The first thing you need to send your kids on an indoor treasure hunt is a great treasure. The options here are endless, just think of things your kids might like.

Candy is a great treasure, especially if it is just an occasional treat at your house. If your kids have been hit by the pirate craze, a bag of gold wrapped chocolate coins is a sure hit. If you are trying to limit sweets, create a treasure box filled with small toys from the dollar store or even the items needed for a fun craft project, to keep the fun going a little while longer. You know your kids best, so be creative in finding prizes that they will all enjoy.

Now it's time to hide the treasure and come up with a way for them to find the hiding spot. Depending on the age of your children, there are a few different ways for you to do this. Smaller children will do better with a treasure map, where “X” marks the spot. For very young children, you will have to help them read the map or enlist older siblings to give them a hand.

Children who are readers can be given lists of instructions on how to find their treasure, taking them all over the house before rewarding them with their “booty.” This will not only be fun for them, but they will be reinforcing their reading skills and their ability to follow directions, as well. To make their maps and instructions really authentic, use yellowed parchment paper with torn edges. Hand out the maps and watch the fun begin.

Even if the treasure is something small, the thrill of the game is in the hunt. This is an activity that will likely be requested again and again, so try and keep a few prizes on hand whenever possible. The minimal cost and effort required on your part will make this a favorite of yours, as well.

Tweens and teens can even do the legwork for you and take over hiding the prizes and creating the instructions to find them. Everyone can get involved and the memories made from this simple and fun activity will last you and your children a lifetime!

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