If you’re looking for a fun activity for kids this October – these 2 colorful Halloween Scavenger Hunts are fun & easy entertainment for kids of all ages!
The Ultimate Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Kids: Free Printable & Fun Ideas
This free printable Halloween scavenger hunt is perfect for kids of all ages!
Looking for a way to keep your kids entertained and burn off some of that sugar-fueled energy this Halloween? Look no further than a Halloween scavenger hunt!
Whether you’re planning a spooky outdoor adventure, a birthday party activity or looking for something fun to take along on your next family walk around the neighborhood, these printable scavenger hunts are just the thing to make your Halloween season a little extra fun, festive, and full of giggles.
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative and a scavenger hunt is a great way to keep your little ghouls and goblins busy while you, let’s be real, sneak a few pieces of their candy stash.
The best part?
It’s simple to set up, and I’ve already done the heavy lifting for you with these free printable scavenger hunts.
Add this printable Halloween Scavenger Hunt to your list of favorite Halloween games, and you’ll have a fun, safe and most Happy Halloween.
So grab your mini detectives and let’s get hunting!
(keep scrolling, your download is near the bottom of this article…)
Why a Halloween Scavenger Hunt is a Must for Families
Sure, trick-or-treating is a Halloween staple, but let’s be honest—it can sometimes be more chaotic than fun, especially with little ones in tow. Between the costumes, sugar overload, and bedtime meltdowns, a scavenger hunt offers a calmer (but still exciting) way to celebrate.
These halloween scavenger hunts can be a great alternative for younger kids who might get overwhelmed by traditional trick-or-treating. The scavenger hunt lets them be part of the excitement without the crowds or overstimulation. It’s also a win for parents who want to keep the focus on fun family activities rather than just candy (though, let’s be real, the candy is still a big part of it).
Plus, a scavenger hunt is versatile! You can do it indoors, outdoors, or even during a Halloween party.
It’s great for kids of all ages—toddlers can team up with older siblings, and even you might get into the spooky spirit while hunting for ghosts, pumpkins, and creepy critters.
How to Set Up the Perfect Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Setting up your Halloween scavenger hunt is as easy as 1, 2, BOO!
Here’s how you can make sure your scavenger hunt is a screaming success:
- Pick Your Location: Are you keeping it indoors where it’s cozy (and less likely to rain on your parade)? Or are you taking the adventure outside for a neighborhood hunt? Both work! If you’re indoors, think about all the sneaky spots you can hide clues (under the couch cushions, behind the curtains, or inside the candy bowl). If you’re outdoors, set boundaries for where kids can roam and hide objects in safe, visible spots.
- Download and Print the Scavenger Hunt (below): Here’s the easiest part—download the free printable scavenger hunts! Choose from two fun themes: one for an indoor adventure and another for a neighborhood exploration. Each list is packed with Halloween-themed items like pumpkins, black cats, witches, and all things spooky!
- Add a Prize: What’s a scavenger hunt without a little reward at the end? You can hand out small Halloween goodies, stickers, or even more candy (because there’s never enough, right?) for each item they find. Or, make it a fun competition where the winner gets to choose a Halloween movie to watch as a family. Bonus points if it’s spooky!
- Set the Mood: Want to level up the fun? Dim the lights, play some spooky music, or give each kid a flashlight to hunt for their Halloween finds in the dark. It’ll turn your scavenger hunt into a mini haunted house adventure!
Halloween Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Here are some ideas how to use this printable Halloween Scavenger hunt:
Halloween Party Activity
A spooktacularly fun activity to add a little friendly competition to your Halloween party whether it’s in a classroom, at your home, a birthday party or neighborhood get-together. Simply print out the 2-page Halloween scavenger hunt, and send them on their way!
Related: Halloween Party? 24 Fun Halloween Party Games for Kids
October Birthday Party
If your child has a birthday around Halloween and you’re hosting a party, this is a fun party game if you’re in a decorated place and can set the kids free to find all 32 items on these two printable scavenger hunts.
To add a little fun to the festivities, have a few themed prizes or glow in the dark necklaces they can use while trick-or-treating.
Related: Healthier Candy Choices this Halloween
Social Distancing Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating
If you’re wanting to get out and do something on Halloween night but trick-or-treating is limited, then this is a fun activity to still keep spirits high on Halloween and excited for the fun holiday, without feeling any sad feelings about how the pandemic has affected this children’s favorite day.
Related: Halloween Set: Halloween Activity Page & 4 Halloween Coloring Pages
Tips to Make the Scavenger Hunt Extra Special
- Dress Up: Let your kids wear their Halloween costumes during the hunt even if it’s not held on October 31st. Not only does it add to the festive fun, but you’ll also get some extra mileage out of those outfits before they get chocolate-stained (we’ve all been there).
- Involve the Whole Family: This is the perfect way to get everyone involved, from toddlers to grandparents. Let the older kids help with hiding clues, while the little ones can focus on finding the simpler objects.
- Mix It Up: You can add your own personal touch by including custom items on the list. Maybe it’s a specific Halloween decoration you have at home, or something quirky like “Mom’s Witch Hat” or “Dad’s Pumpkin Socks.”
Download Your Free Printable Halloween Scavenger Hunt Here
Here’s what you need to know about your printables:
- Prints on letter size paper (8.5 x 11”)
- Can choose to print color or black & white
- The download will be emailed to you to download and print
- Tip: To reuse these Halloween Scavenger Hunts, print these, laminate or stick into a clear binder sheet and use with dry-erase markers and simply wipe off after each use.
Download your Two (Free) Printable Halloween Scavenger Hunts (click on this link)
Get Ready for a Fun Halloween Adventure
Whether you’re staying indoors, braving the neighborhood, or hosting a small Halloween get-together, these printable scavenger hunts are the perfect addition to your Halloween festivities. So go ahead, download your scavenger hunt, grab your little ghosts and goblins, and get ready for some spooky fun. Happy haunting!
Related Halloween Activities & Games:
- No Contact Trick of Treating Ideas for 2020 Halloween
- Healthier Candy Choices this Halloween
- 20 Best No Carve Pumpkin Ideas & Pumpkin Painting Ideas this Halloween
- Halloween Party? 24 Fun Halloween Party Games for Kids
- 45 Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes You Can Make Without Being Crafty
- Halloween Set: Halloween Activity Page & 4 Halloween Coloring Pages
- Halloween Safety Tips
- Printable Halloween Activity List for the Month of October
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