When I was a kid, my Mom would make the small holidays special. I remember, one year she made a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. So, of course I want to do the same for my son! The activity is great because it provokes thought and teamwork while having fun finding a Valentine’s Day surprise. This is quick and easy to prepare the night before, after your kids are in bed.
Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
- Start by drawing a large heart on an 8.5 by 11 piece of paper. Write a hint across the front of the heart that will be the final leg of the scavenger hunt. For example, “Look where we keep your hats and mittens.” For younger kids who are still working on their puzzle skills, draw different colored hearts to help them match up the pieces (as shown above).
- On the back, draw and divide it into puzzle pieces. Then cut it up.
- Now, on the back of each puzzle piece write a hint to direct your child to different areas of the house. For example, “Go to where your dog eats.” Make sure the last puzzle piece says, “Put your puzzle together for the final clue.”
- Put each puzzle piece in the correct spot of the house from the previous hint. Put a Valentine’s Day present where the final hint leads your child.
- Start by giving your child one piece of the puzzle. The hint on it will lead him to the next puzzle piece. He will need to keep going until he has all the pieces of the puzzle from the Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt.
- The final step is to have your child put the puzzle together and read the last hint. The last hint will lead him to the Valentine’s Day surprise!
The Valentine’s Day surprise could be a gift, a dessert, or even an activity such as a Valentine’s day themed sensory bin! You can fill a bucket with red colored penne noodles, white mini marshmallows, cupcake liners, and spoons!
I hope you and your child have fun on the Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt! For more fun Valentine’s Day activities, try making heart shaped crayons or a love bug card.
About The Author
Kelsey Dickson has over 15 years of experience working with children as a nanny, preschool teacher, and now a mother. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and works for Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny as the eLearning Manager. Check out our online childcare classes, such as Baby Sign Language and Sleep Coaching 101! In her free time she enjoys gardening with her son, going for walks with her husband and dog, and discovering local wineries in New England.
