Free printable treasure hunt: 12 outdoor challenges

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A one-page observation scavenger hunt: twelve things to spot, with no riddles or hidden objects. Both languages have the same challenges.

• Download the English PDF — 1 page, A4
• Download the French PDF — 1 page, A4

Free downloads, no registration. Print in black and white at actual size, or fit to page on US Letter paper. No printer? Copy three challenges into a notebook, using the full list below.

A printable scavenger hunt, with nothing to hide

This free printable treasure hunt turns an outdoor walk into an observation game. The treasure is a collection of discoveries to talk about afterwards: a shape, a shadow, a pattern or an overlooked detail. There are no objects to hide or bring home.

This original Stepwars sheet works for a solo walk or a small group in a neighbourhood or park. It does not calculate a route or find local events using your location. For help choosing a place first, read our guide to fun walks near home. This page provides a ready-to-print activity rather than another list of walking destinations.

The 12 outdoor spotting challenges

A discovery counts when you can point it out or describe it from an accessible path. A photograph is optional. Leave everything in place.

1. Three shades of green in the same place.
2. A round shape that is not a sign.
3. A shadow with a shape you recognise.
4. Two textures to describe without touching.
5. A detail repeated at least three times.
6. A plant growing somewhere unexpected.
7. A sign of animal life visible from the path.
8. An object reflecting the light.
9. A pattern that looks like a letter.
10. A tiny detail you almost walked past.
11. Something that looks older than its surroundings.
12. A discovery you would like to show someone.

Set up the game in three steps

1. Choose the place. Pick a familiar, permitted loop with manageable crossings and an easy return point. Check opening times and current conditions. Choose a place suited to the participants: a printable sheet cannot tell you whether a path works for a pushchair or wheelchair.
2. Choose your boxes. Keep three, six or twelve challenges. In a built-up area, swap a plant challenge for an architectural pattern. Agree any changes before setting off so everyone uses the same list.
3. Agree what counts. Pointing, describing or sketching a discovery is enough. In a group, one person can mark a shared sheet while someone else explains their find. Swap roles instead of comparing walking speed.

For example, around a square and its small garden, choose the round shape, reflection, repeated detail and shared discovery boxes. Follow the accessible loop, then compare your answers on a bench. Two people may complete the same box with different discoveries.

Adapt the hunt to your group and the weather

With a child, read one prompt at a time, explain abstract words and play with an accompanying adult. Choose the prompts and level of supervision to suit the people taking part. A group that prefers to stay together can use one sheet and work collectively.

If an observation is inaccessible or unsuitable for someone, change it. A colour can become a shape to describe; a distant search can become a nearby detail. There is no need to finish all twelve boxes. Shorten the loop or postpone the game if conditions worsen.

Enjoy the place without changing it

The National Trust suggests planning a scavenger hunt around the chosen location. Our list is deliberately flexible: none of the twelve features is guaranteed on a particular route.

Leave No Trace recommends leaving natural objects and historical items where you find them. For this game, describe or sketch a discovery instead of collecting it. Do not pick plants, move stones or approach an animal to complete a box. Stay on permitted routes; a challenge is no reason to enter private property or make an unsafe crossing.

The hunt never requires a photograph of a stranger, child, vehicle number plate or private address. If you choose to take a picture, stop walking and frame it without personal information.

A scavenger hunt, a clue trail or a walking app?

This printable is about spotting things that are already there. A clue trail usually has prepared puzzles and stops, while geocaching involves finding containers. Our city trail guide, in French explains the differences. This PDF is not a pack of treasure hunt riddles or a map to a hidden prize.

You can use both PDFs without Stepwars. If you would like a digital game for a future outing, our walking game comparison, in French covers several approaches. Stepwars offers territory exploration on iPhone; it is not a directory of treasure hunts and is not required for this activity. Check current app access through the French support page. Public App Store availability is not announced here, and these English web pages do not confirm English-language app or support availability.

Frequently asked questions