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Indoor scavenger hunts with kids

An indoor treasure hunt is a fantastic way of having fun with your child and encourages lots of conversation and game your little one will want to play over and over.

Take turns in hiding a toy and then, use words like 'warmer' or 'colder' to give clues as to where the hidden object is.

For inspiration, watch the families in the film below giving it a go.

A little girl lifting up a sofa cushion.
Image caption,
Be sure to let your little one have a go at hiding the toy as well as looking for it themselves.

The benefits of treasure hunt games for kids

  • It helps them practise following simple instructions
  • It encourages them to use their imagination to find different hiding places
  • It can get them practising lots of words for positions like 'over', 'under', 'behind' and 'on top of'
  • It helps develop their listening skills and helps to build patience
  • By counting when you're looking for a hiding place, they're practising counting aloud
  • Searching for the objects engages thinking and concentration skills

How to play treasure hunt games

Take a favourite toy and take turns with your little one to choose a hiding place for it.

As you're hiding the toy, encourage them to count to 10 or 20 slowly. This will help them to practise counting while you pick a hiding place.

When they look for the toy, give them clues - you might use 'warmer' and 'colder' or 'nearer' and 'further' to guide them when they are getting closer or further away from the hiding place.

Ask them questions like 'Where do you think it is">