Easter Treasure Hunt

A couple of years ago Amy shared an idea with me for a Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt.  My kids loved it.  Imagine my excitement when Kursta shared an Easter Treasure Hunt!  This is an idea that she created for the children in a Guatemalan church.  I did a little tweaking, made a free printable, and am now sharing it with you!

Treasure Hunt

If you are not familiar with treasure hunts, let me explain.  A treasure hunt is where players try to find a “treasure” by following a set of clues.   Each clue leads the players to the next clue which eventually leads them to a prize.  The clues and prize are hidden prior to starting the game.  The difficulty of the clues can vary to suit young children up to adults.

Supplies

• ABCJLM Easter Treasure Hunt printable
  The first four pages are clues for younger children, while the next two can be used with those who can read.  The final page includes the answers and suggested places to hide the clues.
• Scissors
• Easter Eggs (optional)
• Prize (optional)
  For younger children, include the ingredients to make Resurrection Rolls, Bird Nest Cookies, or Jelly Bean Easter Bags.  For older children, the Buck Denver Asks: What’s in the Bible? Volume Ten – Jesus is the Good News DVD or The Tale of Three Trees book make great treasures.  Or simply place an empty box at the final destination to create dialogue about the empty tomb.

Hide the Clues

Pages 1-4 of the printable contain 16 cards varying in difficulty.  Each card includes a cross, fill-in-the-blank sentence, and NIV Scripture reference (unless noted).  Pages 5-6 contain just a cross and reference for children who can look up Scripture and read.  Cut apart the clue cards and choose the cards that are best for your child’s age and understanding of the Easter story.  (Not all 16 cards have to be used.)

Begin by placing the 1st card (Matthew 21:8) in an Easter egg.   Keep this one as you will give it to the child to begin the hunt.   Place the second clue in an Easter egg and set it in the coat closet or by the coat rack for the child to find.   Continue until the last card is laid by a stone.   You may want to add a treat or gift at the final place.

It’s Game Time

After all of the Easter Eggs containing cards are placed, give the child the first Easter egg containing the poem and Matthew 21:8 sentence.  Assist more or less depending on the child’s ability.

For Younger Children

To make it easier for younger children, take a picture where you place each Easter Egg.  Include with the egg the picture of the next object.  (e.g. With the first card, include an image of the coat closet.)

To make it more difficult, Kursta gave the idea of providing the child with a closeup image.  This can be as difficult as you want to make it.  (Towels pictured above is an example.)

For children who are unable to read but know the Easter story well, read the verse and have the child fill in the blank.

For Older Children

Pages 5-6 of the printable include crosses with only the Scripture reference on them.  This forces the child to find the verse and decide which object to pull out as the clue.

Super fun!  I am excited to share this with our kids on Easter Day.  Be sure to take pictures of your family doing this activity and post to Facebook or Instagram for us to see.  Use #ABCJLM or tag me (@HeidiFranz) in the post.

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