Three clues written in two minutes. Something small hidden at the end. It sounds too simple and it is, which is exactly why it works every time.
Three small pieces of paper. A pen. Something small to hide as treasure: a sticker, a piece of fruit, a small toy.
Choose three locations around the house. Write a clue for each that leads to the next. Keep them simple: "Look where your shoes sleep." "Where the cold things live."
Place clue 2 at location 1, clue 3 at location 2, and the treasure at location 3. Hand them clue 1.
Once they find the treasure, swap roles. Let them hide something and write three clues for you. Their clues will be impossible and that is the point.
Five clues instead of three. Add a harder step in the middle.
Two kids, one set of clues. They have to agree on each answer before moving forward.
Take a photo of part of each location instead of writing. Works for kids who cannot read yet.
Parent tip: Act genuinely stumped by their clues even when you know the answer. The moment they realize they fooled you is the best part of the whole thing.
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