Stuck for ideas to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays? Want something that’s fun, educational, and keeps them off screens? Check out our DIY treasure hunt with learning clues, an epic way to turn your home, garden, or local park into a place of mystery, puzzles, and hidden rewards!
This activity can be adapted to suit their age and ability and it secretly builds skills like reading, problem-solving, maths, and even teamwork!
🔍 What You'll Need
- Paper or printable clue cards
- A small “treasure” (stickers, a treat, a certificate, small toy, etc.)
- A few hiding spots (inside or outside)
- Pens, crayons, and maybe scissors
- Optional: map, stopwatch, or timer to add excitement
🧠 Setting Up Your Treasure Hunt
1. Choose a Theme
A theme for your treasure hunt is optional but can add extra excitement, here are some ideas
- Jungle explorer 🐒
- Pirate adventure 🏴☠️
- Spy mission 🔎
- Magical forest 🧚
2. Pick 5–10 Hiding Spots
Use places around your home or garden:
- Under the sofa
- Inside a shoe
- In the fridge
- Behind a tree
- Under their pillow
Make it a mix of obvious and more complex!
3. Write Learning-Based Clues
Here’s where the brain-boosting magic happens. Tailor clues to your child’s age. For example:
For Ages 5–7:
- Math Clue: “What’s 4 + 3? Find the clue where we keep the tea.”
- Phonics Clue: “I rhyme with sled, You lay on me to rest your head..”
- Riddle Clue: “I’m cold and filled with food to eat”
For Ages 8–10:
- Spelling Clue: “Unscramble this: ‘P-E-A-L-C’ and look in that place.”
- Science Clue: “I melt when it’s hot, I freeze when it’s cold”
- Riddle Clue: “I make things hot and I’m used to bake, your dinner goes in me, sometimes even cake!”
For Ages 11+:
- Riddle: “I'm full of keys but open no doors. Where am I?”
- Math Puzzle: “Start at 48 and divide by 6, You’ll find your clue near something that ticks”
To burn off even more energy you can mix in physical challenges or add creative tasks inbetween clues to make your treasure hunt longer:
- “Do 10 star jumps before the next clue”
- “Hold a wall sit for 30 seconds”
- “Draw a sketch of a dinosaur!”
If you’re ever stuck trying to come up with fresh and fun clues for your treasure hunt, don’t worry, just give it a quick Google! There are plenty of great websites like ‘Fun Facts for Kids’ that offer interesting tidbits and ideas you can easily build on.
4. Hide the Clues
Place each clue where the last one leads. The final clue should take them to the treasure!
Your treasure can range from sweet treats and pre-planned days out to homemade vouchers like a special movie night or choosing dinner, adding excitiment and reward to your treasure hunt without breaking the bank!
5. Let the Hunt Begin
Give your child the first clue and watch the fun unfold. You can set a timer for a race-against-the-clock version or play in teams if you have multiple kids.
🎓 Why It’s More Than Just a Game
DIY treasure hunts are packed with developmental benefits:
- Improves reading comprehension
- Strengthens math and logic skills
- Encourages problem-solving and memory
- Boosts confidence and independence
- And… they’re just plain fun!
Don’t have the time?
Have a look at this object hunt from the BBC in partnership with the Science Museum Group!
🏕️ Want More Learning Fun?
At Ultimate Activity Camps, we run action-packed school holiday programs filled with creative activities just like this, combining fun with hands-on learning in a way kids love!
From our action-packed multi-activity camps and adventurous survival & bushcraft camps for young explorers, to our tech and coding camps, all are designed to provide hands-on learning and problem-solving experiences that engage and inspire
📌 Save this for the next rainy day - or share it with a parent friend!