Photo Scavenger Hunt

For an cheap birthday party for pre-teen or any older child, have a scavenger hunt at the mall. Make a list of odd thing such as Alyssa's Dad's favorite cologne or a mannequin with red shoes. Each group of children and an adult must have a digital camera and take a picture of what they found. The group with the most items win.

As a treat, eat pizza at the mall. You can compare pictures and no clean up. Most stores are willing to go along so are a lot of customers and the kids have a great time. We did this with a small group and the kids had a great time.

By Marilyn from Lewisburg, TN

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By 05/08/2012

This is fun to do on a campout also!

By whitney (Guest Post) 08/29/2007

Thank god! My birthdays next Sunday and I've been searching for something cheap to do. I'm turning 15 and this will be perfect!

By 08/28/2007

Oh, that is SUCH a great idea. For young adults it's great too. I'm going to suggest this to my college age son. They have mall gift certificates now that you can use in any store in the mall. I might buy him a small one to give as the prize to the winner. Actually, it will be a birthday gift to him from me but he'll have so much fun too that it really doesn't matter who wins. Thanks for sharing this.

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Holiday Digital Scavenger Hunt

Here is an easy, free idea for your next party, a digital scavenger hunt. It is great for all ages and has the added benefit of providing a great mix of entertaining family memory photos.

All you need are 2-3 digital cameras and a computer to download them for quick viewing. Divide your group into teams. Each team is given a scavenger list and a time limit.

Our point system, is one point for a photo, extra points if multiple team members were in the picture. This encouraged more variety and great family photos. If your family has a computer person, loading should be smooth. We ended up voting by applause and didn't add the points.

Put cousins, aunts, and uncles in mixed groups. You will be impressed with the team spirit and creativity. At a later date, the photos can be edited and put in a collage, scrapbook, or slideshow to share with each family.

This list was created knowing the teams would be inside and outside in the yard, using a few planted props as needed. Here is a sample from our list:

with a Santa Claus
red stocking
a Santa Claus hat
a candy cane
a Christmas present
an angel
a star
your team in height order
a Christmas cookie
wearing mittens or gloves
tree ornaments
Christmas cards
an orange
a manger scene
with a snow man
your team in age order
picture of a Christmas tradition
a human pyramid
bird feeder or bird house
team on a swing set
include Alexander Bell invention
making a snow angel
picture with a sled
red, white, and blue, not a flag
making funny faces
team hug
picture with a donkey or sheep
include block of water in solid form
team member with a US president
person with more than 2 arms
hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil
picture with people in the air
picture with a Thomas Edison invention
picture including more than one team
a reindeer

You can imagine the funny photos, and will enjoy watching the thought process as young and old try to outdo each other. With three teams, you could end of with over a 100 family photos in 30 minutes! Have fun.

By Colleen from Buffalo, MN