With our collection of scavenger hunt riddles and clues, you can lead kids through the house on a grand adventure
21 Creative Scavenger Hunt Riddles to Entertain Kids
Updated on Jul. 11, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? It’s a great way to pass the time for kids—and you! And it’s a great party activity, provided you can whip up clever scavenger hunt riddles that won’t totally stump the kids.
We’re making it easy for you by providing inspiration for the clues you can use to prepare your next scavenger hunt. They rhyme, take a page out of “what am I?” riddles” and give children a challenge before leading them to the prize. Some are obvious and point to a specific household object; others lead to a general area, like a closet, where kids will need to do a bit more searching. The inspiration for these scavenger hunt riddles comes from a few kid-friendly websites and my own very creative mother.
Here are 21 of our best scavenger hunt riddles to liven up your home parties. With this clever wordplay, you can set up a memorable family game that will force players to put on their thinking caps. Thank us later!
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Riddle 1
Soft and plump, I’ll be right here.
Throughout your dreams, you keep me near.
I keep you comfy through the night.
You leave me in the morning light.
Alternative second couplet for lovers of pillow fights:
You mainly use me to sleep at night,
But I’m also good for a silly fight!
What to look for: A pillow
Riddle 2
I have eyes, but I can’t see.
People make french fries from me.
What to look for: A potato
Riddle 3
I may not be wicked, but I have a wick.
In size, I can be either skinny or thick.
What to look for: A candle
Riddle 4
In my reflection,
You’ll see your complexion.
What to look for: A mirror
Riddle 5
I have four legs but don’t have feet.
You use me when it’s time to eat.
What to look for: The kitchen or dining room table
Riddle 6
In the basement, clothes are dirty,
Like your pants, and a shirt-y.
After they’re washed, here they go—
So you should head on down below.
What to look for: The dryer
Obviously, the last line works only if your dryer is located in a basement. Here’s an alternate ending to the short riddle if your dryer isn’t “down below”: Where’s the prize? Now you should know.
Riddle 7
You’ve done really great so far.
You’ll find your next clue in the car.
What to look for: The car
Want to make this riddle trickier for older kids? Modify the last line to say “You’ll find your next clue in the machine that takes us far.”
Riddle 8
Down the hall and to the right,
You’ll find a closet closed up tight.
Inside, there is a lot of stuff—
To find the note, it might be tough.
What to look for: A closet
Riddle 9
I’ll keep you dry on a rainy day.
In the wind, I might just blow away.
What to look for: An umbrella
Riddle 10
You’ll never eat me for your lunch,
But on me, Fido loves to munch.
What to look for: Pet food
You can tweak this brainteaser to add your pet’s name for added fun.
Riddle 11
I make your dirty garments clean
So stains and dirt cannot be seen.
What to look for: The washing machine (or laundry detergent)
Riddle 12
You fill me up and drain when done.
Adding bubbles is always fun!
What to look for: The bathtub
Riddle 13
I can bring good news, but I also hold junk.
I am creaky and squeaky and close with a clunk.
What to look for: The mailbox
Riddle 14
I have a drain, and my head’s full of water.
You use knobs to make me turn colder or hotter.
What to look for: The shower
Riddle 15
Great job! But that clue was too easy.
Look where you make your pasta cheesy.
What to look for: Pots and pans (or the stove)
Riddle 16
When friends come by with news to tell,
Let them in when you hear this bell.
What to look for: The doorbell
Riddle 17
Our spines are stiff, and our contents are pale.
We’re always ready to tell a tale.
What to look for: Books or a bookshelf
Riddle 18
Throw me on before you go,
Especially when the temperature’s low.
What to look for: A jacket
Riddle 19
In a bowl or on a hook,
Keep me somewhere you will look.
On a shelf or in your pocket,
Have me near before you lock it.
What to look for: Keys
Riddle 20
Pull me back in the morning; shut me at night.
Let the light shine in by bundling me tight.
What to look for: Curtains
Riddle 21
I’m liquid, but I’m not a drink.
Instead, you spit me in the sink.
If you leave without our session,
You might not make a great impression.
What to look for: Mouthwash
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Sources
- EverythingMom: “40 Fun Scavenger Hunt Riddles for Kids and Teens”
- ID Tech: “The ultimate list of indoor & outdoor scavenger hunt clues for kids!”
- Icebreaker Ideas: “45 Awesome Scavenger Hunt Clues for Kids & Adults”
