Halloween Treasure Hunts

A Spooktacular Game for Kids, Families, and Party Fun!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of planning Halloween fun, it’s this: kids don’t care how fancy something is they care if it’s fun. And when it comes to Halloween activities, a treasure hunt checks all the boxes. It gets kids moving, thinking, giggling, and maybe even screaming (just the fun kind, of course!). Whether you’re hosting a party, wrangling a group of cousins, or just trying to make Halloween night extra magical at home, a Halloween treasure hunt is the perfect way to keep little monsters entertained.

You don’t need to overcomplicate it, either. With a few clues, some themed surprises, and a little imagination, you’ve got a memory-making activity that kids will be talking about long after the candy is gone.

What Is a Halloween Treasure Hunt?

Think of it like a spooky scavenger hunt but instead of collecting random objects, kids follow a series of clues that lead them from one spot to the next until they find the final treasure. That “treasure” can be anything you like: a big bowl of candy, little Halloween trinkets, themed toys, spooky crafts, or even small goodie bags.

The real joy is in the hunt itself the thrill of solving a clue, the excitement of racing to the next location, and the fun of doing it all together.

Why It’s Perfect for Halloween

Halloween already has that built-in mystery and magic, so a treasure hunt fits right in. You’ve got creepy themes, dramatic decorations, and plenty of excuses for trickery and riddles. Plus, it works whether you’re inside, outside, or mixing both!

And if you’re anything like me juggling kids, snacks, costumes, and last-minute chaos a treasure hunt is one of those things you can prep ahead of time and let run itself while you handle the rest.

How to Set Up a Halloween Treasure Hunt

Let’s keep it simple and stress-free, shall we? Here’s how to make your treasure hunt a hit:

1. Choose Your Location

Decide if your hunt will be:

Indoor only (perfect if the weather’s unpredictable)
Outdoor only (great for backyard parties)
Both indoor and outdoor (extra adventurous!)

Just make sure wherever you choose is safe, accessible, and doesn’t require kids to go too far unsupervised.

2. Pick a Treasure

Your treasure doesn’t need to be over-the-top. Here are a few kid-teen approved ideas:

A decorated pumpkin bucket filled with Halloween candy
Glow sticks, slime, or mini Halloween toys
Halloween-themed stickers, erasers, or temporary tattoos
DIY ghost lollipops or treat bags

Tip: If you have multiple kids or guests, try to make the treasure something they can share or split easily or prep one small prize per child.

3. Write Your Clues

This is where the magic happens! Clues should be:

Simple but clever: Think riddles or rhymes
Themed: Use Halloween words, monsters, and puns
Age-appropriate: Younger kids may need pictures or extra hints

Here’s a sample clue to get your wheels turning:

“I’m dark and quiet, and I like to hide
You’ll find your next clue tucked right inside.
I hold your socks and your underpants too,
Peek in and out, I might surprise you!”
(Answer: the dresser drawer)

Try creating 8–10 clues for a party-length hunt. That gives just enough of a challenge without losing anyone’s attention (or sugar-fueled focus!).

4. Hide the Clues

Print or write your clues on paper or Halloween-themed cards. You can roll them into little scrolls or tuck them into plastic eggs or mini treat bags for extra flair. Then go around your space and hide each clue in its correct location, following the order you’ve mapped out.

Pro tip: Write a quick list of clue locations in order for yourself, so you don’t get lost in the setup!

5. Add Halloween Flair

Make it festive and fun! Here are a few ideas:

Add plastic spiders or fake cobwebs to hiding spots
Use Halloween music or creepy sound effects in the background
Give each kid a flashlight or glow necklace for nighttime fun
Let them wear their costumes while they hunt

The more atmosphere, the more excitement. And honestly? Half the fun is watching them think something spooky is about to happen even if it’s just a clue behind a curtain.

Halloween Treasure Hunt Clue Ideas

Need a little help getting started? Here are 10 ready-to-go clues you can copy or tweak for your own hunt:

To start this game and find your loot,
Begin your search where you leave your boots!
(Answer: front door or shoe rack)

Boo! I’m chilly, dark, and cold
I keep things fresh, if truth be told.
I store your drinks and mummy meat…
Your next clue’s hiding where you eat!
(Answer: refrigerator)

I glow at night but not too bright,
I sit beside you late at night.
Turn me on and I’ll reveal,
A clue below yes, that’s the deal!
(Answer: bedside lamp or nightstand)

I’m full of bubbles, sometimes foam,
I’m where you clean when you’re at home.
No spooky mess can last too long
Look by the sink, you won’t go wrong!
(Answer: bathroom sink)

Creepy crawlers, witches brew,
I’m the thing that cooks your stew!
I get hot and then I cool,
Find your clue don’t be a ghoul!
(Answer: stove or pot on stove)

Vampires sleep when it is light,
I’m where they rest until the night.
You rest here too now take a peek
Your clue is hiding near your sheets!
(Answer: bed or under pillow)

I’m not alive, but I do grow,
I’m orange and round hello, hello!
I sit outside and grin with glee,
Your next clue’s near a spooky…
PUMPKIN, maybe?
(Answer: pumpkin on porch or in the house)

I hold your snacks, both sweet and salty,
Your chips, your nuts some say I’m faulty!
Open me up and take a look
Your clue is hiding in this nook.
(Answer: pantry or snack cupboard)

I’m flat and square and shine real bright,
You watch me often, day and night.
I play your shows, both old and new
Check near me for your next clue!
(Answer: television)

You’ve made it far, you’re almost done,
The final clue brings all the fun!
Now check the place where spooks might meet
Your treasure’s near the trick-or-treat!
(Answer: party table, Halloween basket, or front door)

Hosting Tips from a Mom Who’s Done This a Few Times

Let me just say: don’t stress the small stuff. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be memorable.

Here are a few helpful tips from experience:

Pair kids up if you have a big group. It cuts down on chaos and helps younger ones stay on track.
Use printable clue cards if you’re short on time (or patience)no shame!
Have a mini backup prize for anyone who gets distracted or frustrated.
Don’t forget the grownups! Parents will love watching or helping, and it gives everyone that feel-good holiday buzz.

Also, I’ve found that doing this right before handing out food or cake helps settle the post-hunt excitement. Just saying.

Halloween treasure hunts are one of those traditions that stick with kids and they’ll ask to do it again next year (and the year after that). It’s simple, affordable, and adaptable to any age group or space. And the best part? You get to step back and watch the giggles, the squeals, and the little moments of victory as they solve each clue.

Whether it’s spooky, silly, or just straight-up sweet, a Halloween treasure hunt brings the spirit of the season to life.

So grab your clues, hide your treats, and let the haunting… I mean hunting… begin!