I’ve curated this easy-to-follow list of scavenger hunt ideas for adults, which can be played indoors and out and is ideal for year-round detective work.
You can read all of Craig’s game guides here.
You may also like GTQ’s full range of games for adults.
Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Adults at Home
Places You Wouldn’t Expect
Sometimes, you can be the most creative when it comes to setting up a scavenger hunt in your own house.
Take advantage of all the familiar items and hiding spots around the house and give it a clever twist to fool the participants.
Include clever riddles with each suggestion to add an extra challenge to the game.
Examples of indoor scavenger hunt clues for adults in this round can include:
- Remote under the couch cushion.
- Hairbrush under the pillow.
- Batteries behind the window curtain.
- Hand sanitizer on the radiator.
- Phone charger hanging on a mirror.
Here are some fun ideas for clues:
- ___ ___ on the wall, who is the fairest of the them all? (Mirror, mirror).
- I’m a little _____, short and stout. Here’s my handle, here’s my spout? (Teapot).
- What has numbers for a face? (Clock).
- A household item that has feet but welcomes human bottoms. (Sofa).
- Paper can’t cover me, but a rock can smash me. What am I? (Scissors)
- If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweet and wipe the ____? (Toilet seat).
Colorful Quest Scavenger Hunt
Challenge participants to embark on a vibrant journey through your home, searching for items of different colors.
This hunt can be entertaining in its simple format but is easily made significantly more challenging for an adult crowd by picking more obscure colors, such as replacing purple with magenta.
Examples of items to add to your scavenger hunt clues for adults around the house in this category:
- Something red (e.g., a toy, a book cover).
- Something blue (e.g., a piece of clothing, a decoration).
- Something green (e.g., a plant leaf, a utensil).
- Something yellow (e.g., a post-it note, a fruit).
- Something purple (e.g., a pen, a cushion).
Size-Based Scavenger Hunt
Get participants on the hunt for items of varying sizes around your home.
This hunt encourages creativity in what may be around the house and may open your perspective about the very place you live in.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- Something small (e.g., a paperclip, a coin).
- Something tiny (e.g., a button, a marble).
- Something medium-sized (e.g., a paperback book, a shoe).
- Something large (e.g., a pillow, a vase).
- Something huge (e.g., a blanket, a stuffed animal).
Scavenger hunt is also featured in our list of tea party games for adults.
Shape Explorer Scavenger Hunt
Participants will seek out items that match various geometric shapes and can be easily made into a more complex game asking for obscure shapes like hexagons.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- Something round (e.g., a plate, a clock).
- Something square (e.g., a book, a sticky note).
- Something rectangular (e.g., a remote control, a photo frame).
- Something oval (e.g., an egg, a mirror).
- Something triangular (e.g., a slice of pizza, a decorative banner).
Alphabet Adventure Scavenger Hunt
Search for items representing different alphabet letters.
This leads to a fast-paced game in which players scramble around the house, reciting the alphabet as they go.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- Something that starts with the letter “A” (e.g., an apple, an art supply).
- Something that starts with the letter “B” (e.g., a book, a ball).
- Something that starts with the letter “C” (e.g., a cup, a candle).
- Something that starts with the letter “D” (e.g., a doll, a door).
- Something that starts with the letter “E” (e.g., an eraser, an envelope).
Texture Hunt Extravaganza
Participants will feel their way through the house, which will make for some hilarious interpretations as everyone runs around the house feeling everything in the room.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- Something smooth (e.g., a glass surface, a smartphone screen).
- Something rough (e.g., a piece of sandpaper, a stone).
- Something soft (e.g., a plush toy, a blanket).
- Something bumpy (e.g., a textured wall, a plastic lid).
- Something hard (e.g., a metal spoon, a wooden block).
Treasure Hunt Adventure
Search for clues and hidden items that lead to the ultimate reward.
Funny treasure hunt ideas for adults can include:
- A map or riddle that guides you to the next location.
- A mysterious key.
- A token with a unique symbol.
- A piece of a puzzle that will reveal the treasure’s location.
- A message in a bottle with instructions.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Embrace the digital age with a virtual scavenger hunt that spans the online world.
Participants will explore websites and social media platforms to find hidden gems.
Or play from the comfort of their homes via Zoom, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp.
Examples of items to add to your virtual scavenger hunt list for adults:
- A funny cat meme.
- A screenshot of a favorite recipe.
- A GIF that represents your current mood.
- A video clip of someone doing a dance challenge.
- A tweet or post with over 1,000 likes.
- Items that represent a clue (see above examples).
- Answers can also be delivered by the drawing tool on Zoom.
See section one for some ideas for clues that can be used over virtual calls.
Read next: games to play over video conference calls.
Indoor Scavenger Hunts in the Community
Library Adventure Scavenger Hunt
Unleash your inner bookworm with a library-themed hunt.
Explore the aisles and shelves in search of literary treasures and intriguing finds.
Library scavenger hunt ideas can include:
- A bookmark with a quirky design.
- A biography of a famous historical figure.
- A book with a blue cover.
- A book featuring an animal protagonist.
- A classic novel published before 1900.
- A book beginning with…
- A book by an author with alliteration for name.
Mall Excursion Scavenger Hunt
Discover items that capture the essence of shopping and entertainment.
Mall scavenger hunt ideas can include:
- A shopping bag from a clothing store.
- A receipt from a food court purchase.
- A business card from a kiosk vendor.
- A photo with a mall security guard.
- A discarded shopping list.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
Autumn Nature Scavenger Hunt
Participants will explore the changing landscape and find items that showcase the season’s rich fall colors.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A multicolored leaf.
- A pinecone with sticky resin.
- A small acorn.
- A twig with orange or red berries.
- A piece of tree bark displaying unique patterns.
- A picture of an animal.
Try next: Fall party game ideas.
Hiking Adventure Scavenger Hunt
As you trek through the wilderness, seek items that connect you with nature and make the journey memorable.
Examples of outdoor scavenger hunt clues for adults you can find when hiking:
- A heart-shaped rock.
- A feather from a wild bird.
- A snapshot of a breathtaking view.
- A piece of litter (that is subsequently thrown away).
- A small wildflower bouquet.
Park Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Outdoor scavenger hunt ideas can include:
- A pebble from the sandbox.
- A child’s lost toy.
- A piece of playground equipment with a primary color.
- A leaf from a tree in the playground.
- A photo of someone going down the slide.
Vacation Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Beach Paradise Scavenger Hunt
Search for treasures that the tides have brought ashore, creating lasting memories.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A seashell with a hole in it.
- A piece of sea glass.
- A feather from a seagull.
- A crab shell.
- A perfectly round stone from the water’s edge.
This is also perfect for your family beach or boat party games.
Road Trip Discovery Scavenger Hunt
Collect items that reflect the places you visit and your adventures on the open road, from small souvenirs to free items you pick up on the way.
Road trip scavenger hunt ideas can include:
- A tourist brochure from a roadside attraction.
- A souvenir from a rest stop.
- A photo of a welcome sign.
- A pressed coin from a gas station.
- A fast-food restaurant napkin.
- A coffee cup.
You can even tailor this suggestion to make it a fun road trip activity with kids—adults can also get ideas from it.
Photo Scavenger Hunt Around a New City
Make a scavenger hunt out of a new city you’ve never been to before.
The goal is to gather photos of landmarks and other unique elements of city life.
Make sure you incorporate the city’s famous landmarks, as well as more inconsequential things that participants will need to find as they traverse the city.
Examples of items to find in this city scavenger hunt for adults include:
- Well-known statues.
- Entrances to popular museums.
- Flags of the city’s notable sports team.
- Government buildings.
- Selfies with street art.
- Local food items.
- Posing in front of a pothole.
- Scaffolding.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt for Adults
Valentine’s Day Love Quest
The clues it sends might just lead to an even bigger surprise!
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A heart-shaped leaf.
- A red rose petal.
- A love letter sealed with a kiss.
- A photo of the couple.
- A poster to a movie or TV show liked by both.
- A record, CD or online search to song.
- A romantic quote found in a public place.
- A shiny ring in a box…
You may also like our couple-themed games and conversation starters.
Easter Adventure
Instead of eggs, participants will search for various Easter-related items that symbolize renewal and new beginnings.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A feather from a spring bird.
- A blooming flower.
- A pastel-colored ribbon.
- A small decorative egg.
- A chocolate bunny wrapper.
You may also like our Easter Trivia Quiz.
Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Roam the neighborhood or a haunted location and discover items that embody the spirit of the holiday.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A plastic spider or bat.
- A cobweb decoration.
- A black cat figurine.
- A witch’s hat or broom prop.
- A spooky spell book.
- A magical mirror.
- A ghostly white pebble.
- A haunted location.
- A trick-or-treat snack.
For more Halloween-themed games, you may like our Halloween Trivia Quiz and Halloween Would You Rather.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Experience the magic of the holiday season, seeking out items that capture the essence of Christmas and spread festive cheer.
Examples of things to scavenge for:
- A red and white candy cane.
- A pinecone ornament.
- A photo with a person wearing a Santa hat.
- A selfie with a string of twinkling lights.
- A handwritten letter to Santa Claus.
- An unwanted gift.
- A cheesy Christmas jumper.
- A fresh cup of cocoa.
- A video of a carol singer.
- A festive message on a phone.
- A funny Christmas meme.
Try next: Christmas Trivia Quiz.
Chanukah Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, Chanukah, or Hanukkah with a festive scavenger hunt based on iconic items of the celebration.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- Dreidels.
- Candles.
- Challah.
- Latkes.
- Gelt.
Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt
Discover items that symbolize nostalgia, celebration, and the passage of time.
Examples of items to scavenge for:
- A party hat or festive headband.
- A balloon in your favorite color.
- A birthday candle, lit or unlit.
- A photo of someone blowing out candles.
- A handwritten message or card from a friend.
- A bottle of the birthday star’s favorite tipple.
- A selfie with the birthday guy/girl.
- A video of the birthday star dancing.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on our exciting scavenger hunt game for adults.
Did you love every twist and turn, or perhaps you’ve got some awesome ideas of your own? Feel free to drop your comments below.