Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Looking for a chance to get out of the house and explore without gathering with tons of other people? Try something new with a virtual scavenger hunt. Or, take it Old School and create your own! Here are a few different ways to engage in a scavenger hunt with your family!

Virtual Scavenger Hunt Services:

Let's Roam offers "carefully crafted exciting experiences in 400+ cities across the globe" as well as at-home activities.
Puzzling Adventures offers " a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided tour" in a wide range of locations.
Watson Adventures offers "virtual team-building games, tours & hunts."
cityHUNT provides scavenger hunts and virtual parties.
Wildgoose offers urban scavenger hunts, hybrid escape rooms, and murder mystery parties.

Apps:

Goosechase is a free app that allows you to organize your own customized scavenger hunts.
Cluetivity is a subscription app that offers outdoor, mobile, and online games.
Huntzz is a free app that allows you to play existing scavenger hunts or create your own.

Games:

Outset Family Scavenger Hunt Card Game has indoor and outdoor challenges designed for ages 6 and up.
Gotrovo Family Treasure Hunt Game incorporates educational elements and problem solving skills for ages 3 to 10.
gofindit Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Families gets players ages 3 and up to think creatively to find natural elements to fit the word on each card.
Escape Kit sells packages for at-home escape kits for kids and adults.

DIY Old School:

Create your own scavenger hunt for your family. Have players collect items or take pictures with a phone. Here are some theme ideas and a few items for each to get you started:

Nature: a yellow color leaf, a smooth stone, something fuzzy, a seed
Errands: if the kids have to come along grocery shopping, give them a list. Little ones can match pictures to items from the cart, older kids can scout the next aisle for items.
Neighborhood: think neighborhood landmarks, neighbors' lawn decor, a yield or pedestrian sign, a street name that's close by but less familiar.
Friends: how many friends and neighbors can you get to wave at a window?
Alphabet: finding all the letters of the alphabet is a bigger challenge on a walk than on a car trip, but you can cheat a bit by also counting objects that start with a letter

We also love Geocaching with Kids.