Scavenger Hunt Games for Teens

It may sound like a covert operation at first. The objective: find as many items on a list as you can in one hour. Bring back evidence of your search with items, pictures or answers to clues. Choose your team wisely, as you will rely on their judgment, quick decision-making processes and critical thinking skills. No, the CIA hasn't recruited your teen. The name of the game is an exciting scavenger hunt. Make the most of your teenager's desire to hang out with friends, compete for bragging rights and just have fun with these scavenger hunt games.

  1. School-Based

    • Create school-based scavenger hunts for classes, extracurricular groups, sports teams or groups that desire a centralized location. Suggested scavenger hunt tasks include counting the number of banners in the gym, getting a picture of a basketball trophy or obtaining the signature of a history teacher. Include information asking questions such as, "What quote is on the drama bulletin board?" or "Who was the senior class president in 1992?" Award bonus points for finding the most unusual item with the school mascot on it, a picture of the messiest locker or the title and copyright date of the oldest book located in the library.

    Mall-Themed

    • Host a mall scavenger hunt and reward the winning team with ice cream. Have teens determine the number of shoe stores in the mall, the date the mall was built, the color of carpet in the child's play area, the name of the store manager at a particular store and the cost to rent a stroller. Snap pictures of the mall information booth, a china set, an "Out of Order" sign, a coffee pot and a teammate posing with a uniformed mall employee. Have teens purchase a pack of gum, a postcard with the state name on it and a beverage from a mall vendor -- have them bring receipts. Award bonus points to teams obtaining a sales flyer, a mall employee's business card or an item with the mall's logo on it.

    City Search

    • Put together a city scavenger hunt that allows teens to pair up and get some exercise. Give teens one or two hours to locate items. Suggested tasks might include getting a picture with team members on a slide, a historical landmark and the courthouse. Have teens locate a book on the city's history, a bus schedule or the name of the city's first mayor. Award points for each different state license plate found. Have teens go to the corner of 1st Avenue and Elm Street and write down what is on the corner. End by having teens meet you where the dough is round and the toppings are plentiful -- a surprise dinner at a favorite pizza parlor.

    Vacation Games

    • When getting ready for a camping trip, beach outing or a family vacation, prepare a scavenger hunt ahead of time to keep teens busy. While camping, have teens search for three pinecones, a campground directional sign, a picture of a wild animal, the cost of a firewood bundle and a red tent. Create beach-themed scavenger hunts that include finding four seashells, a bird feather, a picture of a dog in the water and a sandcastle at least knee-high. Award points for listing the time of high tide today, the name of the nearest sit-down restaurant and how many flavors of ice cream are available at an ice cream store.

    Family Reunion Scavenger Hunts

    • Turn a family reunion into a fun adventure for teens. Design family reunion scavenger hunts specific to your family. Have teens take a picture with their youngest cousin or their oldest relative. Get a picture with someone wearing a baseball hat or the family member who always wears cowboy boots. Find someone who has met the President, a person who went to a specific college or someone who majored in Biology. Seek other bits of information such where Aunt Barb grew up or how two grandparents met.

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