Looking for a Halloween scavenger hunt for tweens that will keep kids entertained and get them into the Halloween spirit? A scavenger hunt is one of those activities that feels perfect for this age. Tweens may be getting a little too old for some traditional Halloween games, but they still love a challenge—especially when candy, friends, and a little friendly competition are involved!
Halloween Scavenger Hunt for Tweens
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, having friends over for a spooky movie night, or simply looking for something fun to do as a family, this Halloween scavenger hunt for tweens is easy to put together and can be played indoors or outside.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a lot of money or spend hours setting it up.
Why Tweens Love a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
The tween years can be tricky when you’re planning Halloween activities. They’re not little kids anymore, but they’re definitely not too old to have some Halloween fun.
That’s why a scavenger hunt works so well.
You can make it silly, spooky, challenging, or even competitive depending on the group. If you’re hosting a group of tween girls or boys, divide everyone into teams and see who can complete the list first.
You can also turn it into a photo scavenger hunt. Instead of collecting the objects, have the kids take a photo of each item they find.
It’s an easy way to keep a group of tweens busy while giving them something they can do independently.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt List for Tweens
Give each tween or team this list and see how many Halloween items they can find.
Find or photograph:
- A carved jack-o’-lantern
- A black cat decoration
- A spiderweb
- A witch hat
- Something orange
- A skeleton
- A ghost
- A piece of candy corn
- A bat decoration
- A spooky front door
- A pumpkin that isn’t orange
- A Halloween wreath
- Someone wearing a Halloween costume
- A fake spider
- A tombstone decoration
- Something that glows in the dark
- A witch
- A bowl filled with Halloween candy
- A scary mask
- Something purple
- A Halloween-themed snack
- A skull
- A mummy
- Halloween lights
- A pumpkin with a funny face
- A broomstick
- A Halloween sign
- A piece of chocolate candy
- Something with the word “BOO” on it
- The spookiest Halloween decoration you can find
Give the kids 30–60 minutes to complete as many as possible. You could award one point for each item and bonus points for especially creative finds.
Turn It Into a Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt
A Halloween photo scavenger hunt for tweens is especially fun because most tweens love taking photos.
Divide everyone into small groups and give each group the list. Rather than bringing items back, they need to photograph themselves with each object.
Add some photo challenges, too!
Have them take a photo pretending to be scared by a skeleton, posing like a witch, making their best ghost face, recreating a jack-o’-lantern expression, or getting the entire group into a photo with a giant pumpkin.
You’ll probably end up with some hilarious pictures.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt Clues for Around the House
Want to make the hunt even more challenging? Create clues that lead tweens from one location to another.
Try clues like:
“Where chilly treats and ice cubes stay, your next Halloween clue is hiding away.”
Answer: Freezer
“You rest your head on me every night. Look underneath me for something that might fright!”
Answer: Pillow
“I have lots of stories but cannot speak. Open me up for the clue that you seek.”
Answer: Book
“Dirty clothes come here to stay until they’re clean another day.”
Answer: Laundry basket
“Open my door when you’re hungry for more.”
Answer: Refrigerator
At the final location, hide a Halloween prize or Boo Basket filled with candy, beauty goodies, cozy socks, Halloween accessories, lip balm, stickers, or other tween favorites.
Make It a Halloween Party Game
If you’re planning a Halloween party for tweens, this is a great activity to have ready.
Divide the kids into teams of two or three and give every team the same scavenger hunt list. Set a timer and establish a few rules before everyone starts.
For example, kids can’t enter anyone else’s home, move outdoor decorations, or take anything that doesn’t belong to them. If they’re doing a neighborhood hunt, an adult should supervise depending on their ages and where you live.
The first team to complete the entire list—or the team with the most items when time runs out—wins.
Have some inexpensive Halloween prizes ready, such as candy, fuzzy socks, Halloween scrunchies, mini beauty products, bracelets, or $5 gift cards.
Make Halloween Fun for Tweens
One thing I’ve learned as a mom is that tweens still want to enjoy the magic and excitement of holidays. They just want to experience it in ways that feel a little more grown-up.
A Halloween scavenger hunt for tweens gives them that perfect combination of independence, competition, silliness, and Halloween fun.
You can make your scavenger hunt as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Print out a list for a few friends, create a neighborhood photo challenge, or turn your entire house into a clue-filled Halloween adventure.
Add some Halloween music, spooky snacks, hot chocolate, and plenty of candy, and you’ve got an easy Halloween activity your tween and their friends will actually want to do.
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