Halloween scavenger hunts are my go-to for adding excitement to any gathering. They get everyone moving, laughing, and hunting for spooky surprises. Whether it’s for kids, adults, or the whole neighborhood, the right ideas make all the difference.
I’ve hosted these hunts for years, and I’ve learned one thing: the best ones mix easy clues, a touch of mystery, and plenty of Halloween flair. That’s exactly what I’ll share here real ideas you can set up without stress.
1. Pumpkin Patch Puzzle Hunt
Hide small pumpkins around your yard, each with a clue attached. The twist? Every pumpkin leads to the next spot until they find the grand pumpkin prize. Use riddles that mention color, size, or shape to keep it fun.
Kids love collecting mini pumpkins, and you can even paint them in silly or scary designs. I’ve found that adding glow-in-the-dark paint makes them extra exciting for evening hunts.
2. Glow Stick Ghost Chase
Place glow sticks inside white balloons decorated like ghosts. Hide them around dark corners of your yard or home. The light makes them easy to spot but still mysterious enough to be thrilling.
The best part is you can make this work indoors or outdoors. I once added a rule that you had to “boo” loudly when you found one it doubled the laughs.
3. Witch’s Potion Ingredient Search
Create a list of “magic ingredients” like plastic spiders, gummy worms, or toy bats. Hide them in jars or bowls around your space. Players must collect all ingredients to complete their witch’s brew.
I usually add a cauldron at the finish line so they can dump their finds inside. It’s a simple setup that works for kids and adults who enjoy themed challenges.
4. Spider Web String Maze
Use yarn or string to make a web across your yard or living room. Clip paper spiders with clues to the web strands. Each clue takes players closer to the final prize.
I’ve noticed kids get completely absorbed in untangling these webs. Keep paths manageable so no one gets stuck too long, especially with larger groups.
5. Haunted House Clue Crawl
Turn different rooms into spooky stations with themed clues. For example, the kitchen might be “The Vampire’s Lair” with a blood-red drink as a clue holder.
Each stop should give a small treat along with the next hint. I’ve used flickering candles and fake cobwebs to make it more immersive without scaring younger players too much.
6. Skeleton Key Mystery Hunt
Hide several toy skeleton keys around your location, but only one opens the final treasure box. Clues should lead players to find the right key among the fakes.
I like placing some keys in tricky spots like hanging from a tree branch. The suspense of finding “the one” keeps everyone engaged until the very end.
7. Zombie Survival Supply Search
Give players a list of survival items like flashlights, “antidote” candies, or bandages (clean gauze). Hide these around and set a timer for added tension.
When I did this for adults, I added a “zombie” who roamed the area if tagged, they had to drop an item. It made the hunt way more competitive.
8. Candy Corn Countdown
Hide numbered candy corn bags, each with a piece of the final riddle. Players must collect all bags to solve the last clue and find the grand prize.
This one is a hit with candy lovers. I once swapped candy corn for chocolate coins to surprise the players who thought they knew the ending.
9. Jack-o’-Lantern Face Match
Cut out pumpkin face pieces from cardboard and hide them separately. Players must find all parts and reassemble the face correctly to win.
It’s great for kids who enjoy puzzles. You can make silly, scary, or even animal-themed pumpkin faces to suit the group’s vibe.
10. Haunted Map Treasure Hunt
Draw a spooky treasure map with marked hiding spots. Burn the edges slightly for an aged look and hand it to teams.
I’ve done this with glow-in-the-dark ink for night hunts. Watching people wander with flashlights and maps is half the fun.
11. Bat Cave Hunt
Cut bat shapes from black paper and tape small clues to their wings. Hang them from ceilings, trees, or fences so players have to look up.
I like adding a “super bat” worth bonus points. It keeps teams checking every corner even when they think they’re done.
12. Mummy Wrap Clue Chase
Wrap small prizes or clues inside layers of toilet paper. Hide these “mummies” around and let players unwrap them to reveal their find.
Sometimes I make one giant mummy that takes several people to unwrap. It’s messy, hilarious, and perfect for ending the hunt with a laugh.
13. Black Cat Clue Trail
Cut out black cat shapes from cardstock and place them in different spots, each holding a clue. Arrange them in a trail that leads to a hidden prize.
I’ve noticed kids love this one when the cats have glowing eyes. You can use reflective stickers so they sparkle under a flashlight.
14. Haunted Graveyard Hunt
Set up foam or cardboard tombstones in your yard. Hide small treats or clues behind each one, but leave a few empty to keep it unpredictable.
I sometimes add funny names to the tombstones for extra laughs. “Here lies Mr. Chocolate” always gets a giggle.
15. Cauldron Color Quest
Hide different colored plastic cauldrons around your space. Assign each color a point value and let players collect as many as possible.
It turns into a race when people realize certain colors are rarer. I once had a gold cauldron worth triple points it became the ultimate target.
16. Scarecrow Surprise Search
Dress up a scarecrow and hide small envelopes in its pockets, hat, and boots. Each envelope contains a clue or small treat.
The trick is placing the scarecrow somewhere unexpected, like on a porch swing. It keeps everyone guessing until they get close.
17. Haunted Library Hunt
Stack a few “spooky” books with clues tucked inside. Players must find the right book and flip to the correct page for the next hint.
I once used fake spellbooks I made from painted cereal boxes looked authentic and cost almost nothing.
18. Glow-in-the-Dark Bone Hunt
Buy plastic skeleton bones and paint them with glow paint. Scatter them in your yard for players to collect and assemble into a full skeleton.
It’s even better when you add a timer to see who can build their skeleton fastest. Kids love the challenge, and adults get competitive too.
19. Monster Footprint Trail
Cut large monster footprints from cardboard and place them in a winding path. Every few prints, leave a clue or treat.
I’ve done this leading into my garage, which I decorated like a monster cave. The reveal at the end got a big reaction.
20. Haunted Picnic Basket Hunt
Hide spooky snacks like “eyeball” grapes or “mummy” hot dogs in different containers. Each snack spot includes a clue for the next one.
It works best for smaller groups because everyone gets to enjoy the snacks as they find them.
21. Witch Hat Ring Toss Hunt
Set up witch hats with rings tossed around them. Each hat hides a small clue inside for the next location.
It’s part carnival game, part scavenger hunt. I love this because it adds a skill element, not just searching.
22. Ghostly Photo Challenge
Instead of finding objects, players must take selfies with ghost decorations placed around. Each ghost has a small hidden clue.
You can print and display the funniest ghost photos at the end. This one’s great for social media sharing too.
23. Halloween Word Hunt
Hide foam or cardboard letters that spell out a Halloween word like “BOO” or “FRIGHT.” Players must find all letters and arrange them correctly.
For older players, use longer words and mix in extra letters as a challenge. It makes the game last longer.
24. Creepy Clue Candles
Place battery-powered candles in different spots. Each candle hides a note with a clue or riddle.
When I hosted this at night, the glowing candles made the yard look magical. Plus, it made the clues easy to spot from afar.
25. Potion Bottle Clue Hunt
Fill small glass or plastic bottles with colored water and glitter. Each bottle has a rolled-up clue inside.
I like hiding them in unexpected places, like hanging from tree branches. The shimmering liquid always catches players’ attention.
26. Haunted Lantern Path
Place battery-powered lanterns along a path, but only some contain clues. Others have “trick” messages to keep players guessing.
This works beautifully for night hunts. The flickering lights give the hunt a cozy but spooky vibe.
27. Cursed Treasure Chest Search
Hide small locked boxes around the area. Give out keys as rewards for solving mini challenges along the way.
I’ve found that using different keys for different chests keeps everyone searching until the very end.
28. Scary Sound Hunt
Place small Bluetooth speakers around, each playing a creepy sound. Players must locate each one to collect their clues.
This one works best when you space the sounds far apart. It makes finding them a mix of hearing and hunting.
29. Pumpkin Bucket Relay
Give teams a pumpkin bucket to fill with hidden treats. They must find items one at a time, running back to their base after each find.
It’s high-energy and perfect for groups who like a little competition. I’ve even timed it for extra pressure.
30. Shadow Figure Hunt
Set up cardboard cutouts shaped like witches, ghosts, and monsters. Hide clues behind only a few of them.
Kids love peeking behind each figure, and it’s easy to make the cutouts yourself with black poster board.
31. Magic Spell Scroll Search
Hide rolled-up scrolls with printed “spells” and clues. Each spell gives players a riddle for the next location.
You can age the paper with tea stains to make it look authentic. This works great for a wizard or witch-themed night.
32. Candy Cauldron Switch-Up
Hide several mini cauldrons some with candy, some with prank items like fake bugs. Players must find at least one candy cauldron to win.
It keeps everyone laughing when they find a “trick” instead of a “treat.”
33. Eerie Envelope Challenge
Tape colored envelopes in different spots. Each one contains a small challenge players must complete before moving on.
Challenges could be silly, like “howl like a werewolf” or “walk like a zombie.” It keeps the mood light.
34. Foggy Clue Hunt
Set up a fog machine in your yard or garage. Hide clues within the mist so players must search through the haze.
The fog adds mystery and makes it harder to spot clues from far away.
35. Candlelight Riddle Race
Give players a flashlight or lantern and hide riddle cards in dim areas. Each solved riddle points to the next spot.
This is especially fun for older kids and adults who enjoy solving puzzles under time pressure.
36. Wicked Wheel Spin Hunt
Create a spinning wheel with different hunt challenges. Players must complete the challenge they land on before getting their clue.
I’ve used this at parties to make sure everyone stays involved between rounds.
37. Hidden Haunted Objects
Hide themed objects like plastic rats, fake eyeballs, or rubber snakes. Give each a point value and see who collects the most.
You can award prizes for the most collected or the rarest find.
38. Monster Mask Match
Hide different halves of monster masks around the space. Players must find both halves to complete a mask and win.
It’s even better if the completed mask can be worn for a final group photo.
39. Potion Mixing Station Hunt
Set up mini potion stations with jars labeled “Eye of Newt” or “Dragon Scales.” Each station hides a clue inside one jar.
I like adding food coloring to water so the jars look magical. Kids love peeking inside to find the right one.
40. Creepy Clown Challenge
Place toy clowns or clown masks in hidden spots. Some hide clues, while others hold “challenge cards” with silly tasks.
Even people who aren’t scared of clowns find this one strangely tense.
41. Haunted Hay Bale Hunt
If you have access to hay bales, tuck clues between the layers. Make players dig through to find them.
It’s a bit messy but perfect for outdoor Halloween events. Gloves make it easier for little hands.
42. Mirror Message Hunt
Write clues in washable marker on small mirrors. Hide them in dark corners with a flashlight nearby.
The reflection adds a fun reveal moment when they find it.
43. Scary Sock Search
Stuff Halloween-themed socks with small treats or clues. Hide them around for players to collect.
The socks can double as prizes, so everyone leaves with a fun keepsake.
44. Haunted Balloon Pop
Fill black or orange balloons with small paper clues. Players must pop the balloons to get their next hint.
It’s loud, chaotic, and always gets the group laughing.
45. Pumpkin Seed Trail
Leave a trail of pumpkin seeds leading to the final prize. Mix in fake seeds or candy to make it trickier.
This one works well for younger kids because it’s easy to follow.
46. Mystery Mask Clues
Hang Halloween masks on walls or fences. Only some masks hide clues behind them.
I sometimes add a rule where you must wear the mask for the next challenge instant laughs.
47. Coffin Box Hunt
Create small coffin-shaped boxes and hide prizes inside. Some can be empty to keep things unpredictable.
They’re easy to make from cardboard and look great in photos.
48. Spider Egg Hunt
Fill white balloons with candy or clues to look like spider eggs. Hide them in webbing made from cotton batting.
Breaking into the “eggs” feels weirdly satisfying for players.
49. Pumpkin Riddle Pass
Carve simple jack-o’-lanterns and place rolled-up riddles inside. Players must solve the riddle to move on.
The glowing pumpkins make for a magical nighttime hunt setup.
50. Final Fright Surprise
End the hunt with a dramatic reveal like a costumed “monster” guarding the final prize. Players must answer a final question or riddle to win.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up the night with laughter and a little suspense.
Conclusion
I’ve hosted more Halloween scavenger hunts than I can count, and the key is variety. Mix easy finds with trickier challenges. Add a few surprises so players never know what’s coming next.
Whether you keep it spooky or lean into silly fun, these ideas work for any age group. The goal is simple: create an experience your guests will talk about long after Halloween night.
FAQs
For kids, 8–12 clues is perfect. For adults, you can go up to 15–20.
Most hunts work best in 30–45 minutes. Longer hunts risk losing attention.
Absolutely. Just make sure the route is safe and easy to follow.
Candy works for kids, while themed mugs, gift cards, or snacks are great for adults.