How to Plan a Child's Treasure Hunt

Children love treasure hunts. They get to run around, solve mysteries and find cool treats along the way. The hunts not only provide children a chance to exercise but also to socialize and develop critical-thinking skills while contemplating the various clues. Adults also have fun planning the treasure hunt. Use your creativity and sense of mischief while dreaming up ideas. Then sit back and watch the children have fun hunting for treasure.

How to Plan a Child's Treasure Hunt

• 1

  Choose a theme. You might organize the hunt around a holiday, such as a Halloween or Easter. If planning for a party, pick a theme such as Sponge Bob or some other popular child icon.

• 2

  Pick various places to stash goodies. For Halloween, you might place candy bars inside the bird house and alongside the fence. For Easter, you can stick plastic eggs in the bushes and in couch cushions.

• 3

  Think of a grand finale -- a super-sweet prize to end your treasure hunt with. You could hide a stuffed animal or small toy in the backyard shed. If you plan the treasure hunt as a contest, whichever child finishes first will enjoy his prize.

• 4

  Write clues on pieces of paper, each leading kids to a hidden stash. Each clue should lead to the next. For added fun, try making each clue a short poem.