Looking for a Halloween activity that gets kids up, moving, and actually paying attention to their surroundings?
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A Halloween scavenger hunt is one of those activities that can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
You can hide clues around the house, set them up in the backyard, use Halloween decorations as hiding spots, or even turn the hunt into a neighborhood adventure.
Adding riddles makes it even more fun because kids have to figure out where to look next instead of simply checking items off a list.
These 20 Halloween scavenger hunt riddles are easy enough for kids to solve but still make the hunt feel like an adventure.
How to Use These Halloween Scavenger Hunt Riddles
You don’t need a lot of preparation to put together a Halloween riddle hunt.
Choose a starting point and hide the first clue. Each riddle can lead kids to another location where they will find the next clue.
You can use Halloween decorations, candy, toys, books, pumpkins, costumes, or everyday things around your house as hiding places.
For a party, divide the kids into teams and give each team a starting clue. For younger children, you can read the riddles aloud and let everyone solve them together.
And if you’re doing this at home, you can make the final clue lead to a small Halloween surprise.
20 Halloween Scavenger Hunt Riddles
Here are the riddles from my Halloween scavenger hunt. I’ve included the suggested hiding spot underneath each one so you can set up your hunt more easily.
1. The Jack-O’-Lantern
Riddle:
I’m round and orange, with a face that’s bright. Find me outside where I give quite a fright!
Hide the next clue: At a jack-o’-lantern.
2. The Witch’s Broom
Riddle:
I have a long, pointy hat and fly through the air. Look for me where you’d find a witch’s lair!
Hide the next clue: Near a broom or witch decoration.
3. The Candy
Riddle:
I’m filled with candy and treats galore. Find me where snacks are kept behind a door!
Hide the next clue: In a pantry or near a candy bowl.
4. The Owl
Riddle:
I’m a spooky creature that goes “Hoot!” at night. Find me where you’d see a frightful sight!
Hide the next clue: Near an owl decoration.
5. The Spider Web
Riddle:
I’m made of cobwebs and hang in the air. Find me where you’d see a ghostly scare!
Hide the next clue: In the corner of a room or near a Halloween spider web.
6. The Pumpkin Patch
Riddle:
I’m orange and round, and I sit on the ground. Look for me where pumpkins are found!
Hide the next clue: In a pumpkin patch or garden.
7. The Sticky Treat
Riddle:
I’m a sweet treat that’s sticky and chewy. Look for me where you’d find something gooey!
Hide the next clue: Near a candy bowl or dessert table.
8. The Monster
Riddle:
I’m a monster that loves to munch on a brain. Find me where you’d see a Halloween stain!
Hide the next clue: In the kitchen or near the dining table.
9. The Lantern
Riddle:
I glow in the dark and help you see. Find me where you’d hang a ghostly spree!
Hide the next clue: Near a lantern or other light source.
10. The Creepy Crawler
Riddle:
I’m a creepy crawly that makes you scream. Look for me where you’d find a Halloween dream!
Hide the next clue: In a toy box or near a spider toy.
11. The Orange Treat
Riddle:
I’m a treat that’s orange and full of delight. Find me where you’d eat on Halloween night!
Hide the next clue: In the dining room or kitchen.
12. The Spooky Book
Riddle:
I’m a spooky book that tells tales of fright. Find me where you’d read at night!
Hide the next clue: On a bookshelf or in a reading nook.
13. The Ghost
Riddle:
I’m a ghost that floats and says “Boo!” Find me where you’d see a Halloween view!
Hide the next clue: Near a window or Halloween decoration.
14. The Halloween Goodie Bag
Riddle:
I’m filled with goodies and tied with a bow. Find me where you’d see a Halloween show!
Hide the next clue: Near the TV or movie area.
15. The Frog
Riddle:
I’m a scary creature that hops and croaks. Find me where you’d see Halloween jokes!
Hide the next clue: Near a frog decoration or toy.
16. The Witch’s Brew
Riddle:
I’m a witch’s brew that’s bubbling and hot. Find me where you’d find a spooky pot!
Hide the next clue: In the kitchen or cooking area.
17. The Costume Mask
Riddle:
I’m a mask that hides your face. Find me where you’d see a spooky place!
Hide the next clue: Near a costume box.
18. The Black Cat
Riddle:
I’m a black cat that brings good luck. Find me where you’d see a spooky truck!
Hide the next clue: Near a toy car or truck.
19. The Skeleton
Riddle:
I’m a skeleton that rattles and shakes. Find me where you’d see Halloween cakes!
Hide the next clue: In the kitchen or dining area.
20. The Final Clue
Riddle:
I’m the final clue, and it’s time to cheer! Look for your treasure where you’d find Halloween gear!
Hide the treasure: Somewhere near your Halloween decorations, costumes, or other Halloween supplies.
Make Your Scavenger Hunt Even More Fun
The best part about a Halloween scavenger hunt is that you can change it to fit whatever you’re doing.
For a Halloween Party
Set up the clues before guests arrive and let the kids work in teams. The final clue can lead to a basket of Halloween treats, small prizes, or another party activity.
For a Classroom
A classroom scavenger hunt can be a fun Halloween activity when you want something that gets kids away from their desks for a little while.
You can hide clues around the classroom and have everyone work together to solve them.
For a Neighborhood Hunt
If you’re organizing a neighborhood Halloween event, the clues can lead children to different decorated houses or predetermined locations.
For younger children, make sure an adult accompanies them.
For a Family Halloween Night
You don’t need a party at all. Hide the clues around your house and let the kids work through them after dinner.
You could even make the final clue lead to a Halloween movie, special dessert, or basket of treats.
Turn It Into a Halloween Treasure Hunt
Want to make the hunt feel like a real adventure?
Give the kids a small Halloween bag or bucket when they start. Instead of having them collect the actual clues, have them bring each clue back to a central location after they’ve solved it.
You can also leave a tiny surprise at a few of the stops—a piece of candy, Halloween sticker, glow stick, or other inexpensive prize.
For the final stop, have one bigger surprise waiting for them.
Keep the Hunt Age Appropriate
For younger children, keep the hiding spots easy to find and read each riddle aloud if necessary.
Older kids can handle more complicated hiding places and can even work in teams to solve the clues.
If you’re using the hunt outdoors, establish boundaries before everyone starts. Kids should know exactly which areas are part of the game and which areas are off limits.
Want the Riddles Ready to Print?
If you don’t want to spend time copying the riddles onto cards and cutting them out, I also made a printable version of this Halloween scavenger hunt.
It gives you the clues in an easy-to-use format so you can print them, cut them apart, and start hiding them.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt Riddles Printable on Etsy
It’s especially handy for Halloween parties, classroom activities, family gatherings, or a neighborhood Halloween event.
More Halloween Games and Activities
If you’re putting together a whole afternoon or evening of Halloween fun, you can combine the scavenger hunt with other simple games and activities.
Try:
- Halloween Would You Rather Game
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt
- Halloween Minute to Win It Games
- Halloween Charades
- Halloween Scary Movie Trivia
A scavenger hunt doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. A few clever clues, some Halloween decorations, and a little imagination are enough to turn an ordinary afternoon into a spooky adventure.
Follow my Halloween Games & Activities board on Pinterest.
