A good scavenger hunt app for adults needs more than basic clues. Adult players usually want strategy, competition, and progression that feels earned.

This guide shows a practical structure you can launch quickly for friend groups, parties, and team events.

What Adults Expect From a Scavenger Hunt​

Compared with kids' hunts, adult groups respond better to:

• Multi-step clues instead of one-step hints
• Time pressure or leaderboard scoring
• Team roles (navigator, decoder, runner)
• Higher-stakes final puzzle
• Route pacing that avoids long dead time

If the game is too easy too early, engagement drops fast.

25-Minute Build Framework​

1. Choose your format (3 minutes)​

Pick one format before writing clues:

• Competitive teams (best for parties)
• Co-op mission (best for mixed groups)
• Time trial route (best for events)

2. Build a 7-clue arc (8 minutes)​

Use this progression:

1. Warm-up clue
2. Observation clue
3. Logic/pattern clue
4. QR checkpoint
5. Decoding clue
6. Hard clue with misdirection
7. Final lock clue

3. Add QR route anchors (5 minutes)​

Use QR stops to prevent players skipping ahead and to keep clue order controlled.

Learn setup flow: QR Codes

4. Add one puzzle insert (4 minutes)​

For stronger difficulty, add one printable puzzle in the middle of the route:

• Morse Code Puzzle Printable
• Pigpen Cipher Puzzle
• Grid Code Printable
• Reverse Code Puzzle

5. Test and calibrate (5 minutes)​

Run one full test with two phones and adjust timing if one clue blocks too long.

Clue Design Tips for Adult Groups​

• Write clues with one intended answer, not several plausible ones
• Keep clue text short but layered
• Use place-based hints to keep movement steady
• Avoid puzzle chains that require external knowledge

Common Failure Patterns​

Too much reading​

Fix: shorten clue copy and move complexity into puzzle mechanics.

Unbalanced team roles​

Fix: include at least one clue type for each role (logic, navigation, observation).

Flat ending​

Fix: make the final reveal a location + code combination.

Best Use Cases​

This structure works well for:

• Adult birthday parties
• Bachelor/bachelorette weekends
• Corporate offsites
• Campus club events

Related Guides​

• Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids, Adults, Schools and Events
• Scavenger Hunt Mobile App Guide
• Online Scavenger Hunt Maker

FAQ​

What is the best scavenger hunt app setup for adults?​

The best setup uses team-based competition, progressive clue difficulty, and a strong final puzzle.

How long should an adult scavenger hunt take?​

A 30 to 60 minute target works well for most groups.

Should adult hunts use QR codes?​

Yes. QR checkpoints improve flow control and reduce confusion in multi-team games.

Need an online scavenger hunt maker that actually works on game day? This guide gives you a practical setup flow to build, test, and launch a complete hunt in about 20 minutes.

You can use the workflow for birthdays, classrooms, team-building events, and family weekends.

What to Look for in an Online Scavenger Hunt Maker​

Before you choose a tool, confirm these basics:

• Fast setup for clues and locations
• Simple join flow for players
• QR code support for clue progression
• Easy editing when you need last-minute changes
• Works on both iOS and Android browsers/phones

If one of these is missing, setup friction usually grows fast.

20-Minute Setup Plan​

1. Define the win condition (2 minutes)​

Choose one goal:

• Reach final treasure
• Solve final code phrase
• Complete all stations fastest

2. Pick 6 to 10 clue locations (4 minutes)​

Route design tip: alternate easy and medium stops so players stay motivated.

3. Add clue progression (7 minutes)​

Use this order:

1. Easy opener
2. Location clue
3. Puzzle clue
4. Action clue (photo/find)
5. Hard clue
6. Final clue

4. Add QR checkpoints (4 minutes)​

Print or place QR checkpoints where each solved clue sends players next.

5. Run one full test (3 minutes)​

Test with two different phones before sharing.

Ready-Made Puzzle Inserts​

Use these free puzzle formats to improve clue quality quickly:

• Morse Code Puzzle Printable
• Pigpen Cipher Puzzle
• Grid Code Printable
• Reverse Code Puzzle

Common Issues and Fixes​

Players get stuck early​

Fix: make clues 1 and 2 obvious and confidence-building.

QR scans fail outside​

Fix: increase code size and avoid glossy print surfaces.

Route takes too long​

Fix: remove one mid-route stop and tighten clue wording.

Too much reading for kids​

Fix: switch to picture hints and short clues.

Suggested Internal Route for Better Topic Coverage​

Link this page with your existing cluster:

• Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids, Adults, Schools and Events
• How to Make a Scavenger Hunt
• Best Scavenger Hunt Mobile App Guide

This helps users move from planning to execution without leaving your ecosystem.

Start Building​

Create your first game here: Backyard Hunt

FAQ​

What is an online scavenger hunt maker?​

It is a tool that helps you create clue sequences, player routes, and challenge progression digitally, often with links or QR checkpoints.

How many clues should I use?​

For most events, 6 to 10 clues is ideal.

Can I run this for classrooms and team events?​

Yes. The same flow works for schools, birthdays, and workplace team-building with only minor clue adjustments.

Looking for the best scavenger hunt mobile app to run an event without spending hours planning? This guide shows you exactly how to build a fun, QR code-powered hunt in about 15 minutes using Backyard Hunt.

Whether you are organizing a birthday party, school activity, family weekend game, or team-building event, this setup gives you a repeatable structure that is easy to run and simple for players to join.

What Makes a Great Scavenger Hunt App?​

If you are comparing options, prioritize these features:

• Fast setup (under 20 minutes)
• QR code support for clue progression
• Shareable private hunts
• Flexible clue types (text, puzzle, photo, etc.)
• Works for kids and adults

Backyard Hunt is built around those core needs, with templates, clue modules, and printable options that reduce prep time.

Start here: Backyard Hunt homepage

Build a QR Code Scavenger Hunt in 15 Minutes​

Step 1: Choose Your Hunt Goal (2 minutes)​

Pick one clear objective:

• Find a final treasure
• Complete all stations fastest
• Solve a final message from all clues

Define this first so your clues feel connected instead of random.

Step 2: Pick 6-10 Locations (3 minutes)​

Map a simple route:

• Indoor: couch, bookshelf, shoe rack, kitchen table
• Outdoor: tree, mailbox, bench, garden corner
• Mixed: 3 indoor + 3 outdoor for pacing

Tip: alternate easy and medium clue locations so players stay motivated.

Step 3: Add Clues in Backyard Hunt (5 minutes)​

Create a hunt and add clue tasks. Keep difficulty progressive:

1. Warm-up clue (very easy)
2. Pattern clue
3. Puzzle clue
4. Movement/photo clue
5. Hardest clue
6. Final treasure clue

Feature reference: Hunts and Clue Tasks

Step 4: Generate and Place QR Codes (3 minutes)​

For each clue location:

• Generate the code
• Print clearly (high contrast)
• Place at child/adult eye level
• Keep weather-protected if outside

QR guide: QR Codes

Step 5: Test Once, Then Share (2 minutes)​

Do one full run-through before players start:

• Verify every code scans quickly
• Check clue order and logic
• Confirm final clue reward works

Then share the hunt link/QR with participants.

Sharing guide: Shared Private Hunts

5 Ready-to-Run Hunt Formats​

Use these formats to launch quickly.

1. Kids Birthday Hunt​

• 6 clues
• Bright printable puzzles
• Final reward: snack box or toy

2. Family Weekend Hunt​

• 8 clues
• Mix indoor and backyard stations
• Final reward: movie-night pick

3. Classroom Hunt​

• 10 clues
• Education-focused clue tasks (spelling/math/history)
• Team scoring for collaboration

4. Teen Challenge Hunt​

• 8 clues
• Harder code/pattern tasks
• Timed leaderboard challenge

5. Team-Building Hunt​

• 10 to 12 clues
• Pair tasks that require communication
• Final puzzle assembled from earlier answers

Free Printable Clues to Increase Engagement​

If you want faster setup and better variety, use printable code puzzles in your clue flow:

• Morse Code Puzzle Printable
• Pigpen Cipher Puzzle
• Grid Code Printable
• Reverse Code Puzzle

These work especially well in clue positions 3 to 5 where challenge should increase.

Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)​

Mistake 1: Clues are too hard too early​

Fix: make clue 1 and 2 obvious, then ramp difficulty gradually.

Mistake 2: QR codes fail in low light​

Fix: print larger, use matte paper, and avoid glossy glare surfaces.

Mistake 3: Too many steps for younger players​

Fix: reduce to 5 to 6 clues and use image-based hints.

Mistake 4: Weak final payoff​

Fix: make the last location memorable and tie it to your theme.

Suggested Internal Flow for Better SEO and UX​

If you are building multiple hunt-related pages, connect them like this:

• This guide -> Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids, Adults, Schools and Events
• This guide -> Treasure Hunt Ideas and Clues for Any Occasion
• Puzzle pages -> this guide -> home page

This creates a clearer topical cluster around scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, QR code clues, and printable puzzles.

Final Checklist Before You Launch​

• Objective defined
• 6 to 10 locations set
• Clues ordered from easy to hard
• QR codes printed and placed
• Full test run completed
• Share link ready

If you can check all six, your hunt is ready.

Start Your First Hunt​

Create your hunt here: Backyard Hunt Need more setup inspiration: Scavenger Hunt Ideas

FAQ​

What is the best scavenger hunt mobile app for families?​

An ideal app is quick to set up, supports QR clues, and lets you share private hunts easily. Backyard Hunt is designed for exactly that family-friendly workflow.

How many clues should a mobile scavenger hunt have?​

For most events, 6 to 10 clues is the sweet spot. Younger kids do best with 5 to 7 clues. Teens/adults can handle 8 to 12.

Can I run a scavenger hunt indoors?​

Yes. Indoor hunts work very well with QR codes and printable puzzles, especially for birthdays, classrooms, and rainy-day activities.

How long should a scavenger hunt take?​

A good target is 20 to 45 minutes. Shorter for younger players, longer for older groups or team-building events.

A scavenger hunt is one of the easiest and most engaging games for groups of any age. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, planning a school activity, running a corporate team-building day, or just looking for weekend fun, Backyard Hunt makes it simple to design and run your own scavenger hunt. Here you’ll find our complete collection of scavenger hunt ideas, themes, and printable clue templates — ready to use or customize in the Backyard Hunt app.

Classic Scavenger Hunt Themes​

Classic scavenger hunts are timeless because they’re easy to set up and fun for everyone. Try a neighborhood photo scavenger hunt, where players snap pictures of listed items, or a nature scavenger hunt in the park, collecting leaves, spotting birds, and identifying flowers. For rainy days, an indoor scavenger hunt can be just as exciting — hide items around the house and give players a checklist or QR code clues to find them.

Educational Scavenger Hunts for Schools​

Teachers love scavenger hunts as a hands-on learning tool. In a classroom quiz scavenger hunt, students scan QR codes to unlock questions related to the lesson. A museum scavenger hunt turns exhibits into interactive stations with fun facts and challenges. You can even create subject-specific hunts like a history trail or science challenge, blending movement with learning.

Team-Building & Corporate Scavenger Hunts​

A scavenger hunt is a perfect icebreaker for work events. Try an office desk item hunt, where employees must locate unusual objects at colleagues’ desks. Or run a clue-based networking game, pairing people together to solve challenges. Outdoor problem-solving scavenger hunts can encourage collaboration while making the day more memorable.

Seasonal & Holiday Scavenger Hunts​

Add festive flair with themed scavenger hunts. For Easter, hide QR codes inside plastic eggs; for Halloween, scatter spooky clues around the venue. At Christmas, try a holiday lights scavenger hunt, where participants check off decorated houses and festive displays.

Free Scavenger Hunt Templates & Printables​

Get started fast with our scavenger hunt printables. We’ve designed ready-to-use checklists, clue sheets, and QR code templates you can download and print. Use them as-is or import them directly into the Backyard Hunt app for a tech-powered twist.

How to Create a Scavenger Hunt in Backyard Hunt​

Designing a scavenger hunt with Backyard Hunt is simple:

1. Open the app and create a new hunt.

2. Add locations, clues, or questions.

3. Generate QR codes and place them around your venue.

4. Invite players with a link or QR code.

   In minutes, you’ll have an interactive game ready to go.

\

From pirate adventures to mind-bending riddles, a treasure hunt is a timeless game that sparks curiosity and excitement in players of all ages. Whether you’re organizing a children’s birthday party, an engaging classroom activity, or a corporate team-building challenge, the Backyard Hunt app makes it easy to create and customize your own treasure hunts.
In this guide, you’ll find treasure hunt ideas, ready-to-use clues, and free printable templates you can adapt for your next big event.

Pirate-Themed Treasure Hunts​

Nothing says “treasure” quite like pirates. Give each player a pirate name, hand out eye patches, and set them off with a treasure map marked with an X. Hide small rewards like chocolate coins or themed trinkets at each location.

Pro Tip: With Backyard Hunt, you can place QR codes on your map so each scanned code reveals the next clue, keeping the crew on track toward the final chest.

Riddle & Puzzle Treasure Hunts​

For players who love a mental challenge, build your treasure hunt around riddles and puzzles. Each location holds a clue in the form of a word game, cipher, or brain teaser. Solving the challenge reveals the next hiding spot.

Example Riddle:

“I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?”

(Answer: A keyboard)

Outdoor Treasure Hunt Adventures​

Take your treasure hunt beyond the living room:

• Park Adventure: Hide clues under benches, near trees, and beside landmarks.

• Beach Expedition: Bury waterproof clue cards in marked spots along the sand.

• City Quest: Use statues, murals, and street art as clue destinations.

Outdoor hunts give players more space to explore and encourage teamwork.

Holiday & Seasonal Treasure Hunts​

Make any celebration more exciting with a themed treasure hunt:

• Easter Treasure Hunt: Hide QR codes inside decorated eggs.

• Halloween Treasure Trail: Place spooky clues around the neighborhood.

• Christmas Stocking Hunt: Each clue leads to a small holiday treat until the final gift is found.

Free Treasure Hunt Templates & Printables​

Kick-start your planning with our free treasure hunt templates.

Download pre-written clue sets, printable maps, and themed checklists. They work for kids, adults, and mixed-age groups — and can be imported into Backyard Hunt for a tech-powered upgrade.

Download Treasure Hunt Templates →

How to Create a Treasure Hunt in Backyard Hunt​

1. Open the Backyard Hunt app and start a new hunt.

2. Add your locations, clues, or riddles.

3. Generate QR codes for each clue location.

4. Share the starting link or code with your players.

In minutes, you’ll have a personalized treasure hunt that’s ready for adventure.

Final Thoughts​

A treasure hunt can be as simple or elaborate as you like — from a quick indoor game to a sprawling outdoor quest. With Backyard Hunt, you can combine the magic of traditional treasure hunting with modern technology for a memorable experience every time.\

Download a free printable Grid Code Puzzle for kids! A clever scavenger hunt riddle where children decode secret messages using a letter-number grid. Great for birthday parties, classrooms, and backyard adventures.

How to Use the Grid Code Puzzle​

1. Print the puzzle sheet, which includes a list of code pairs and a letter-number grid.

2. Decode each pair by matching the first letter to a row (A–E) and the number to a column (1–5) in the grid.

3. Write down the letters revealed by each code pair. The message will form line by line.

4. Read the complete message to discover where to look for the next clue in your scavenger hunt.

5. Let the hunt begin! Use this puzzle as a fun indoor or outdoor clue to guide kids from one challenge to the next.

This activity is best printed in color but works well in black and white too. You can hide the next clue in a shoe storage area, drawer, or any creative place based on the decoded message.

Looking for an exciting way to engage kids in your scavenger hunt or party activity? Try our Morse Code Puzzle Printable! This clue-based riddle teaches children how to decode Morse code and reveals a hidden message that points to their next objective. Perfect for birthdays, classrooms, camping, or indoor treasure hunts, this puzzle blends education with fun. Kids will feel like secret agents as they translate dashes and dots into real words. It's a brilliant way to spark curiosity, boost problem-solving skills, and add suspense to your adventure.

How to Use the Morse Code Puzzle​

1. Print the puzzle sheet. It includes a string of Morse code and a reference chart for decoding.

2. Use the chart to match each Morse code sequence (dots and dashes) to the correct letter of the alphabet.

3. Write down the letters as you decode them one by one. Leave spaces between words where indicated in the puzzle.

4. Read the complete message to uncover the next scavenger hunt clue location.

5. Go find it! Follow the instructions revealed in the decoded message and continue your adventure.

This printable is designed to be kid-friendly and is a great way to introduce basic cryptography concepts in a playful, hands-on way. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Make your scavenger hunt even more exciting with our Pigpen Cipher Puzzle Printable! This mysterious-looking symbol code is a kid-friendly way to introduce cryptography while guiding them to their next clue. The Pigpen cipher is a visual substitution code that uses shapes instead of letters — perfect for little detectives or treasure hunters. Whether you're planning a birthday party, school activity, or just want to spice up your backyard hunt, this printable will add fun and brainpower to the adventure.

How to Use the Pigpen Cipher Puzzle​

1. Print the puzzle set, which includes a symbol-coded message and the Pigpen cipher key.

2. Match each symbol in the coded message to the corresponding letter using the cipher chart.

3. Write down the decoded letters to slowly reveal each word of the hidden message.

4. Read the full sentence once all symbols are decoded — it’s your next scavenger hunt clue!

5. Head off to the location the puzzle points to and continue your adventure.\

The Pigpen cipher looks tricky at first, but once kids get the hang of the pattern, it becomes an addictive and rewarding challenge. Best suited for ages 8+.

Looking for a quick and fun twist in your scavenger hunt? Try our Reverse Code Puzzle Printable, where kids must use mirror-reading skills to decipher a hidden message. This brain-teasing activity features letters written backwards — challenging young minds to slow down, focus, and decode each clue. Perfect for birthdays, school fun days, or at-home hunts, this printable adds mystery and excitement while boosting observation and decoding skills. All you need is a printed sheet and a keen eye!

How to Use the Reverse Code Puzzle​

1. Print the puzzle sheet, which includes a message written using reversed letters.

2. Decode each letter by imagining (or holding up) the puzzle in front of a mirror, or mentally flipping the letters from right to left.

3. Write down the correctly oriented letters to reconstruct the original message.

4. Read the full message once decoded — it reveals your next scavenger hunt location or clue.

5. Continue the hunt! Head to the destination mentioned in the message and keep the adventure going.\

This simple but effective puzzle is great for all ages and makes a perfect low-prep addition to any scavenger hunt.

Edit Profile

Change Name: You can update your name in the profile settings to reflect how you’d like to be identified within the app.

Parental Control

Add/Update Password: Enhance security by setting or updating a password for parental control. This ensures that sensitive actions, like purchases or access to certain content, are restricted to authorized users only.

Manage Subscription

Subscribe or Cancel Subscription: Easily manage your subscription through the account settings. Here you can choose to subscribe to unlock premium features or cancel your existing subscription according to your needs.

Update Hint Settings

Update Hints: Modify the preset locations in your home used for downloaded hunts. This feature allows you to customize the areas where you want the hunts to take place, keeping the game exciting and suitable for your space.

Location-Based Hints: The locations selected in the hint settings are populated into your downloaded hunts. However, changing these locations will not affect hunts that have already been downloaded.

Re-download for Changes: If you wish to apply new hint locations to an existing hunt, you must delete the old hunt and download it again with the updated settings.

About and Legal

Info Page: Access important information about the app including the current version, privacy policy, terms & conditions, and options for deleting your account should you choose to do so.

Account Deletion: You can delete your account, but please ensure that your subscription is cancelled prior to deletion. This action is irreversible, and all your data will be permanently removed.

These settings are designed to give you full control over your account and how you interact with Backyard Hunt, ensuring a personalized and secure experience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our support team.

🧮 Math Module​

Create math-based tasks with custom settings:

• Number of Problems: Set how many problems appear.

• Precision: 0 = whole numbers. Other numbers define decimal places.

• Allowed Operators: Choose from +, −, ×, ÷.

• Complexity Levels:

  • Addition: Simple (no regrouping) or Advanced (with regrouping)

  • Subtraction: Simple (positive only) or Advanced (may include negatives)

  • Multiplication: Simple (single-digit) or Advanced (multi-digit)

  • Division: Simple (whole numbers) or Advanced (remainders/decimals)

• Integer Only: Ensures results are always whole numbers.

✅ Selection Task Module​

Build multiple-choice questions:

• Question Setup: Enter a single or multiple-choice question.

• Answer Options: Add possible answers (usually 2–6).

• Correct Answer(s): Select one or more correct options.

✏️ Freeform Text Module​

Used for open-ended, creative clues:

• Write Anything: Add any clue or instruction (no input needed).

• No Correct Answer: Players tap “Next” to continue.

• Best For: Actions like “Do 5 star jumps!” or “Take a selfie with a tree.”

What is a Clue?

A clue in Backyard Hunt consists of several components that define its role in the game:

Clue Task: This is the primary component of the clue, which includes a task that players must solve to “unlock” or move past the clue. Detailed information about clue tasks will be available in a separate section of the help documentation.

Clue Hint: For Treasure Hunts, a clue hint provides guidance on where the clue is hidden, aiding players in locating it. In contrast, for Scavenger Hunts, since the location does not matter, there are no hints and players find clues at random.

Using and Modifying Clues

Users have the flexibility to either download pre-existing hunts, which come with attached clues, or create entirely new custom hunts:

Pre-existing Hunts: Download and use Treasure or Scavenger hunts with ready-made clues.

Custom Hunts: Create new hunts and add as many custom clues as desired.

Creating Clues

When adding new clues, users can choose to build them completely from scratch or use presets to simplify the process:

Custom Build: Fully customize every aspect of the clue.

Presets: Select content from our predefined, curated categories for each task type.

Managing Hints

For hints associated with clues:

Custom Hints: Directly type out where the clue is hidden.

Location List: Choose from a pre-selected list of locations. If the same location as previously used during onboarding is selected, users can reuse already printed QR codes, maintaining the stability and reuse of QR codes across games.

Special Clue Type: The Final Clue

Final Clue in Treasure Hunts: This is a unique type of clue, applicable only in Treasure Hunts. It is always the last clue and leads players to the actual treasure or reward. All Treasure Hunts must include exactly one final clue.

By leveraging the flexibility and tools provided in the Clues section, users can craft personalized and dynamic hunts that provide endless fun and challenge for all participants.

My Hunts

This section is your personal hub for all the hunts you’ve created or selected. Here, you can:

Create New Hunts: Design your own custom hunts which will appear in this section.

Select Featured Hunts: Choose from pre-designed hunts curated by our team, suitable for a variety of themes and difficulty levels.

Playing Hunts

Once you’ve saved a hunt to “My Hunts,” you can start playing according to the type of hunt:

Scavenger Hunts

Start: Find the first clue.

Progress: Solve the tasks associated with each clue.

Completion: Continue finding and solving clues until all have been discovered and completed. The hunt finishes once all clues are found.

Treasure Hunts

Start: Solve the tasks of the first clue.

Progression: Use the hint provided to find the next clue.

Final Clue and Treasure: Follow the clues and hints sequentially until you reach the final clue, which leads to the treasure.

Replaying Hunts

You can replay any hunt stored in “My Hunts” as many times as you like, enhancing the value and enjoyment of your creations.

Management Tools

Clues Manager: Parents and organizers can use the Clues Manager to view and print QR codes for each hunt. This tool is especially useful in preparing for the hunts.

QR Codes: In Treasure Hunts, remember that you can reuse QR codes that are tied to specific locations, making setup more efficient and environmentally friendly.

This section of the help page ensures that users have a comprehensive understanding of how to engage with and enjoy the various hunts available in Backyard Hunt, maximizing the fun and learning opportunities.

Treasure Hunts

Treasure Hunts are structured with a specific order:

Sequential Clues: Players must solve each clue in order to receive a hint that leads them to the next one.

Ordered Progression: Each clue solved brings players closer to discovering the final location.

Final Clue: This special clue reveals the location of the treasure or reward, marking the culmination of the hunt.

Hint System: Each clue includes a hint to help players find the next clue’s location, enhancing the narrative and exploration elements of the hunt.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger Hunts offer a more flexible gameplay structure:

Random Order: There is no set order in which clues must be found. Players can find and solve clues in any sequence.

QR Codes as Identifiers: QR codes used in Scavenger Hunts do not correspond to specific locations but serve as unique identifiers. They can be placed randomly within the play area.

No Clue Hints: Clues do not include hints because their order and discovery are non-linear.

Completion: The hunt is completed when all clues have been found and solved, regardless of the order.

Choosing and Creating Hunts

Curated Hunts: Users can select from a variety of pre-designed, themed hunts, suitable for different age groups and interests.

Custom Hunts: For those looking to personalize their experience, the app allows users to create their own hunts, customizing everything from the theme to the complexity of the clues.

By understanding the differences between Treasure and Scavenger Hunts, players can choose the style that best suits their group’s interests and dynamics, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable hunting experience.

Presets are pre-designed content provided by us for each clue task category. These presets are categorized to suit a wide range of themes and interests, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your hunt.

Categories of Presets

We provide an extensive range of categorized presets, currently including:

Adventure, Africa, America, Animals, Asia, Australia, Australia & Oceania

Biology, Birthday Party Activities, Books, Capitals, Cartoons, Christian, Cities

Cuisine, Dinosaurs, Easter, Europe, Exercise, Fairy tales, Games

Geography, Heart, History, Insect, Inventions, Inventors, Kindness

Landmarks, Legends, Mythology, Mythology and legends, Nature, Nature Art

North America, Nursery Rhymes, Oceania, Rainforest, Riddles, Sea

South America, Space, Sport, Stories, Superheroes, Under the sea

United States of America, Universe, USA, Virtue, Wizards, World

How to Use Presets

When creating a new clue and selecting one of our modules (Math, Selection, or Free Text), you can also populate the content from predefined categories. This integration allows you to create enriched, themed clues without the need to craft every detail yourself.

Example:

Question: “What do you call a group of fish?” Possible Answers: “School,” “Flock,” “Herd,” “Pack” Categories: Nature, Animals, Biology

With presets, setting up your hunt becomes quicker, easier, and more thematic. Choose presets to make your game more engaging and fun for all players.

QR Code Functionality

Access to Clues: Each clue in your hunt can be accessed by scanning a QR code. This seamless integration makes the game interactive and engaging.

Scavenger Hunts

Random QR Code Generation: For scavenger hunts, the location of the QR code isn’t fixed. QR codes are generated randomly, allowing the clues to be discovered in any order which adds to the spontaneity and fun of the game.

Reuse of QR Codes: There’s no need to print new QR codes for each scavenger hunt. You can easily assign previously printed QR codes to new clues through the Clues Manager. This not only saves resources but also simplifies the setup process.

Treasure Hunts

Location-Specific QR Codes: In treasure hunts, the location matters as clues need to be found in a specific order. When creating your own hunts or downloading hunts from our library, QR codes are assigned based on the locations you’ve selected during the onboarding process or updated later in your settings.

Manual Location Selection: You can manually select specific locations for each QR code when setting up a custom treasure hunt to ensure the gameplay flows as intended.

Printing and Managing QR Codes

PDF Document Generation: QR codes are generated as part of a PDF document, which you can print and distribute in any way your device and operating system support.

Flexible Printing Options: You have the freedom to choose the layout and scaling of the QR codes on the page. For example, you can print six QR codes on one page to make them smaller, conserving paper and making them easier to manage.

By understanding and utilizing the QR code features effectively, you can enhance the experience of your hunts, making them more enjoyable and tailored to your preferences.

What are Shared Private Hunts?

Shared Private Hunts are available for subscribed “Pro” users, allowing them to share their custom private hunts with others. These hunts can be shared via a link or a QR code, making it easy for friends and family to join the fun without needing a “Pro” subscription.

Steps to Share Your Private Hunt

Create Your Private Hunt:

Open the Backyard Hunt app.

Design your hunt by setting up the clues and tasks as per your preference.

Navigate to Share Option:

Once your hunt is ready, go to the hunt settings.

Select the “Share” option.

Choose Sharing Method:

You can share your hunt via a link or by generating a QR code.

Set Preferences for Shared Link:

Start Date and End Date: Specify the date range during which the link can be used.

Number of Uses: Define how many times the link can be followed before it expires.

Share the Link or QR Code:

Distribute the link or QR code to your friends or family. They don’t need a “Pro” subscription to participate. They can simply download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and scan the QR code or follow the link to join the hunt.

Using the Shared Hunt

Install the App:

The recipients should install and open the Backyard Hunt app.

Join the Hunt:

Tap the QR code scanner icon in the top left corner or follow the shared link.

Enjoy the hunt!

Managing Your Shared Links

As the owner of the private hunt, you have control over your shared links:

Multiple Links: Create multiple shared links for the same hunt with different preferences.

Preferences: Set specific start and end dates, and limit the number of uses for each link.

Monitor Usage: Track how many times each link has been followed and manage their status. You can deactivate the links if needed.

Shared Private Hunts make it simple and fun to involve your friends and family in your custom hunts, ensuring everyone can join the adventure without additional subscriptions.

For more details and assistance, visit the Backyard Hunt Help Section.

Happy hunting!