Diana posted on August 13, 2009 05:29
Why not hold a treasure hunt if the kids are feeling bored?
I have talked a little about treasure hunts in the past. But today I thought I would put go into a little more detail
The thing about treasure hunts is that they can take many forms, and because of this, if we are not careful we never embark on organising one because the very word organising puts us off. We think they are too complicated and confusing.
Actually nothing could be further from the truth. For small children a crib on the old game “Hunt the Thimble” is good mini treasure hunt. And of course, calling it a treasure hunt makes it far more exciting. Replacing the thimble with a favourite toy, adding a little story that involves the chosen toy finding treasure, could not be simpler. And as for the treasure, once they have found the toy, that can be traded for a treat of some kind.
For older children and adults a little more organisation is required. Writing clues for treasure hunts is really the trickiest bit. But even this does not need to be difficult and time consuming. It can be done over a cup of tea while watching the television.
So here are a few Treasure Hunt Tips. Decide where the hunt is going to take place and where you are going to place the clues.
So let’s say you have decided the treasure hunt is going to take place in the garden, write down where in the garden you anticipate hiding the clues. Treasure hunt clues can be hidden under stones, in flower beds, under flower pots.
When you have decided where the clues are going to be hidden, write the treasure hunt hiding places down in a list.(Like you would a shopping list). For example, flower pot, hose pipe, apple tree etc.
It is important to remember that the first clue you will give your treasure hunt team members at the start of the game. So write down a clue in one or two sentences which describes where in the garden the flower pot, with the next clue hidden will be found. Write at the top 1 – flowerpot.
This is useful when you have to rush round the garden hiding the clues. Oh and by the way, you may need to wrap the clues in cling film or tin foil if you think the clues may get wet or damaged.
Once you have written out all the treasure hunt clues hide the clues using your original list. Make sure you keep clue 1 in your pocket and hide clue 2 as in my example, under the flower pot. Clue 2 will have a sentence directing team players to clue 3.
This is the bit I find most confusing personally, but maybe that’s just me. Once all the clues are hidden, with the final clue either being the treasure or directing participants back to the house where they can collect the treasure, you are all set to go.
Other treasure hunt ideas you can adopt is using photo clues, or drawing pictures instead of written clues. You could also hide toys or items around the garden which treasure hunters have to find. they then come to collect the next clue from you.
If you are feeling a little more ambitious with your treasure hunt ideas, then why not organise a treasure hunt party? As you can see once you get into the mindset there are lots of treasure hunt games to play.
The only thing I should just mention is that with young children keep it small and simple. Not too many clues and limited to certain play areas. You also need to make sure that all participants know roughly where the treasure hunts spans. Particularly important if you don’t want your garage, shed or bedroom invaded by treasure hunters.
The thing about treasure hunts is that all ages can play and join in. They are great for days when the family are visiting and the kids are getting a little bored. Treasure hunts are also a great game to play at Christmas, after the presents have been opened. They are also an excellent game to play while you are way on holiday. But best of all they are pretty much free.