Ideas for Great Scavenger Hunts

The ideas for the scavenger hunt run the gamut from Amazing Race-style events to backyard treasure hunts. It's the perfect hunt for teen get-togethers, birthday parties or any type of gathering you can imagine. Here are some tips to launch a successful scavenger hunt for each age group:

Planning Is Key

If you are planning a scavenger hunt that involves challenging or traveling, make sure you have everything you need, including permission from parents for children to ride the vehicle. You can create a simple gift, but unpleasant. You want your goals to be challenging but realistic enough to achieve. If you are hunting for older children or adults, to make more detailed than just have to ask for something. Put several items on the list that will be a challenge to get.

Make safety priority

The important thing to remember is safety. If feasible, divided into teams, and have one or two adults per team, even if there are older teens. Make sure parents understand what is involved if the children will be driving a car or somewhere other than the original meeting place. Make sure each child has permission to participate. For young children, just make sure that there are adults supervising and that everyone abides by the rules.

Finish Off With a Bang

Scavenger hunt party is not complete without food, including a scavenger hunt. Plan for the end time, and have everyone back at the rendezvous arranged for food and to announce the winners.

Keep meals simple finger foods, pizza, cakes and perfect. Video or digital photo sharing with everyone if this is part of your hunt. Take a group picture and award prizes.

Scavenger Hunt Ideas:

• Nature Hunt: This one is great for the kids. They have to find everything on their list, and the content can range from flowers to animals. Use a local park for this event.
• Hunt's Department Store: Send your guests out of the mall for various items.
• Photo Hunt: For this hunt, you provide a list of things to do, like having your picture taken with the police. Guests must take a digital photo as proof, and you'll be counting how many photos they take to determine the winner.

Remember to use your imagination, keep things safe but entertaining and everyone will have a good time.