The Coded Treasure Hunt
Design a series of simple coded clues (like Caesar ciphers or substitution codes) hidden around the house that lead to a final 'treasure' (a book or snack).
- Takes
- 30–45 min
- Your setup
- 15 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 7–10
- Mess
- No mess
- Cost
- $
- Where
- Indoors
How to do it
- 1Write out 4-5 short messages revealing clue locations (e.g., 'Look under the sofa cushion').
- 2Convert these messages into a simple code (e.g., A=1, B=2). The first clue should contain the key if using substitution.
- 3Hide the coded clues in their respective spots.
- 4Present the first coded clue to the child. Once decoded, they find the next clue, continuing until the final destination and prize is found.
- 5Once completed, let the child design a coded hunt for the parent to solve.
What they're practising
- Logic Development
- Pattern Recognition
- Critical Thinking
- Decoding