Treasure Hunt!

If you’re having a get-together with little ones, this unusual treasure hunt is sure to be a hit.

Supplies:

* Brown paper lunch bags
* Plastic baggies
* Markers or crayons
* Stickers
* Small plastic toddler’s swimming pool or other large container
* Several bags of wild birdseed
* Prizes (i.e. plastic coins, balls, toys, candy in wrappers, etc.)

To prepare, fill the container with the birdseed. Hide the prizes, or “treasures”, in the seed.

Next, have the children create their own “treasure bags.” Provide each child with a brown paper bag and write the child’s name on the bag. Have them decorate their bag with makers, crayons, and stickers.

Now it’s time to search for treasure! Have each child come to the container one at a time to search for a prize. Children love to feel the birdseed slip through their fingers, so they may keep looking for a while! When the child finds a prize, instruct him to place it in his bag and give the next child a turn. Continue in this way until all the prizes have been recovered. If you have a lot of treasures available, each child will have several opportunities to look through the seed.

When the game is completed, provide each child with a plastic baggie. Have them scoop some seed in their baggie and seal it so they can take it home with them. After the party, they’ll be able to feed the birds in their own yards, just as you’ll be feeding the ones in yours!

by Guest Blogger - Samantha Bell