The Ultimate Guide to Easy Scavenger Hunt Clues

Scavenger hunts are exciting, whether you're organizing one for kids, adults, team-building events, or special occasions. But what makes a scavenger hunt truly engaging? The clues!

In this guide, we'll explore different types of easy scavenger hunt clues, along with examples and tips to make your game unforgettable.

Types of Scavenger Hunt Clues & Examples

1. Rhyming Clues

Rhyming clues add a fun and poetic twist, making them perfect for kids and themed events.

Example:
I have four legs but cannot run, I hold you up when you sit for fun.
(Answer: Chair)

2. Riddle Clues

Riddles require players to think critically and solve puzzles to find the next location.

Example:
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
(Answer: Footsteps)

3. Picture Clues

For younger kids or visual learners, use images instead of words to indicate the next location.

Tip: Print out a zoomed-in photo of an object or place and have participants guess what it is.

4. Anagram Clues

Scramble letters from the name of the next location, making players decode the message.

Example:
EHCRIFA
(Answer: CHAIR)

5. Math-Based Clues

Perfect for educational scavenger hunts, these require solving equations to find the answer.

Example:
Solve: 10 + 5 - 3 = ___
(Find this number of books on the shelf to get the next clue!)

6. Invisible Ink Clues

Write clues using lemon juice or white crayon on white paper. Players can reveal the message by holding the paper over a light bulb or coloring over it.

7. GPS or Map-Based Clues

Use coordinates or maps to lead participants to a hidden location, great for outdoor adventures.

Example:
Head to 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W for your next surprise! (New York City coordinates)

8. Cryptic or Coded Messages

Use Morse code, Pigpen cipher, or even emojis to encode messages.

Example (Emoji Clue):
☕📚🏠 (Coffee + Book + Home = Find the clue near the coffee table!)

9. Puzzle Piece Clues

Give players small parts of a bigger message and have them piece it together for their next destination.

10. Audio or Video Clues

Record a voice message or video with instructions for a modern scavenger hunt experience.

Tips for Creating Great Clues

Make them age-appropriate – Simple clues for kids, trickier ones for adults.
Use different types – Mix riddles, pictures, and physical tasks for variety.
Keep it balanced – Not too easy, but not so hard that players get frustrated.
Relate to the theme – If it's a Halloween hunt, use spooky clues!
Test the clues – Ensure they make sense and lead players correctly.
Add a fun reward – A small prize or final surprise makes it even more exciting!

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning a scavenger hunt for kids, a corporate event, or a party, creative clues are key to making it exciting. Use a mix of these clue types, and tailor them to your audience for an unforgettable adventure!

Discover our Complete Scavenger Hunts Collection.

HOW TO PLAN A TREASURE HUNT FOR KIDS

THE ULTIMMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A PERFECT BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SCAVENGER HUNTS

THE TREASURE HUNT HANDBOOK

TREASURE HUNT BLOG