Host a MAP
Host a MAP by making a treasure map, planning a backyard scavenger hunt, inviting friends, and leading a safe map-based adventure.
About this activity
Host a MAP by making a treasure map, planning a backyard scavenger hunt, inviting friends, and leading a safe map-based adventure.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a safe area in the backyard for your scavenger hunt.
- 2
Step 2
Pick five small treasures you want to hide.
- 3
Step 3
Put each treasure into its own small bag.
- 4
Step 4
Walk around the play area to look for good hiding spots.
- 5
Step 5
Choose five hiding spots from the places you found.
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Step 6
Fold a sheet of paper to make the base for your treasure map.
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Step 7
Draw the outline of your yard on the paper.
- 8
Step 8
Mark big landmarks and the hiding spots on the map with simple symbols.
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Step 9
Draw a key that explains what each symbol means.
- 10
Step 10
Decorate the map with colours and fun drawings.
- 11
Step 11
Gently crumple the map to make it look like an old treasure map.
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Step 12
Ask an adult to help you invite friends to the scavenger hunt.
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Step 13
Hide the bagged treasures in the chosen hiding spots.
- 14
Step 14
Gather the players and explain the safety rules for the hunt.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished treasure map and story about the hunt on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child host a treasure map scavenger hunt in our backyard?
Start by brainstorming a simple theme and drawing a clear treasure map with landmarks (tree, shed, porch). Help your child write or draw clues, choose hiding spots, and set ground rules. Invite friends, explain rules and safety, then let the child lead teams. Supervise from a short distance, time the hunt, and finish with a treasure reveal and a quick debrief about what worked and what to change.
What materials do I need for a child-hosted treasure map scavenger hunt?
Gather paper or cardstock for maps, colored pens, stickers, envelopes for clues, small prizes or “treasure,” and props like toy compasses. You’ll also want clothespins or tape, a clipboard, and markers to label landmarks. For safety and logistics, include a first-aid kit, sunscreen, water bottles, and a phone or walkie-talkie. Optional: printable clue templates, costume pieces, and a camera to capture the adventure.
What ages is a child-hosted backyard map scavenger hunt suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 4–12, with adaptations: preschoolers (4–5) need picture clues and close adult help; early elementary (6–8) can follow simple riddles and take turns leading; older kids (9–12) can design maps, write puzzles, and manage teams. Adjust clue complexity, map detail, and supervision level to match each child’s reading, attention, and leadership skills.
What safety tips should families follow for a child-led map-based adventure?
Set clear boundaries and a time limit, inspect the area for hazards (sharp objects, poisonous plants), and remove risks before play. Require a buddy system, identify adult meeting points, and make sure leaders carry a phone. Ask about allergies before choosing treats, provide water, and keep a first-aid kit close. Supervise nearby while letting the child lead, and review safety rules with all participants before starting.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of small bags or a big sheet of paper if I don't have them?
If you don't have small bags, use folded envelopes or clean sandwich zipper bags to put each treasure in, and if you lack a sheet of paper use a piece of cereal-box cardboard or a magazine page folded to make the base for your treasure map.
My friends couldn't find the treasures — how can I fix the map or hiding spots?
If players get stuck, make the map clearer by labeling the big landmarks and hiding spots with distinct symbols, test each chosen hiding spot yourself before you hide the bagged treasures, and avoid over-crumpling the folded map so the symbols stay readable.
How can I change the scavenger hunt to suit younger or older kids?
For younger children, pick fewer treasures and very obvious hiding spots and use picture-only symbols on the map, while for older kids increase the challenge with more treasures, riddles or coordinate clues and more detailed landmarks.
How can we make the treasure map and hunt more exciting or personal?
Enhance the activity by decorating the map with colors and tea stains to look old, adding a personalized key with special icons, hiding one bonus 'golden' treasure among the five, and then invite friends with an adult's help and share your finished treasure map and story on DIY.org.