Backyard Scavenger Hunt: 8 rhyming clues for kids
Start at the door, head outside to the swing, the slide and the sandbox, and finish at the big tree. Great for a sunny party with lots of kids.
Make this trail with my child’s nameThe trail, clue by clue
Hide each card at the answer to the clue before it. The first clue goes in the kids’ hands, and the prize waits at the last answer.
Clue 1
You open it wide when a friend comes to play,
Answer: Front Door. Hide it: Taped to the inside of the front door.
It says “hello” and “goodbye” every day!Clue 2
It says “Welcome!” and wipes muddy feet,
Answer: Doormat. Hide it: Under the doormat.
Look under the doormat, now isn’t that neat?Clue 3
Where do the letters and birthday cards stay?
Answer: Mailbox. Hide it: Inside the mailbox.
Check out the mailbox, it’s not far away!Clue 4
It’s leafy and green and it grows toward the sun,
Answer: Plant. Hide it: Leaning against a plant pot.
Check by the plant pot, this one’s lots of fun!Clue 5
Back and forth, way up high in the air,
Answer: Swing. Hide it: Taped under the swing seat.
Check by the swing set, the clue’s waiting there!Clue 6
Climb up the ladder, then WHEEE, down you go!
Answer: Slide. Hide it: At the bottom of the slide.
Check by the slide, it’s the fastest I know!Clue 7
Where can you build a big castle of sand?
Answer: Sandbox. Hide it: In a zip bag on the sandbox edge.
Check by the sandbox, it’s ever so grand!Clue 8
It’s tall and it’s leafy with branches up high,
Answer: Big Tree. Hide it: At the base of the tree trunk.
Check by the big tree that reaches the sky!
Tips for a backyard hunt
- Tape cards inside zip bags or clear sleeves in case of dew or a sprinkler.
- Walk the yard first and pick spots away from the street, the pool and the grill.
- Weigh cards down with a small rock so the wind doesn’t take them.
- Hide the prize in a bag or a box at the tree, out of the sun.
Pick a theme
Every theme comes with a story, matching clue cards with pictures for little ones, your child’s name on every page and a certificate at the end. Tap one to start with this trail already filled in.
- Dinosaur
- Superhero
- Pirate
- Outer Space
- Princess & Knights
- Unicorn
- Mermaid
- Construction
- Pet Vet
- Easter
- Halloween
- Christmas
- Valentine’s
- Firefighter
- Ice Kingdom
- Race Car
Questions
How long does a backyard scavenger hunt take?
With eight clues, about 15 to 25 minutes for kids ages 3 to 8, plus a few minutes beforehand to hide the cards.
Where should the prize go?
At the last spot on the trail. On this trail that’s the big tree.