81 clues
Checked October 2026

Mermaid Treasure Hunt Clues

Rhyming clues for a mermaid party: seven stops through a home turned into a sea, then the treasure chest.

All 81

Waves roll in and waves roll out. Shake the blanket, give a shout!Trail
A sea cave is dark with a roof overhead. Crawl under the table where meals are spread.Trail
A waterfall tumbles from stair to stair. Look on the lowest: your clue is there.Trail
Soft is the coral where small fish hide. Lift a couch cushion and look inside.Trail
Every swimmer needs one after the sea. Unfold a towel and a clue you'll see.Trail
Brr! Polar seas are icy and wide. The fridge is as cold, so look inside.Trail
A sunken ship holds tales untold. Search the bookshelf, brave and bold.Trail
The last wave breaks, the last clue is read. The treasure chest is ____, she said.Chest

Next step Games for a pool party

All 81 clues

Indoor trail 17

A giant clam keeps a pearl in its bed. Look under the pillow where you rest your head. Hide the next clue: a pillow on a bed. In this sea it is the pearl in a giant clam. Tuck it under the pillow, with a corner showing.
A looking glass shows a mermaid her face. Find the mirror: a clue's in that place. Hide the next clue: the mirror. In this sea it is the mermaid's looking glass. Tape it to a low corner of the frame.
A sandbar lies flat where the water is thin. Lift the rug's corner and peek within. Hide the next clue: the rug. In this sea it is the sandbar. Slip it under one corner.
A sea cave is dark with a roof overhead. Crawl under the table where meals are spread. Hide the next clue: the dining table. In this sea it is the sea cave. Tape it to the underside of the table top.
A sunken ship holds tales untold. Search the bookshelf, brave and bold. Hide the next clue: the bookshelf. In this sea it is a sunken ship's library. Stand it between two books on a low shelf.

Show all 81 clues (76 more)

Indoor trail, continued

A tide pool is small, with a silver spout. Look by the sink and a clue pops out. Hide the next clue: the bathroom sink. In this sea it is the tide pool. Prop it behind the soap, where it stays dry.
A waterfall tumbles from stair to stair. Look on the lowest: your clue is there. Hide the next clue: the bottom stair. In this sea it is the foot of a waterfall. Tape it to the side of the lowest step. Nobody climbs for it.
Brr! Polar seas are icy and wide. The fridge is as cold, so look inside. Hide the next clue: the refrigerator. In this sea it is the polar sea. Tape it inside the door, at a child's height.
Every swimmer needs one after the sea. Unfold a towel and a clue you'll see. Hide the next clue: a folded towel. In this sea it is the beach towel on the shore. Fold it into the top towel of the pile.
The fishing net caught socks today! Dig in the laundry basket. Hooray! Hide the next clue: the laundry basket. In this sea it is a fishing net. Lay it on top of the clothes.
Kelp grows tall from the ocean floor. The houseplant's pot hides what you look for. Hide the next clue: a houseplant. In this sea it is the kelp forest. Lean it against the pot. Nothing is dug up.
The lagoon is calm, the lagoon is dry. Look in the bathtub, by and by. Hide the next clue: the bathtub. In this sea it is the lagoon. Lay it in the dry tub, away from the faucet.
She brushes her hair on a rock by the sea. Where hairbrushes live, your clue will be. Hide the next clue: where the hairbrushes are kept. In this sea it is the rock where she brushes her hair. Lay it beside the brush, on a low shelf or in a basket.
Soft is the coral where small fish hide. Lift a couch cushion and look inside. Hide the next clue: a couch cushion. In this sea it is the coral reef. Slide it under the edge of one cushion.
Sunken chests hold toys, not gold. Lift the toy box lid and behold! Hide the next clue: the toy box. In this sea it is a sunken chest. Lay it on top of the toys.
The tide leaves treasures in a row. Check the shoes by the door, heel and toe. Hide the next clue: the shoes by the door. In this sea it is the tide line. Drop it into one shoe.
Waves roll in and waves roll out. Shake the blanket, give a shout! Hide the next clue: a folded blanket. In this sea it is a wave. Fold it into a blanket on the couch or a bed.

Garden trail 16

A jellyfish floats with its top spread wide. The patio umbrella has a clue inside. Hide the next clue: the patio umbrella. In this sea it is a jellyfish. Tie it to the pole at a child's height.
A lighthouse stands up tall and straight. At the foot of a tree, your clue will wait. Hide the next clue: the foot of a tree. In this sea it is the lighthouse. Wedge it between two roots. Nobody climbs.
A mermaid sits on a rock to sing. Look by a big stone for the next thing. Hide the next clue: a big stone. In this sea it is the rock where the mermaid sings. Tuck it under the edge of the stone.
A pail for shells, a pail for sand. Tip the bucket with a careful hand. Hide the next clue: a bucket. In this sea it is the beachcomber's pail. Turn the bucket over on top of it.
A sea serpent sleeps in a coil of green. Look by the hose: your clue is seen. Hide the next clue: the garden hose. In this sea it is the sea serpent. Tuck it into the coil.
Dolphins leap and dolphins glide. Your next clue waits at the foot of the slide. Hide the next clue: the foot of the slide. In this sea it is where the dolphins land. Tape it to the side of the slide, at the bottom.
Every beach has shells in the sand. Dig in the sandbox with your hand. Hide the next clue: the sandbox. In this sea it is the beach. Push it half into the sand so a corner shows.
Fishermen hang their nets to dry. Check the clothesline, low not high. Hide the next clue: the clothesline. In this sea it is the fishermen's drying nets. Clip it with a clothespin at the low end, within reach.
The harbor gate swings open wide. Check the garden gate, on the inside. Hide the next clue: the garden gate. In this sea it is the harbor gate. Tie it to the latch side, on the inside.
Rain on the sea makes rings of blue. The watering can has a clue for you. Hide the next clue: the watering can. In this sea it is the rain cloud. Roll it up and stand it in the spout.
Sailors rest on the pier at night. Under the garden bench, your clue's in sight. Hide the next clue: the garden bench. In this sea it is the pier. Tape it under the seat.
Sea flowers sway where the water is deep. Beside a flower pot, take a peep. Hide the next clue: a flower pot. In this sea it is the sea flowers. Stand it on a craft stick in the soil.
Seahorses carry mermaids far. Look on the bike's handlebar. Hide the next clue: a bike. In this sea it is a seahorse. Tie it to the handlebar with yarn.
Ships tie up where the dock is long. Under the picnic table, you can't go wrong. Hide the next clue: the picnic table. In this sea it is the dock. Tape it under the bench of the table.
Up like a wave and down like the tide. Look on the swing where you love to ride. Hide the next clue: the swing. In this sea it is a wave. Tape it under the seat.
Waves reach the porch and can go no more. Look on the lowest step by the door. Hide the next clue: the lowest porch step. In this sea it is the high-tide mark. Tape it to the front of the step.

Riddles 16

A mermaid looks in me to see her face. I show you yours in the very same place. What am I? Hide the next clue: the mirror. In this sea it is the mermaid's looking glass. Tape it to a low corner of the frame.
I am a cave with four legs and a flat roof. Supper is served on top of me. What am I? Hide the next clue: the dining table. In this sea it is the sea cave. Tape it to the underside of the table top.
I am a lagoon with no fish at all. Pull my plug and my sea grows small. What am I? Hide the next clue: the bathtub. In this sea it is the lagoon. Lay it in the dry tub, away from the faucet.
I am a net that catches no fish, only socks and shirts. What am I? Hide the next clue: the laundry basket. In this sea it is a fishing net. Lay it on top of the clothes.
I am a reef with cushions for coral. Coins and crumbs sink into me. What am I? Hide the next clue: a couch cushion. In this sea it is the coral reef. Slide it under the edge of one cushion.
I am a sandbar in the middle of a room. Feet cross me all day long. What am I? Hide the next clue: the rug. In this sea it is the sandbar. Slip it under one corner.
I am a sunken chest, but my gold is blocks, dolls and cars. What am I? Hide the next clue: the toy box. In this sea it is a sunken chest. Lay it on top of the toys.
I am a tide pool with a silver spout. Turn a handle and my tide runs out. What am I? Hide the next clue: the bathroom sink. In this sea it is the tide pool. Prop it behind the soap, where it stays dry.
I am a waterfall you can walk up. Count me one by one as you go. What am I? Hide the next clue: the bottom stair. In this sea it is the foot of a waterfall. Tape it to the side of the lowest step. Nobody climbs for it.
I am a wave that never gets you wet. Pull me up to your chin at night. What am I? Hide the next clue: a folded blanket. In this sea it is a wave. Fold it into a blanket on the couch or a bed.
I am kelp that lives on land, in a pot. I drink from a can, not from the sea. What am I? Hide the next clue: a houseplant. In this sea it is the kelp forest. Lean it against the pot. Nothing is dug up.
I am the pearl in a giant clam's bed. All night long I hold your head. What am I? Hide the next clue: a pillow on a bed. In this sea it is the pearl in a giant clam. Tuck it under the pillow, with a corner showing.
I hang on a rail until swimmers come out. Then I soak up the sea, drop by drop. What am I? Hide the next clue: a folded towel. In this sea it is the beach towel on the shore. Fold it into the top towel of the pile.
My sea is cold and my light is shy. It shines only when you open me. What am I? Hide the next clue: the refrigerator. In this sea it is the polar sea. Tape it inside the door, at a child's height.
My treasure is stories, stacked in rows with their backs to you. What am I? Hide the next clue: the bookshelf. In this sea it is a sunken ship's library. Stand it between two books on a low shelf.
We wash up by the door in pairs, tongues out, with no feet inside. What are we? Hide the next clue: the shoes by the door. In this sea it is the tide line. Drop it into one shoe.

Final clues 8

A mermaid's thanks for a search so true: her chest is ____, and it's for you. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
Dry your fins, the search is through. Look ____: the chest is waiting for you. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
The last wave breaks, the last clue is read. The treasure chest is ____, she said. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
One last dive, then up for air. The treasure is ____. Meet me there! This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
Shells and pearls and a sea-green lid: look ____ for what the mermaid hid. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
The song is sung, the trail is swum. Look ____, and the treasure's won. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
The tide goes out and the trail is done. The mermaid's treasure is ____. Well swum! This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.
You swam the reef and crossed the bay. The treasure waits ____ today. This strip ends the trail. After printing, write in the gap where the chest sits: behind the couch, say, or beneath the party table.

Shells and pearls 12

A necklace or a string of beads Ask before you touch one that is not yours.
A real seashell, or a picture of one On a shelf, in a book or printed on a towel.
Something round and white, like a pearl A ball, a plate or the moon on the cover of a book.
Something shaped like a fan, like a scallop shell A paper fan, a spread hand of cards or a leaf.
Something small kept safe inside something else A letter in an envelope, a pillow in its case.
Something smooth enough for a wave to have polished A wooden spoon, a bar of soap or an apple.
Something that opens and shuts like a clam A glasses case, a book or a lunch box.
Something white that shines A bathroom tile, a china cup or a big smile.
Something with a spiral, like a snail shell A coiled cord, the wire of a notebook or a cinnamon roll.
Something with ridges you can feel with a finger A comb or a strip of corrugated cardboard.
Something you can hold to your ear like a shell A cup or a mug. Cover one ear with it and listen.
Two things that match, like the halves of a clam A pair of socks, two spoons or two slippers.

Sea colors and sparkle 12

A comb or a hairbrush It goes back where it lives when the hunt is over.
Something long and green, like seaweed A ribbon, a scarf or a jump rope.
Something salty Point to it in the kitchen: the salt shaker, crackers or pretzels.
Something see-through, like a jellyfish A plastic lid, a glass of water or a clear bag.
Something soft as a sea sponge A bath sponge, a cotton ball or a marshmallow.
Something that floats Test it in a bowl of water with a grown-up, then dry it.
Something that sounds like water A half-full bottle tipped from side to side.
Something that sparkles like scales Sequins, glitter, foil or a wet spoon.
Something the blue-green of the sea Teal, turquoise and aqua all count.
Something with a fish, a whale or a wave on it A book, a bath toy or a towel.
Something with stripes like a reef fish A sock, a straw or a shirt.
Three things that are blue One light, one dark and one in between.

How this list was compiled: An original list of October 2026: clues for a mermaid treasure trail at home, in which each hiding place is renamed as a place in the sea. 17 rhymes lead to hiding places indoors and 16 to places in the garden; 16 riddles lead to the indoor places without naming them; 8 final clues leave a gap for where the chest sits; and 24 things to find need no hiding at all. Nothing was copied from another clue list. No mermaid, song or character from a film, a show or a book is named, and the list states no facts. Every hiding place is one a child reaches from the ground and none is at a pool, a pond, a stove, an oven, a garage or a road, and no clue asks anyone to climb. The bathtub is used dry, and the clue at the sink sits behind the soap. Licence: own work

How it works

The bathtub is the lagoon, the couch is the coral reef and the laundry basket is a fishing net. These mermaid treasure hunt clues lead from one to the next, and the last sends the hunters to the chest.

Read the full guide

Four ways to play

The page opens on Indoors: seven rhymes that name each hiding place, for ages 4 to 7. Garden moves the trail outside, where the hose is a sea serpent and the bike a seahorse. Riddles never name the place, for hunters of 8 and up. Finds needs nothing hidden: shells, pearls and sea colors to spot around the house.

Print, cut and hide

Take away a rhyme whose place you lack with × and press the button for another. Then press Print: the hiding places come out on a page of their own, for you. Write where the chest is on the last strip, and hide the chest before the clues.

A shoebox wrapped in foil makes the chest.
Hand over the first clue rolled up in a clean plastic bottle: a message from the sea.

Questions and answers

What are some mermaid scavenger hunt clues?

Three from the trails. Soft is the coral where small fish hide: lift a couch cushion and look inside. Seahorses carry mermaids far: look on the bike's handlebar. Sunken chests hold toys, not gold: lift the toy box lid and behold.

How do you set up a mermaid treasure hunt?

Work backward. Put the chest in its place, then walk the trail in reverse, leaving each rhyme where the one before it points. The first rhyme stays in your hand until the party starts.

What goes in a mermaid treasure chest?

Whatever the party is giving: favor bags, a wrapped present, the birthday cupcakes. Bubble wands and shell-shaped chocolates fit the theme. The last clue has a gap for the place, so the chest can sit anywhere a child can reach.

Can the hunt run at a pool party?

Yes, on dry land. Every hiding place is in the house or the garden and none is in or beside the pool, so run the trail before the swim or after it.