Pick a clear area in your house, garden, or nearby park where all the treasures will be hidden. Then let the kids know:

This keeps the game focused and the fun flowing.

Check the treasure zone carefully to make sure it’s safe for curious hands and little explorers. Ask yourself:

• Is anything sharp, breakable, or valuable in reach?
• Are there cords, plugs, or tools nearby?
• Could something heavy tip over if leaned on?

Remove anything risky or fragile. Even small things like unstable stools or stacked boxes can become hazards when little adventurers are on the move.

Plan the timing of your hiding so the surprise stays magical. Ask yourself:

• Is there a designated area children won’t enter before the game begins?
  
  
  • If yes, hide the toys before they arrive.
• Will the children already be in the main space?
  
  
  • If so, organise a short activity in a different area where they can’t see you.
• Can you keep them happily distracted for a few minutes?
  
  
  • Use that time to quickly hide the toys just before starting the hunt.

A little preparation keeps the excitement high and the discovery even more special.

Here’s a mix of clever and fun places to tuck your treasures:

• Behind a curtain or inside a clean shoe
• Behind photo frames or plant pots
• Inside drawers, under cushions, or tucked on bookshelves
• Behind the legs of couches or tables
• Under pillows, couch cushions, or bath towels
• Inside a toy box, dollhouse, or play kitchen
• Underneath soft toys
• Taped under a dining chair or behind a door
• Inside clean socks or mittens in a drawer
• On a window sill
• Under chairs, near desk supplies, or beside the laundry hamper

The garden is full of wonder — here are some great places to spark surprise:

• Behind tree trunks, under a rock, or near a fence post
• Tucked near trees, in hedges, or behind a statue
• Buried (just slightly!) in a sandbox or peeking out of a garden bed
• Inside a toy dump truck, plastic cup, or picnic basket
• Under the trampoline, slide, or beside the hose
• Tucked into a letterbox or garden ornament
• Beneath the BBQ cover or in a folded towel
• In a jacket pocket on the washing line
• Inside a watering can, gumboot
• Inside the mailbox
• Near the trampoline, tucked in a bike basket

Keep hiding spots surprising, but not frustrating. Remember:

• Younger kids love finding things quickly
• Older kids enjoy a bit of a challenge
• Mix it up so everyone has a moment of joy!

You can also give occasional hints like, “I think one is near something leafy…”