Kids need fun indoor activities. We know how hard it can be to keep children busy at home.
Scavenger hunts offer a great solution. They’re fun, simple to set up, and can teach kids new skills.
We’ll show you how to create exciting indoor hunts. Our list has 29 indoor scavenger hunt ideas for kids that will keep your kids happy and active.
These hunts are easy to make and can be done with items you already have at home.
In this post, you’ll find hunts for all ages. We cover themes from colors to shapes and even school subjects.
Get ready to turn your home into a fun playground for learning and play.
Unleashing Creativity: 29 Indoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids
1. Find Something That Is Round
This fun scavenger hunt game challenges kids to explore their surroundings and find round items, encouraging them to observe everyday objects in a new way.
Material Required:
- A list or mental note of round objects in the house (e.g., ball, plate, clock)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many round objects as possible in the room or house.
- They should return each item to a designated spot to confirm it’s round.
- The one who finds the most round objects within the time limit wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Set a specific theme, like “round objects in the kitchen.”
- Offer small prizes for the most creative round object found.
- Add a twist by requiring the kids to describe why the object is round or how it’s used.
2. Spot Something with Numbers on It
This game encourages kids to search for objects with numbers on them, helping them recognize and identify numbers in everyday items.
Material Required:
- Items with numbers on them (e.g., clock, calendar, remote control)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- The kids have a set time to find and bring back as many items as possible with numbers on them.
- Each item should be shown to an adult to confirm the presence of numbers.
- The child with the most items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find numbers in different formats (e.g., Roman numerals, digital numbers).
- Offer extra points for finding numbers in unusual places.
- Include a math challenge, like adding up all the numbers they find.
3. Find a Pair of Matching Socks
This game is a fun way for kids to practice matching skills by searching for a pair of socks that match.
Material Required:
- A pile of mixed-up socks
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Scatter socks around the room or in a designated area.
- Kids must find and match as many pairs of socks as possible within a set time.
- The child with the most matching pairs at the end wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Include socks with similar patterns but slightly different shades for an extra challenge.
- Offer a bonus point for each pair found within the first minute.
- Turn it into a relay race where kids must run back with each matching pair.
4. Locate a Pillow
This simple game has kids searching for pillows in different areas, encouraging them to explore and think creatively about where pillows might be hidden.
Material Required:
- Pillows placed in various rooms or hidden spots
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many pillows as possible.
- Pillows should be brought to a designated spot once found.
- The child who locates the most pillows within the time limit wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Hide pillows in tricky spots to make the search more challenging.
- Add a rule that they can only pick up certain color or size pillows.
- Turn it into a memory game by asking kids to remember and list where they found each pillow.
5. Find Something That Smells Nice
This game encourages kids to use their sense of smell to find pleasant-smelling items around the house.
Material Required:
- Various fragrant items (e.g., flowers, soap, candles, spices)
- Blindfold (optional)
How to Play:
- Kids must find and return items that smell nice within a set time.
- An adult should smell each item to confirm its fragrance.
- The child with the most fragrant items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Introduce a guessing game where kids are blindfolded and have to identify the item by smell alone.
- Give extra points for finding natural fragrances like flowers or herbs.
- Challenge kids to find a variety of scents, like fruity, floral, or spicy.
6. Spot a Drawing or Artwork You Made
In this game, kids hunt for their creations, allowing them to revisit and appreciate their past artwork.
Material Required:
- Drawings or artwork made by the kids
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many of their drawings or artworks as possible.
- Each piece should be brought to a designated spot and shown for verification.
- The child with the most pieces of artwork found wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer a bonus for finding artwork from different periods (e.g., last week vs. last year).
- Encourage kids to share a story about each piece of artwork they find.
- Turn it into an art show where kids can display and talk about their found pieces.
7. Locate a Fruit or Vegetable in the Kitchen
This game encourages kids to explore the kitchen and identify fruits or vegetables, helping them learn more about healthy foods.
Material Required:
- Various fruits and vegetables in the kitchen
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many fruits or vegetables as possible.
- They should return each item to a designated spot to verify it’s a fruit or vegetable.
- The child with the most items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find a variety of colors or shapes among the fruits and vegetables.
- Offer extra points for finding less common items like herbs or exotic fruits.
- Turn it into a mini cooking challenge by asking them to suggest a dish using the items they found.
8. Find a Key
This game has kids searching for keys around the house, encouraging them to think about places where keys might be hidden or kept.
Material Required:
- Keys placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many keys as possible.
- Each key should be brought back to a designated spot for verification.
- The child with the most keys wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Hide keys in unexpected places to make the search more challenging.
- Offer clues or riddles leading to the key locations.
- Turn it into a memory game by asking kids to recall where they found each key.
9. Spot Something with Stripes
This game helps kids recognize patterns by searching for striped objects around the house.
Material Required:
- Items with stripes (e.g., clothing, furniture, toys)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many striped objects as possible.
- Each item should be brought back and shown to verify it has stripes.
- The child with the most striped items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find stripes in different colors or widths.
- Offer bonus points for finding stripes in unusual places.
- Turn it into a themed hunt by focusing on specific colors or objects.
10. Locate Something That Can Be Used for Building
This game encourages kids to find items that can be used to build, sparking creativity and problem-solving.
Material Required:
- Building materials (e.g., blocks, Legos, boxes)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Kids have a set time to gather as many building materials as possible.
- Once collected, they should use the items to build something creative.
- The child with the most creative or sturdy structure wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to build something specific, like a tower or bridge.
- Offer extra points for using a variety of materials.
- Turn it into a team challenge where kids work together to build a larger structure.
11. Find a Remote Control
This game has kids searching for remote controls around the house, helping them recognize and locate commonly used items.
Material Required:
- Remote controls placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many remote controls as possible.
- Each remote should be brought back to a designated spot for verification.
- The child with the most remotes wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Hide the remotes in tricky or unusual spots to make the hunt more challenging.
- Offer clues or hints to help kids find hidden remotes.
- Turn it into a relay race where kids must run back with each remote they find.
12. Look for Something That Can Float in Water
This game encourages kids to think about buoyancy and search for items that can float.
Material Required:
- A tub or sink filled with water
- Various household items
How to Play:
- Kids must find items around the house that they think will float in water.
- Once collected, they should test each item in the tub or sink.
- The child with the most floating items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer points for creativity in choosing items.
- Turn it into a science experiment by discussing why some items float and others sink.
- Challenge kids to predict whether an item will float before testing it.
13. Find a Toy with the Letter “M” in Its Name
This game helps kids with letter recognition as they search for toys with names that include the letter “M.”
Material Required:
- Toys around the house with the letter “M” in their names
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many toys as possible with the letter “M” in their names.
- Each toy should be brought back and its name verified.
- The child with the most toys wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer clues or riddles about the toys to make the hunt more challenging.
- Include a spelling challenge where kids must correctly spell the toy’s name to earn points.
- Turn it into a group activity where kids help each other find toys with “M” in their names.
14. Locate Something You Can Use to Drink Water
This game encourages kids to search for items that can hold water, teaching them about everyday objects.
Material Required:
- Items that can hold water (e.g., cups, bottles, mugs)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many items as possible that can be used to drink water.
- Each item should be returned and shown to verify it’s suitable for holding water.
- The child with the most items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for finding items of different sizes or materials.
- Turn it into a hydration challenge where kids drink a small amount of water from each item they find.
- Challenge kids to find a specific drinking vessel, like a glass or a sports bottle.
15. Spot a Pair of Shoes
This game has kids searching for pairs of shoes around the house, helping them with matching and organization skills.
Material Required:
- Pairs of shoes around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many pairs of shoes as possible.
- Each pair should be brought back and verified.
- The child with the most pairs of shoes wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Include shoes of different types (e.g., boots, sandals) for variety.
- Offer extra points for finding shoes that belong to specific family members.
- Turn it into a relay race where kids must run back with each pair they find.
16. Find Something That Is Sticky
This game encourages kids to find sticky objects around the house, making them think about different textures.
Material Required:
- Sticky items (e.g., tape, glue, stickers)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many sticky items as possible.
- Each item should be brought back and shown to verify it’s sticky.
- The child with the most sticky items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find sticky items that are also useful in crafts.
- Offer extra points for finding items with different levels of stickiness.
- Turn it into a craft challenge where kids use the sticky items to create something.
17. Locate a Piece of Jewelry
This game has kids searching for pieces of jewelry around the house, helping them appreciate different types of accessories.
Material Required:
- Jewelry items placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many jewelry pieces as possible.
- Each piece should be brought back and shown for verification.
- The child with the most jewelry items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer bonus points for finding matching jewelry sets (e.g., earrings).
- Turn it into a fashion show where kids wear the jewelry they find.
- Include a memory challenge where kids must remember who the jewelry belongs to.
18. Find a Blanket
This simple game encourages kids to find blankets around the house, teaching them about comfort and warmth.
Material Required:
- Blankets placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many blankets as possible.
- Each blanket should be brought back and shown for verification.
- The child with the most blankets wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find blankets of different sizes or patterns.
- Turn it into a fort-building challenge where kids use the blankets they find.
- Offer extra points for finding the coziest or fluffiest blanket.
19. Look for Something That Can Roll
This game encourages kids to find objects that can roll, helping them understand movement and shape.
Material Required:
- Items that can roll (e.g., balls, cans, rolling pins)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many rolling objects as possible.
- Each item should be brought back and tested to see if it rolls.
- The child with the most rolling items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find items that roll differently (e.g., fast, slow).
- Offer extra points for finding unusual rolling objects.
- Turn it into a race where kids see whose item rolls the farthest.
20. Spot Something with Polka Dots
This game helps kids recognize patterns by searching for objects with polka dots.
Material Required:
- Items with polka dots (e.g., clothing, dishes, decorations)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many polka-dotted items as possible.
- Each item should be returned and shown to verify it has polka dots.
- The child with the most items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer bonus points for finding polka dots in unusual colors.
- Turn it into a design challenge where kids create their polka-dotted items.
- Include a fashion twist by asking kids to find polka dots in clothing only.
21. Find a Coin
This game has kids searching for coins around the house, teaching them about money and its value.
Material Required:
- Coins placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many coins as possible.
- Each coin should be brought back, and its value should be identified.
- The child with the most coins or the highest total value wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Challenge kids to find coins from different countries or with specific dates.
- Turn it into a math challenge where kids add up the value of the coins they find.
- Offer a bonus for finding a rare or old coin.
22. Locate Something That You Can Bounce
This game encourages kids to find objects that can bounce, helping them learn about elasticity and motion.
Material Required:
- Items that can bounce (e.g., balls, rubber toys)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many bouncing items as possible.
- Each item should be tested to see how well it bounces.
- The child with the most bouncing items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for items that bounce the highest.
- Turn it into a bouncing contest where kids see whose item can bounce the most times in a row.
- Challenge kids to find items that bounce but aren’t typically considered bouncy.
23. Find a Piece of String or Yarn
This game encourages kids to find string or yarn, sparking creativity and exploration.
Material Required:
- String or yarn found around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Kids have a set time to find as many pieces of string or yarn as possible.
- Each piece should be brought back and measured.
- The child with the most string or the longest piece wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Turn it into a craft challenge where kids create something with the string or yarn they find.
- Offer extra points for finding string or yarn in different colors or thicknesses.
- Challenge kids to find the longest continuous piece of string or yarn.
24. Spot Something Shiny
This game has kids searching for shiny objects, helping them understand light reflection.
Material Required:
- Shiny items (e.g., jewelry, foil, coins)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many shiny objects as possible.
- Each item should be brought back and shown to verify its shininess.
- The child with the most shiny items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for finding shiny items of different materials (e.g., metal, glass).
- Turn it into a light experiment where kids see how light reflects off different shiny objects.
- Challenge kids to find the shiniest item in the house.
25. Find Something That Can Fit in Your Pocket
This game encourages kids to find small items that fit in their pockets, helping them think about size and space.
Material Required:
- Small items that fit in pockets (e.g., coins, small toys, keys)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many pocket-sized items as they can.
- Each item should be tested to see if it fits in a pocket.
- The child with the most pocket-sized items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for finding items that fit snugly in a pocket.
- Turn it into a packing challenge where kids try to fit as many items as possible in one pocket.
- Challenge kids to find items of different shapes that still fit in a pocket.
26. Locate a Toy Animal
This game has kids searching for toy animals, encouraging them to think about different types of animals.
Material Required:
- Toy animals placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many toy animals as possible.
- Each toy should be brought back and identified.
- The child with the most toy animals wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for finding toy animals from different habitats (e.g., farm, jungle, ocean).
- Turn it into an animal trivia game where kids share a fun fact about each toy animal they find.
- Challenge kids to find a specific type of animal, like reptiles or birds.
27. Spot Something with Wheels but Not a Car
This game encourages kids to find objects with wheels that aren’t cars, helping them notice everyday items.
Material Required:
- Items with wheels (e.g., toys, furniture, suitcases)
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many wheeled items as possible.
- Each item should be brought back and shown to verify it has wheels.
- The child with the most wheeled items wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer bonus points for finding items with unusual types of wheels.
- Challenge kids to find the smallest or largest wheeled item.
- Turn it into an obstacle course where kids roll the wheeled items through a course.
28. Find a Hat
This game has kids searching for hats around the house, encouraging them to think about different types of headwear.
Material Required:
- Hats placed around the house
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Set a time limit for kids to find as many hats as possible.
- Each hat should be returned and shown to verify it’s a hat.
- The child with the most hats wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer bonus points for finding hats of different styles (e.g., baseball cap, sun hat, beanie).
- Turn it into a fashion show where kids model the hats they find.
- Challenge kids to find hats that belong to different family members.
29. Look for Something That Is Your Favorite Color
This game encourages kids to search for objects in their favorite color, helping them express their preferences.
Material Required:
- Items in various colors
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- Give the kids a few minutes to find as many items as possible in their favorite color.
- Each item should be brought back and shown to verify the color.
- The child with the most items in their favorite color wins.
Tips for Making the Game More Interesting:
- Offer extra points for finding items in different shades of their favorite color.
- Turn it into a color-themed room decoration challenge.
- Challenge kids to find their favorite color in unexpected places.
Summing It Up
Indoor scavenger hunts are more than just games. They’re tools for learning, bonding, and fun.
These 29 ideas give you many options to keep kids busy and happy at home.
Remember, the best hunts match your child’s age and interests. Start simple and build up as they grow. Mix and match ideas to create new hunts.
Don’t forget to join in – it’s a great way to spend time together.
Why not try a hunt today? It could be as simple as finding five red items or as complex as solving math clues. The key is to have fun and be creative.
We’d love to hear how your hunts go. Share your experiences or new ideas in the comments. Happy hunting!
