Guides

Christmas morning scavenger hunt ideas for kids

A scavenger hunt turns the first few minutes of Christmas morning into a little adventure. Instead of one big rush at the tree, kids follow a trail of clues around the house and end at a gift, a stocking, or breakfast. It takes some planning the night before, but not much, and it often becomes the part of the morning kids talk about later.

This guide covers how to set one up, clue ideas for different ages, where to hide clues safely, and a few ways to keep the morning from getting chaotic.

Decide what the hunt is for

Before writing any clues, decide where the trail ends. A few common choices:

• One special gift. The hunt leads to the "big" present, hidden somewhere other than under the tree.
• Stockings. Kids wake up and have to find their stockings before opening them.
• Breakfast. The last clue leads to the kitchen, where cinnamon rolls or pancakes are waiting. This is a nice choice if you want to slow the morning down.
• An experience. The last clue is a card announcing a trip, a movie night or a day out.

Knowing the ending helps you plan backwards: the last clue goes with the prize, the second-to-last clue points to the last hiding spot, and so on.

How many clues to use

A simple rule of thumb: fewer clues for younger kids, more for older kids. Children around 3 to 5 usually enjoy 4 to 6 stops. Kids around 6 to 9 can handle 6 to 10. Tweens and teens may like 8 to 12, especially if the clues are harder. If you have several children, give each child their own color of clue card so nobody grabs a sibling's clue, or make it a team hunt where they take turns reading.

It is better to end while kids still want more than to drag on while presents are waiting.

Clue ideas by age

Pre-readers (about 3 to 5)

• Use picture clues: a small drawing or photo of the fridge, the bathtub, the couch or the front door.
• Let an older sibling or parent read rhymes out loud while the little one runs.
• Keep every stop on one floor and in rooms they know well.

Early readers (about 6 to 8)

Short rhymes work well. A few examples you can copy:

• "Where the cold things like to stay, look inside to find your way." (fridge)
• "You wash your hands here every day. Your next clue is not far away." (bathroom sink)
• "Cushions soft and blankets warm, look beneath before the storm." (couch)
• "I keep your shoes all in a row. Check in here before you go." (shoe rack or closet)
• "Ring-a-ling, it's time to eat! Find the place where we all meet." (dining table)

Older kids and teens

• Riddles instead of rhymes: "I have keys but open no doors." (piano or computer keyboard)
• Simple codes, such as A=1, B=2, that spell out the next location.
• A word scramble: "GRIDEFRRATOR" for refrigerator.
• A clue hidden inside a book on a specific page.
• A photo zoomed in so close it takes a moment to recognize the spot.

Safe hiding spots (and spots to skip)

Christmas morning means excited kids running around in pajamas, sometimes in socks on hard floors. A few safety-minded choices keep the fun from ending in tears.

Good hiding spots:

• Under a couch cushion or a pillow on a bed
• Taped to the inside of a cupboard door at kid height
• Inside a boot or rain boot by the door
• In the bathtub (dry) or taped to the bathroom mirror
• Tucked in a favorite book on a low shelf
• In the microwave (unplugged or simply not running) or bread box
• On the bottom shelf of the fridge, next to the milk
• Inside a coat pocket hanging on a low hook
• Taped under the kitchen table or a chair seat

Spots to avoid:

• Anywhere that needs climbing: high shelves, the top of the fridge, or anything that would tempt a child to stand on a chair.
• Near the fireplace, stove, oven, space heaters or candles.
• Near outlets, power strips or the tree's light cords.
• On stairs. Running up and down stairs in socks is an easy way to slip. If you must use another floor, put the clue at the top or bottom landing, not on the steps.
• Under the sink or near cleaning products, medicines or batteries. Small button batteries in particular should be stored well away from little hands.
• Outside in the dark or in the garage, unless an adult goes along.
• Inside the tree itself. Kids digging through branches can tip a tree or break ornaments.

If you have toddlers in the house who are not part of the hunt, set clues where they can't reach them, but where the older kids still don't have to climb.

Setting it up the night before

1. Write or print all the clues and number them on the back so you can lay them out in order.
2. Walk the route yourself, placing the clues in reverse order (start with the prize).
3. Take a quick photo of each hiding spot on your phone. If a clue goes missing or a child gets stuck, you'll remember where it was.
4. Put the very first clue somewhere obvious: on the bedroom door, in a stocking or by the tree.
5. Tell any other adults in the house the plan, so nobody tidies up a clue by mistake.

Keeping it calm and fair

• Set a start rule. For example: the hunt starts after everyone is out of bed and the grown-ups have coffee.
• Walking only. Say it at the start, and make it part of the game ("Elves walk, they don't run").
• Give hints freely. The point is fun, not testing. If a child is stuck for more than a minute, give a "warmer/colder" hint.
• Rotate readers. With siblings, take turns reading clues aloud so everyone gets a role.
• Same-size endings. If each child has their own trail, try to make the hunts about the same length.

Variations to try

• Letter from Santa. The first clue is a short note from Santa saying he hid one gift because it wouldn't fit under the tree.
• Puzzle pieces. Each stop has one piece of a puzzle. Once assembled, the picture shows where the prize is.
• Grandparents' house. If you're traveling, bring clue cards and ask the host which rooms are okay to use.
• Grown-up version. Teens and adults enjoy hunts too, especially with harder riddles or a clue that requires a phone photo.

Common questions

Want it ready to print?

If you'd rather skip writing clues at midnight on Christmas Eve, the Keepsake Depot personalized Christmas morning treasure hunt is a printable set of clue cards you can print at home and hide around the house.

See the Christmas morning treasure hunt on Etsy

Holiday sale: 20% off in the Etsy shop through Dec 4.

More ideas: all Keepsake Depot guides.