A little reason to celebrate
National Scavenger Hunt Day
Fun ยท May 24
A day for scavenger hunts: lists of objects to find, clues to solve and teams racing around a house, park or neighborhood.
National Scavenger Hunt Day falls on Monday, May 24, 2027. That is 209 days away.
A scavenger hunt starts with a list. A pinecone, a red button, a receipt with the number seven on it. Players set off to find everything, and whoever gathers the most (or finishes first) wins.
The format bends easily. Some hunts are simple checklists for small children in a backyard. Others are chains of riddles, where each clue leads to the next hiding spot and the final answer is tucked behind a bookshelf. Photo hunts skip the collecting and ask players to snap a picture instead, which keeps the neighbors' lawn ornaments where they belong.
Most of the pleasure is in looking closely at places people usually walk past. A familiar street turns into a puzzle when you need something shaped like a letter, or a sign with a bird on it. Teams tend to argue happily about whether a dandelion counts as a yellow flower.
People mark the day by writing a hunt for family or friends, running one at a classroom or office, or heading out to a park with a list. Writing the clues is its own game, and many organizers say it is harder than solving them. A good rule is to walk the route yourself first, so no clue points to a bench that was moved last spring.
Prizes can be small. A ribbon, first pick of the snacks, or the right to write the next list.
Ways to celebrate
- Write a ten item list and send friends out to find everything.
- Try a photo hunt around your neighborhood using a phone camera.
- Hide a chain of riddle clues around the house for your family.
- Look for items in nature on a walk, like an acorn or feather.
- Share a printable hunt list with a teacher or neighbor.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, May 24 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 24 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, May 24 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 24 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 24 |
Also on May 24
Categories: Fun days