Fun Treasure Hunts for Kids

Kids and camping just seem to go together. However, while parents are setting up camp sometimes kids can get underfoot. This is when having a treasure hunt can really come in handy. Here are a few to get you started.

Before leaving home, sit down at a computer with a printer and print out a list of “treasures” for the kids. Make sure to print enough copies for mom or dad to have a master copy, and each child to have their own copy. Or divide kids up into teams with an older and younger child on each team.

Here’s a list of ideas to get started with:

Campsite

3 pinecones of different sizes

Spot 1 squirrel

Locate outhouses

Locate play area for younger children

Make a new friend from a neighboring campsite

Check outhouses for showers

Check outhouses for supplies

Locate firewood (supply that campers can purchase in campsites)

Locate sources of water (river, brook, ocean, water spigot etc.)

Identify 2 kinds of birds

Identify fishing area

Find 2 different kinds of trees

Locate campsite trash cans

Locate campsite office

Locate laundry facility (if there is one)

Locate campsite pool (if there is one)

Locate hot tub (if there is one)

By the time your kids get done with this list, they can show you around the campsite and you can have the tent or RV all set up and ready to go. Kids will love giving you a tour of the campsite and it will make them feel very important to know where everything is and get to show the parents.

Oh, the kid with the most things marked off on their list gets a prize. Make it something fun. A container of bubbles, a kite, an extra piece of candy, first one served at dinner, or perhaps King or Queen for the rest of the day.