A Treasure Hunt Adventure for Kids (With a Free Printable Map!)

Ranjani
1 day ago
2 min read

As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make playtime more magical. Last weekend, I created a DIY treasure hunt for my little one, and it turned into the highlight of his day! His eyes lit up as he followed the clues, tiptoeing around like a mini explorer on a big mission. If you’re looking for a fun, screen-free activity to try with your child, a treasure hunt is such a simple yet memorable idea. And guess what? You don’t need to be a pirate to set it up—just a few hiding spots, some playful clues, and a little “treasure” at the end.

Here’s how I set up ours:

Step 1: Pick the Treasure

For us, the treasure was a toy. You could also use chocolates, stickers, or even a “coupon” for a fun activity like extra playtime or a family movie night.

Step 2: Choose the Hiding Spots

I decided on a mix of indoor and outdoor locations so the adventure felt exciting but not too hard. A cushion on the sofa, the car parked outside, under the dining table, and finally—inside his toy box!

Step 3: Create the Clues

Since my son is only 6, I made the clues easy to read and decipher. Simple rhymes, little arrows, and hints like:

“Look where you sit to watch TV”
“Check under the place where food is eaten”
“Find the swing that goes back and forth”

Step 4: Draw a Treasure Map

This was my favorite part. I sketched a map with big, bold pictures instead of complicated words. It showed a path from the sofa to the car, then back inside, leading all the way to the toy box. (I’ve even created a printable version for you—scroll down and grab it!)

Step 5: Play and Watch the Fun Unfold

When I handed him the map and the first clue, he gasped like a true explorer. He ran around, giggled at the rhymes, and finally found his treasure with a huge grin on his face. Honestly, it was just as much fun for me to set up as it was for him to play.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents:You can make this a weekend tradition! Each time, change the treasure and tweak the hiding spots so it always feels new.

📥 Free Printable: I’ve made a colorful treasure hunt map you can print and use right away. Just hide the clues in your home and outside, hand your little one the map, and let the adventure begin! Click here to download and start the fun!