Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year, and it’s easy to see why—many neighborhoods go all out with decorations, turning their streets into haunted wonderlands. If you’re looking for a fun and spooky way to enjoy the holiday with family or friends, a Halloween Scavenger Hunt is the perfect solution. Pile into your car, drive around to find Halloween-themed items, and take pictures along the way. This activity is sure to bring plenty of laughs and chills, while creating unforgettable memories!

 How to Play Halloween Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt has a twist: you’ll be hunting for spooky items from the safety of your car! Teams will search for Halloween decorations, costumes, and other eerie finds in the neighborhood or nearby areas. The goal is to snap a photo of each item on the list before the time runs out.

Rules of the Game

• Divide into teams- Form teams, whether it’s friends vs. family or kids vs. adults. Each team will be in their own car.
• Set a time limit- Typically, 1 to 2 hours is a great amount of time for the hunt.
• Use the provided list- Each team gets the same list of spooky items to hunt for, such as witches, ghosts, or jack-o’-lanterns.
• Stay in the car- The challenge is to stay inside the car. You can only take pictures through the windows or during quick stops at safe spots.
• Take recognizable photos- Each team must take clear photos that show the hunted item well enough for others to recognize it.
• Reconvene to compare- After the hunt, gather at a set location to review the photos and decide who found the most items.

What You Need

• A phone or camera for each team to take pictures
• A printed or digital list of items (check out the list below)
• A vehicle for each team
• Halloween spirit and enthusiasm!

Variations of the Halloween Scavenger Hunt

• Costume-Themed Hunt- Focus on spotting people in costumes. Make your list all about iconic Halloween characters, like someone dressed as a vampire, a pirate, or even a superhero. This version works well if you do the hunt closer to Halloween night.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Hunt- This is a perfect evening activity. Teams look for glowing decorations, such as neon ghosts, lit-up pumpkins, or houses with eerie lighting displays. Be sure to do this after dark for the full effect!
• Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat Hunt- If you’re not keen on driving, modify the hunt to be a walking tour around your neighborhood. Look for decorations, people in costumes, and other Halloween displays.
• Selfie Hunt- Add a spooky twist by requiring team members to take selfies with the items they find. The challenge is even harder when you have to pose with the skeleton in the yard or the jack-o’-lantern on the porch!

After the Halloween scavenger hunt, gather with your group to show off the spooky photos and count how many items each team found. The winning team could get a Halloween-themed prize—maybe a bag of candy, a spooky candle, or the first pick of the treats! 

A Halloween scavenger hunt is more than just a game – it’s a bewitching way to create lasting memories, encourage friendly competition, and immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit. By incorporating this activity into your spooky celebration, you’ll add an element of excitement and fun that everyone will look forward to year after year. So this Halloween, why not start a new tradition? Gather your costumed crew, prepare your list, and get ready for a hunt that will have everyone screaming with delight long after the jack-o’-lanterns have been extinguished. Happy haunting and happy Halloween!