← Back to all makers

Free Birthday Treasure Hunt Maker

Make printable birthday treasure hunt clues in minutes, where each clue leads to the next hiding spot (some people call this a scavenger hunt). Tick the hiding spots around your house, choose easy rhymes or tricky riddles, change any clue you like, then print the cards and a setup sheet. No sign-up needed.

Step 1: Customise the headings

The first and last cards. Change the wording to suit any party or occasion, e.g. "Happy birthday, Mia!". Leave a line empty to leave it off.

Step 2: Set the difficulty
Clues

Step 3: Choose your clues
Hiding spots

Tick the spots you'll use, in the order you want the hunt to go. The treasure goes at the last one.

Tip: 5, 11, 17 or 23 spots fill whole pages of cards.

Your trail

Change any clue so it suits your house. Use the arrows to change the order.

    Step 4: Choose your colour
    Card colour

    Choose a picture

    Party

    Home

    Kitchen

    Garden and outdoors

    Toys and play

    Prints on A4: a setup sheet for you, then the clue cards to cut out.

    Tips for a great treasure hunt

    How does the treasure hunt work?

    Give card 1 to the birthday child. Its clue leads to the first hiding spot, where the next card is waiting, and so on. The last clue leads to the treasure, with a "You found the treasure!" card. The setup sheet tells you exactly where to hide each card.

    What's the difference between a treasure hunt and a scavenger hunt?

    In a treasure hunt, kids follow a trail of clues. Each clue leads to a hiding spot with the next clue, until they find the treasure at the end. In a scavenger hunt, kids get a list of things to find or tick off, in any order. Lots of people use the two names for the same game, so if you're after scavenger hunt clues that lead from spot to spot, this is the maker for you.

    How many hiding spots should I use?

    Around 6 to 10 is plenty for younger kids. Older kids can race through 15 or more. Allow about a minute for each clue.

    Easy or Tricky clues?

    Easy clues are short rhymes that name the spot, making it easy for younger kids. You can also opt to include a picture for those still learning to read. Tricky clues are more cryptic riddles for older kids. You can edit the existing clues or create your own to suit.

    Can I change the clues?

    Yes. Every clue can be edited before you print, so you can make it suit your house. You can also add your own hiding spots with your own clues.

    What should the treasure be?

    Anything you like: the birthday present, a bag of lollies to share, or a small prize for every guest. If a group is hunting together, hide enough for everyone at the end.

    Can a group of kids play?

    Yes. Kids can solve the clues together as one team. For two teams, make the trail, print it, then press Shuffle the order and print again, so each team visits the spots in a different order. Both teams' cards end up at the same spots, so make each set easy to tell apart: print them on different coloured paper, choose a different card colour for each team, or add a sticker or use a coloured envelope for each team's cards.

    Can I make one on my phone?

    Yes. It works on phones and tablets. Tap "Print or save as PDF", then print or save the file from your device.

    Is anything I type saved or sent anywhere?

    No. Everything happens in your browser. Your last treasure hunt is remembered on this device only, so it's still there if you come back.

    Can I use it in the classroom?

    Yes. Teachers are welcome to make and print treasure hunts for their own class. If other teachers would like one, send them a link to the maker so they can make their own.

    Can I share or sell the treasure hunts I make?

    You can't sell them, including custom clues you've made with the maker. They're free to use at home, at your party or in your classroom. If a friend would like one, send them a link to the maker instead.