Make your own indoor scavenger hunt for kids

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You’re the fun aunt, the cool uncle, the MVP who always seems to find themselves on babysitting duty at family events... Between snack requests, energy bursts, and the constant “What?” and “Why?” questions, you’re doing a lot (without even being on the payroll). Here’s an easy way to keep kids entertained while buying yourself a breather: a house scavenger hunt for kids. A little mystery, a lot of movement, and no screens required. A scavenger hunt at home for kids means fun for them, and a well-earned moment of calm for you. 

There are two main versions of a scavenger hunt at home for kids: 

1. An easy option that involves finding items that match each category on an indoor scavenger hunt list.
2. A more complex version, that involves following a trail of clues around the home to find specific household scavenger hunt items/locations.

Here are the details of how to set up each one…

House scavenger hunt ideas – the quick, easy option

If you’ve been tasked with entertainment and need something that’s equally low effort for you as it is high-energy for them, this is it. A printed list, a couple of curious kids, and you’ve got instant entertainment. Turn it into a race to see who finds everything first or have them team up for the ultimate scavenger mission. 

Either way, hand over the checklist, send them on their way, and enjoy the sweet sound of... silence. Or at least, distant squeals of joy and chaos that don’t require your full attention. 

We’ve compiled a checklist for you, but this is a great game to customise for particular themes. For example, if you’re camping at home, you can make a list of items you’d need to take on a real-life camping trip. Here’s an example of a general indoor scavenger hunt list:

• Something flowery
• Something blue
• Something with four sides
• Something as tall as you
• Something beginning with B
• Something to clean yourself with
• Something round
• Something with eyes
• Something soft
• Something with wheels
• Something you eat with
• Something with bristles
• Something red
• Something beginning with E
• Something purple and edible
• Something that makes a noise
• Something that has a pattern
• Something you can read
• Something that keeps you warm
• Something that protects you

House scavenger hunt for kids – the extended option

Got a bit more energy today (or just want to really wear out the kids before their parents get back)? This version takes things up a notch. Think riddles, clues, and the thrill of a final prize waiting at the end. 

Yes, it takes a little more prep, but the pay-off? Worth every minute. You get an uninterrupted break with a cup of tea and maybe even a biscuit no little paws threaten to pounce on. Meanwhile, the kids get an afternoon adventure they'll be buzzing about for days. 

We’ve come up with a series of general scavenger hunt riddles. Print out these clues and hide them at each location, creating a trail around the home. The first clue is given to the kids, and sends them to the first location. Remember to put a prize in a box at the end to reward them for all their great riddle-solving work!

Here are some riddles you can use to lead your little detectives to find all of the household scavenger hunt items hidden in specific locations:

1. I’m sitting where you wash your face / Look for a plug to find my hiding place.
2. Find me where you rest your head / When it’s time to go to bed.
3. I love to hide with things you hug / Dig deep to find me all cosy and snug.
4. Now it’s time to have a good look / Right in the place where you’d store a book.
5. You place this thing upon your back / It goes to school with you, and holds a snack.
6. Go to the place where we keep things to eat / I’m sitting next to a yummy treat.
7. This is where you watch TV / Sitting still and comfortably.
8. Now it’s prize time! Look high, look low / You use these things to blow your nose.

If any of our clues have stumped you, here’s your cheat sheet for where to hide each item:

1. In the washbasin
2. Under their pillow
3. In their toy box
4. On the bookcase/shelf
5. In their school bag
6. Inside the food cupboard with biscuits/chocolates
7. On the sofa (hidden behind a cushion/blanket)
8. In a Cushelle toilet roll tube 

There you have it: two house scavenger hunt ideas that’ll keep the kids entertained and maybe even give you time to sit down without someone asking for a snack. Whether you go for a speedy checklist or an epic riddle quest, your little adventurers will love this fun activity.  

And when you finally get that sit-down moment, remember – it’s the little luxuries that count. Like a hot cup of tea. Or your feet up on the sofa. Or soft, quilted toilet paper that adds a touch of comfort when you need it most. Whatever you choose, you deserve every bit of it!