Two kids searching for treasure. Irish St Patricks Day themed background and leprechaun hat filled with gold coins

Make St. Patrick’s Day Extra Fun For Kids With A Playful Treasure Hunt

January 15, 2025

St Patrick's Day, with it's cheeky leprechauns and pots of gold, lends itself perfectly to hosting a playful treasure hunt for your kids and their friends.

I think it's fair to say that treasure hunts and scavenger hunts are totally having a moment right now.

I'm not sure if it's a TikTok thing or if it's just part of the zeitgeist, but parents everywhere are throwing themselves into setting up hunts for their kids (and teens... and all their adult friends and fam too!!)

The brilliant thing about both treasure hunts and scavenger hunts is that they are a great way to get kids moving, thinking, and giggling as they solve clues and search their way around a hunt.

Oh and in case you aren't sure what the difference is between a treasure hunt and a scavenger hunt...

A treasure hunt leads players from clue to clue, with each answer revealing the next hiding spot, until they uncover the final prize.

On the other hand, a scavenger hunt involves finding items from a specific list, like a shamrock, a green sock, or even something gold!

Both are great ways to entertain, but in my humble opinion, treasure hunts add an extra layer of mystery and storytelling that really brings the fun.

Plus, they’re a brilliant way to keep kids entertained indoors, especially on a chilly March day.

How To Create A Fun Treasure Hunt

Fancy creating a DIY hunt yourself? Follow these simple steps to create a treasure hunt that will delight kids of all ages!

Step 1: Choose Your Treasure

Decide on the “pot of gold” at the end of the hunt. This could be chocolate coins, small toys, green and gold treats, or even a fun St. Patrick’s Day craft kit!

Place your treasure in a themed container like a gold-wrapped box or a green bowl to make it extra special.

Step 2: Pick Your Hiding Spots

Scout around your home or garden for hiding spots. Think of places that are kid-friendly and safe but not too obvious, like under a cushion, in a shoe, or behind a plant.

You’ll need one spot for each clue plus the final treasure location.

Step 3: Write Your Clues

Create fun riddles or rhymes that point kids to the next hiding spot. For example:

"I have four legs but cannot run,
You'll find the next clue where sitting is fun!"

If writing rhymes feels tricky, consider using simple instructions or opt for ready-made clues from a printable kit like our St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt Printable.

Step 4: Hide the Clues

Place each clue in its corresponding spot, with the exception of the first clue, which should be handed to the players at the start.

Work backward from the treasure, ensuring everything flows logically before you start the game.

Step 5: Add Some Leprechaun Magic

Enhance the hunt with a bit of Irish charm! Sprinkle glittery “gold dust” near clues, leave tiny green footprints, or hide some gold coins along the way for extra excitement.

Step 6: Start the Hunt!

Gather the kids, explain the rules, and hand over the first clue.

Encourage teamwork and celebrate their discoveries with lots of cheer and leprechaun-like giggles.

Now, as I mentioned briefly, if you want an effortless way to prepare the clues... use our St. Patrick's Day Indoor Treasure Hunt!

St Patrick's Day Indoor Treasure Hunt For Kids

Our St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt Printable has 16 ready-to-use rhyming clues that lead players on a magical adventure around your home.

Each clue gives just enough of a riddle to get kids thinking—and when they crack it, they’ll discover the next hiding spot!

The final answer? That’s where their special “treasure” is waiting, whether it’s chocolate coins, a small toy, or a pot of green and gold treats.

Not only does the printable include pre-written rhyming clues, but it also comes with a set of blank clue cards.

The blank clue card let you add your own creative twist—perfect if you have specific hiding spots or want to personalise the experience for your family.

You can even mix and match, using the lyrical clues as inspiration and adding a few of your own for a unique adventure!