Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Older Kids & Teens

About this printable

Most Christmas scavenger hunts are written for five-year-olds. Hand one to a twelve-year-old and it is over in four minutes, with an eye-roll. This one is built for older kids: the clues are puzzles and riddles that need a little reasoning, so the hunt feels closer to an escape room than a picture checklist.

You print the 16 clue cards, cut them out, hide them around the house following the answer key, and hand over the first card. Each solved clue points to the spot where the next one is hiding, and the last one leads to whatever you have waiting at the end: a stocking, a big gift, or the hot chocolate.

What's included

• 16 numbered puzzle clue cards, 4.25 × 5.5 in, four per page with cut lines (PDF)
• A "Start Here" card, two decoder cards and a "You Found It!" finish card
• 4 blank cards in the same design, for clues you write yourself
• Answer key and setup guide: where every card goes, five ways to play, difficulty dials and a safety checklist (3 pages)
• Read-me-first page with printing tips and your personal-use licence
• 3 PDFs, 10 US Letter pages, 24 cards. Instant digital download, no physical item ships

Why people choose it

• 16 puzzle clues: rhyming riddles, anagrams, ciphers, logic and one clue written backwards
• Every hiding place is an ordinary indoor one, so weather does not matter
• Works for one child, siblings, or two teams at a party
• Answer key so you know where every clue goes
• Decoder cards for the coded clues, plus 4 blanks for clues of your own
• Print at home on regular paper or cardstock

How it works

1. Download

   Buy through secure checkout and download the PDF straight away. The link is also emailed to you.

2. Print and cut

   Print the 10 pages on standard paper or card stock at home, then cut the cards apart along the dashed lines.

3. Hide the clues

   Use the answer key to place each card, then give the players the first clue.