABC scavenger hunt – Great for early learners practicing letters and sounds around the room.
• First day of school scavenger hunt – Break the ice with a fun way to explore the classroom on day one.
• Pi Day scavenger hunt – A math twist: search for words and objects that start with “Pi.”
• Leprechaun scavenger hunt – Hunt for green, gold, and lucky charms on St. Patrick’s Day.
• Mother’s Day scavenger hunt – Let kids surprise Mom by finding thoughtful little items or drawings.
• Turkey scavenger hunt – Spot hidden turkeys for a lighthearted Thanksgiving activity.
• New Year’s Eve scavenger hunt – Keep the fun going while counting down to midnight.

Perfect for mixing learning with play, print a few and keep them handy for rainy days or seasonal celebrations.

Free Printable Scavenger Hunt Clues

If your kids love a bit of mystery, these scavenger hunt riddles add the perfect twist. Each riddle leads to the next hidden spot, building excitement with every clue until they reach the final surprise.

Great for birthdays, holidays, or just mixing things up on a regular day.

General & Themed Scavenger Hunt Clues

• Lego scavenger hunt clues – A brick-filled adventure for young builders.
• Birthday scavenger hunt clues – Make gift-giving even more fun with a trail of birthday riddles.
• Basketball riddles for a scavenger hunt – Score big with clues for sports fans and active kids.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt Clues

• Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt clues – Find love-themed messages hidden around the house.
• St Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt riddles – The leprechaun left behind 12 clues—can your kids crack them all?
• Easter treasure hunt clues – Follow rhyming riddles to hidden eggs and surprises.
• Garden Easter egg hunt clues – Take the fun outside with spring-themed outdoor prompts.
• Star Wars treasure hunt clues – Go on a galaxy-themed search guided by the Force.
• Halloween treasure hunt riddles – Trick or treat? Follow these clues to uncover hidden candy!
• Halloween candy scavenger hunt clues – Solve spooky riddles to uncover sweet treats.
• Thanksgiving scavenger hunt clues – Find 12 themed riddles tucked around the house.
• Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt – Track down where the Elf has landed each day.
• Reindeer scavenger hunt clues – Perfect for classrooms or cozy December afternoons.
• Santa scavenger hunt – Hunt for 12 Santas hiding in funny or tricky places.
• Christmas treasure hunt clues – Turn presents into a puzzle with festive riddles.

Use these ready-to-print clue sets to build suspense, spark problem-solving, and create a scavenger hunt your kids won’t forget.

What You Need for a Fun Scavenger Hunt

Before you start, grab a few simple supplies to make your scavenger hunt even more exciting. Most of these you already have at home!

• Cardstock or regular paper – for printing the scavenger hunt clues.
• Laminator (optional) – great for reusable clue-based hunts.
• Storage clipboard – handy for outdoor scavenger hunts or road trip games.
• Small prizes – a fun reward for the winner or completion of the hunt.

Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to choose your scavenger hunt and start the adventure!

Best Prizes & Gifts for Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are exciting on their own, but a small prize at the end can make the experience even more special!

While a simple treat or candy is often enough, you might want to add a themed surprise—especially for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

• On the Nature Trail Book – A great choice for kids aged 4-8 who love exploring the outdoors.
• Toddler scavenger hunt cards – Keep the fun going with interactive search-and-find cards for younger kids.
• Pirate treasure dig – Perfect for treasure hunt-style scavenger games, letting kids dig for their own prize.

Whether you choose a book, an activity, or a simple treat, the real reward is the adventure itself!

Escape Room Ideas & Printables for Older Kids

If your older kids love puzzles and problem-solving, an escape room challenge is a great way to keep them engaged!

These escape room puzzle ideas are perfect for holidays and special occasions, offering a fun mix of logic, clues, and teamwork.

• Easter escape room printables for kids – A holiday-themed challenge filled with creative puzzles and clues.
• Halloween escape room printables – A spooky, brain-teasing adventure for kids who love mysteries.
• Thanksgiving escape room ideas for at home – Set up an at-home escape challenge to entertain family and friends.
• Christmas escape room printables – A festive escape game designed for family fun.

Last Updated on 9 May 2025 by Clare Brown