Ages 4+ EYFS Guide Halloween KS1 KS2 Scavenger hunt Screen-free

Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Kids: Free Checklist, Ideas and Clues

Quick answer: Print the free checklist, hand it to the children, and send them to find ten spooky items around one or two rooms. Tick each one off as they go. It takes about 20 minutes and suits ages 4 to 10. Keep it indoors on a wet Halloween, and set a few simple rules first.
Best for Ages 4 to 10
Time About 20 minutes
Group size 1 to 6 children
You need Printable, a pen, a basket
Cost Free to print at home

Download the free printable cards

On this page:
Checklist ideasHow to use itWays to playGifts and gamesBy ageSkillsFAQ

What to put on a Halloween scavenger hunt list

Here are ideas you can use straight away. Mix easy wins with a couple of trickier finds, and swap any item you do not have at home.

Easy indoor finds

  1. Something orange, like a satsuma
  2. A black sock or black jumper
  3. A spider, real toy or drawn on paper
  4. Something that glows in the dark
  5. A sweet or wrapper
  6. A pumpkin or a drawing of one
  7. Something shaped like a star
  8. A cobweb in a corner, no need to touch it
  9. A bat picture or toy
  10. Something that feels soft and furry

Spooky senses

  1. Something that makes a creepy sound
  2. Something cold to the touch
  3. A smell you like, such as cinnamon
  4. Something that rustles or crinkles
  5. A shadow on the wall
  6. Something smooth and round, like a conker
  7. A torch or a light you can switch on
  8. Something bumpy, like a gourd
  9. A mirror to practise your spooky face
  10. Something that casts a long shadow

Colours and numbers

  1. Three black objects
  2. Two things that are purple
  3. Something with a number on it
  4. Five green items, like leaves or peas
  5. A thing shaped like a triangle, think witch hat
  6. Something older than you are
  7. Two spiders with eight legs each
  8. A pumpkin with a face
  9. Something that starts with the letter B
  10. A pair of matching socks

How to run a Halloween scavenger hunt, step by step

  1. Print one checklist for each child or team.
  2. Agree the rooms and the finish time before you start.
  3. Hand out the lists and a pen each.
  4. Let children find and tick off each item.
  5. Count the ticks together and give a small treat.

Ways to use the Halloween scavenger hunt

  • Wet Halloween indoors. One or two rooms is plenty. Set a timer and let children race the clock on a rainy afternoon.
  • Party ice breaker. Split guests into pairs and hand each pair a list. It gives early arrivals something to do while the rest turn up.
  • Quiet wind down. Swap the race for a gentle search with a torch. Follow it with a calm game like Scavenger Hunt Game.
  • Count and sort finish. Lay out everything found and sort by colour or number. This adds easy maths to the fun.
  • Classroom corners. Hide picture cards around the room and let small groups tick them off. It works well in the week before half term.

Games and gifts for Halloween at home

If your children love the hunt, these wooden games and craft sets keep the fun going after the sweets are counted. All are picked for ages 4 and up and made to last.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Scavenger Hunt GameScavenger Hunt GameShop nowKids Outdoor Toy - Bug Hunting KitKids Outdoor Toy - Bug Hunting KitShop nowCrystal Set - Gemstone DiggingCrystal Set - Gemstone DiggingShop nowDinosaur Torch & Projector - Torch ToyDinosaur Torch & Projector - Torch ToyShop nowSpace Torch & Projector - Space ToySpace Torch & Projector - Space ToyShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowMaths Game - Number CountingMaths Game - Number CountingShop nowClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoShop nowPirate Game - Stacking ToyPirate Game - Stacking ToyShop nowWooden Animal SkittlesWooden Animal SkittlesShop nowGiant Dominoes - Wooden Dominoes SetGiant Dominoes - Wooden Dominoes SetShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyShop nowEarly Years Letters - Kids Alphabet GameEarly Years Letters - Kids Alphabet GameShop now

Halloween scavenger hunts by age and key stage

Age 4 (EYFS)

Keep the list to pictures and simple colours. Pair younger ones with an adult or older child and name each item out loud as you find it.

Age 5 (KS1)

Children can read a short word list and tick boxes. Add a colour or number clue to stretch them a little.

Ages 6 to 7 (KS1)

Try clues that describe an item rather than name it. Small teams work well and add some friendly rivalry.

Ages 8 to 10 (KS2)

Use riddles and counting tasks, like finding five things with legs. Let them time themselves and beat their own record.

What children learn from a scavenger hunt

  • Observation. Children scan a room closely and learn to spot detail they usually walk past.
  • Reading. Working through a checklist builds confidence with words and matching text to objects.
  • Counting. Finding sets of items and totting up ticks supports early number work.
  • Teamwork. Playing in pairs means sharing ideas, taking turns and cheering each other on.
  • Independence. A clear list lets children plan their own route and feel proud when they finish.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Halloween Bingo CardsHalloween Bingo CardsFree printableHalloween Potion Recipe CardsHalloween Potion Recipe CardsFree printableIndoor Trick-or-Treat CardsIndoor Trick-or-Treat CardsFree printableHalloween Games Night PlannerHalloween Games Night PlannerFree printableDesign a Pumpkin FaceDesign a Pumpkin FaceFree printableSpooky Story Starter CardsSpooky Story Starter CardsFree printableHalloween Award CertificatesHalloween Award CertificatesFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

A scavenger hunt is an easy habit to repeat each year. Keep the printable in a folder and change a few items so it feels fresh. Older children can write the list for younger ones, which gives them a job and a sense of pride. Over time it becomes the moment everyone looks forward to before the trick or treating begins.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Halloween scavenger hunt take?

About 20 minutes for ten items in one or two rooms. Add more items or more rooms if you want it to run longer.

Can you do a scavenger hunt indoors?

Yes. One or two rooms is plenty, and it works well on a wet Halloween.

What age is this suitable for?

Ages 4 to 10. Younger children do best with picture clues and an adult or older child to help.

How many children can play?

One child alone or up to six in pairs and small teams. More than that and you may want two sets of rooms.

Do I need to buy anything?

No. The checklist is free to print and you use items already around the house. A pen and a basket are handy.

What if we do not have the exact items?

Swap any item for something similar. A drawing of a bat counts just as well as a toy one.

How do I make it harder?

Use riddles instead of plain names, add counting tasks, and set a timer. See the gift ideas above for games that stretch older children.

Is it safe to play?

Agree which rooms are off limits and keep an eye on younger children. Ask them to point at anything high up rather than climb for it.

Browse by age and type

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.