How to Organize a Kid’s St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Get ready to bring the magic of St. Patrick’s Day to your home or classroom with a fun and interactive picture scavenger hunt! This game is perfect for leprechauns, big or small. Engage children with this blend of entertainment and cognitive activity (I like to add a little extra layer to my games). They’ll have a grand time searching and cracking the code to find hidden St. Patrick’s Day riches.

Two Scavenger Hunt Printable Versions

I’ve created two different St Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt options. A picture scavenger hunt for younger kids and a secret code scavenger hunt for older kids.

They’re both exactly the same, other than one has little images to decipher and one doesn’t. If younger and older kids play this together, you can still use the cards with the secret code letters. The older kids will use the printable lucky decoder wheel, while the smaller kids will check the pictures off their scavenger hunt list!

How To Do A St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt?

Whether you are playing the scavenger hunt at home or in a school environment, all you need to do is tell the kids to find all the items on the list. As they find each item, they mark them off their list. 

For the kids using the lucky decoder wheel, as they find each card, they will need to decode each symbol to reveal a letter. The letter they decipher is then written on their answer sheet.

Here are simple steps to follow:

1. Read the game guide and decide which version of the game you will play.
2. Print out only the pages you need for your St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt.
3. Plan where to hide your clues. Think of exciting and challenging spots, but make sure they’re safe and age-appropriate for your kids. 
4. Purchase or prepare party favors if using them. 

St Patrick’s Day Party Favor Ideas:

There are many fun things you come up with as party favors. I’m not a massive fan of plastic pocket money toys, as they usually end up being thrown right into the bin. So here are some different ideas for you.

• Stationery, think fun-themed erasers and pencils, teamed up with a notepad tied with green ribbon and a fun gift tag.
• Cookies are always a winner, and these St. Patrick’s Day cookie cutters make creating them a breeze. I have several sets like this. They emboss and cut out the cookie. You can top your cookies with matching rolled icing, resulting in a professional cookie for minimal effort.
• Chocolate gold coins are a simple choice, and who doesn’t love chocolate.
• Mini coloring or puzzle packs. You can even print out and make your own mini-books.
• A few Rolo sweets in a cute cellophane bag tied with rainbow ribbon.

Organize Your Space

When setting up the game for the kids, think about the space you have. Are there rooms that you want to be off-limits? Consider using tape or signs to clearly indicate boundaries. Before the start of the game, tell the players any rules you may have.

Lock up your treasure.

If you plan to use a treasure chest (a box will do the job) with the lock, check the lock works! Trust me, I left this until the last minute before and had to rush out to the shop to buy a new one! Check it opens freely and that you have set the number to the correct code that matches the game.

I have included an online lock version if you don’t have a lock available. Players can check the number they found by scanning the QR code and entering the correct number. You can let them open the box if they have the correct answer.

Time to Play the Game

With all the St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt clue cards hidden, it’s time to let the players loose. Have players work individually or have them work in teams as a race. If you have teams, you will only have to print off one answer sheet and scavenger hunt sheet per team rather than per player.

For added excitement, have a timer running for the hunt. Set the clock and watch the players scurry like mad little leprechauns! The team or player who finishes the fastest wins. You will find players’ certificates inside the kit; you can print as many as you need. They are 8.5″ x 11″, but you can set your printer to print out multiple per page to save ink.

Download The Printable

The game is available from my shop; no waiting for anything to arrive in the post. The PDF will include the following:

• A St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt game with images.
• A St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt game with images and secret code
• A sheet of gift tags
• A player certificate
• Two answer sheets for the secret code scavenger hunt, one with a QR code for the kids to check their answers if you are not using a lock.
• A lucky decoder wheel

Grab the game now and have it set up in no time!

More Printable St. Patrick’s Day Games?

If you loved this game, you must check out some of my other ideas. Who says the fun stops at St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger hunt? Why not step it up a gear with an equally thrilling Kids’ escape room? Imagine this: a room filled with puzzles, codes to crack, and lots of clues waiting to be discovered!

I have two different Kids’ St Patrick’s Day escape room games that are a great option. One is a hybrid between a treasure hunt and an escape room, as it takes players around different locations of the house. The other is super simple to set up escape room game. It only takes ten minutes to prepare and is excellent as a classroom activity or a last-minute get-together.

Conclusion

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the hunt! St. Patrick’s Day is all about—fun, discovery, and a little touch of magic. Whether for your children, students, or a family celebration, this activity combines entertainment and a mini puzzle-solving element in an enchanting way!

For more educational adventures, point your compass towards activities that tickle the imagination and stimulate the intellect. And remember to share your St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt experiences with me. I’d love to see the creative ways you use this kit.