Outdoor Treasure Hunt Clues

Rhyming clues for a trail that stays outdoors, from the garden gate to the tent door, ending at the treasure.

Outdoor Treasure Hunt Clues

  1. Round and round I spray the lawn. By the sprinkler, when it's off, go on!Hide the next clue: the sprinkler. Under a stone beside the sprinkler, in a zip bag. The water stays off.Trail
  2. Hop, hop, hop across the grass. Check the stepping stones you pass.Hide the next clue: the stepping stones. Under a pebble on the third stone.Trail
  3. Shirts and socks hang out to dry. The clothesline holds your clue nearby.Hide the next clue: the clothesline. Clip it at the low end, where the hunter can reach.Trail
  4. When it rains I fill right up. Look behind the barrel, buttercup.Hide the next clue: the rain barrel. Tape it behind the barrel in a zip bag. The lid stays on.Trail
  5. Peels and leaves go in to rot. Behind the compost bin's the spot.Hide the next clue: the compost bin. Tape it to the back of the bin in a zip bag. The lid stays shut.Trail
  6. Rock and sway between two trees. The hammock holds a clue, yes please.Hide the next clue: the hammock. Lay it in the middle fold. It stays if nobody swings.Trail
  7. Pots and soil and seeds in rows. Check the potting bench, who knows?Hide the next clue: the potting bench. Tuck it under an empty pot on the lower shelf.Trail
  8. Rakes and spades all sleep in me. Check the shed door, one, two, three.Hide the next clue: the shed door. Tape it at the hunter's eye level, on the outside. The shed stays shut.Trail
  9. Open, shut, I swing all day. The garden gate will show the way.Hide the next clue: the garden gate. Clip it to the latch side with a clothespin.Trail
  10. You followed every clue outside. ____ is where the treasure hides.Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.Treasure

Next step Clues for the mailbox, the hose and the swingAn indoor trail that ends at a present

How it works

Every hiding place here has an easy rhyme, a trickier rhyme and a riddle. These outdoor treasure hunt clues stay in a garden, a park or a campsite, and the last row always names the treasure spot.

Read the full guide

Build the trail

The page opens on a garden trail: nine easy rhymes and, in the last row, a final clue with a blank. Trickier rhymes and Riddles deal the same hiding places for older hunters. The menu under the button moves the trail to the Park and playground or the Campsite. Press a rhyme, then Lock it if you have its place or Swap it if you do not.

Print, cut and hide backward

Press Hide all answers, then Print: each rhyme prints over a blank line, with the hiding places on a last page for you. Write the treasure's place in the blank. Hide the treasure first and work back to the start.

Tips
  • In a public park, set the trail just before the hunt and collect every strip afterward.
  • For outdoor treasure hunt games with two teams, print the trail twice and start each team at a different clue.

Questions and answers

Where can you hide treasure hunt clues outdoors?

In places a child reaches from the ground and that stay put: the garden gate, the wheelbarrow, under a picnic bench, the lowest rung of the jungle gym, a camp chair's cup holder. Leave out ponds, roads, fire pits, climbing and digging.

How do you keep paper clues dry outside?

Slip each strip into a small zip bag, then clip it with a clothespin or weigh it down with a stone. Tape holds on dry metal and smooth wood, not on wet bark or grass.

How many clues should an outdoor hunt have?

Six to ten. Each stop outdoors is a longer walk than a stop indoors, and small children tire of a trail before grown-ups do. Deal ten, lock the places you have and print only those.

More tools

Browse Word Games

All 98 clues

Easy rhymes 30

  • A roof with no walls keeps off the rain. Check the shelter post again. Hide the next clue: the picnic shelter. Tape it to a corner post at knee height.
  • Bars to swing on, bars to cross. At the jungle gym's first step, you're the boss. Hide the next clue: the jungle gym. Tape it to the lowest rung. Nobody has to climb.
  • Click me on to see at night. A clue is wrapped around the flashlight. Hide the next clue: the flashlight. Wrap it round the handle with a rubber band.
  • Fold me out and take a seat. The camp chair's pocket holds a treat. Hide the next clue: the camp chair. Roll it into the cup holder.
  • Glug, glug, glug, a drink for all. Look by the water jug, standing tall. Hide the next clue: the water jug. Under the jug in a zip bag.
  • Hop, hop, hop across the grass. Check the stepping stones you pass. Hide the next clue: the stepping stones. Under a pebble on the third stone.
Show all 98 clues (92 more)

Easy rhymes, continued

  • Ice and juice and snacks to share. Under the cooler: look down there. Hide the next clue: the cooler. Tape it under the handle in a zip bag. Nothing goes inside with the food.
  • One wheel in front, two handles too. The wheelbarrow has a clue for you. Hide the next clue: the wheelbarrow. Lay it in the tray under a stone.
  • Open, shut, I swing all day. The garden gate will show the way. Hide the next clue: the garden gate. Clip it to the latch side with a clothespin.
  • Paths and lakes and a little star. Unfold the map to see where you are. Hide the next clue: the trail map. Fold it inside the map. A park leaflet works too.
  • Peels and leaves go in to rot. Behind the compost bin's the spot. Hide the next clue: the compost bin. Tape it to the back of the bin in a zip bag. The lid stays shut.
  • Plates and cups and a deck of cards. Under the camp table, look hard. Hide the next clue: the camp table. Tape it under the tabletop.
  • Pots and soil and seeds in rows. Check the potting bench, who knows? Hide the next clue: the potting bench. Tuck it under an empty pot on the lower shelf.
  • Rakes and spades all sleep in me. Check the shed door, one, two, three. Hide the next clue: the shed door. Tape it at the hunter's eye level, on the outside. The shed stays shut.
  • Read the rules and read the name. The sign at the gate is in the game. Hide the next clue: the park sign. Tape it low on the signpost.
  • Rock and sway between two trees. The hammock holds a clue, yes please. Hide the next clue: the hammock. Lay it in the middle fold. It stays if nobody swings.
  • Round and round I spray the lawn. By the sprinkler, when it's off, go on! Hide the next clue: the sprinkler. Under a stone beside the sprinkler, in a zip bag. The water stays off.
  • Round and round, hold on tight. The merry-go-round has a clue all right. Hide the next clue: the merry-go-round. Tape it to a handrail while it is standing still.
  • Sandwiches and lemonade. Under the picnic table, in the shade. Hide the next clue: the picnic table. Tape it under the bench seat.
  • Shirts and socks hang out to dry. The clothesline holds your clue nearby. Hide the next clue: the clothesline. Clip it at the low end, where the hunter can reach.
  • Sit a while and rest your feet. A clue is under the park bench seat. Hide the next clue: the park bench. Tape it under the seat at one end.
  • Snug as a bug from toe to head. Look in the bag that is your bed. Hide the next clue: the sleeping bag. Push it down to the foot of the hunter's own bag.
  • The tent came out, the bag stayed here. Look inside, the clue is near. Hide the next clue: the tent bag. Drop it inside and fold the top over.
  • Thirsty hunters, take a drink. Behind the fountain, don't you think? Hide the next clue: the drinking fountain. Tape it to the back of the stand in a zip bag.
  • Up goes one and down goes two. Under the seesaw waits a clue. Hide the next clue: the seesaw. Tape it to the middle post, away from the moving ends.
  • Up the pole the flag flies high. Look at the bottom, give it a try. Hide the next clue: the flagpole. Tape it to the pole at knee height.
  • Wheels in a row, all locked and parked. The bike rack is where this clue is marked. Hide the next clue: the bike rack. Tie it to the end loop with string.
  • When it rains I fill right up. Look behind the barrel, buttercup. Hide the next clue: the rain barrel. Tape it behind the barrel in a zip bag. The lid stays on.
  • When the sun goes down I glow. Look by the lantern, bending low. Hide the next clue: the lantern. Under the base of a battery lantern that is switched off.
  • Zip it up to keep bugs out. The tent door flap, without a doubt. Hide the next clue: the tent door. Clip it to the zipper pull with a clothespin.

Trickier rhymes 30

  • A blanket with a zipper track. Reach down to where your toes go back. Hide the next clue: the sleeping bag. Push it down to the foot of the hunter's own bag.
  • A doorway with no hinge or knock. Find the zipper, that's the lock. Hide the next clue: the tent door. Clip it to the zipper pull with a clothespin.
  • A hanging bed for lazy days. Look in my folds, the paper stays. Hide the next clue: the hammock. Lay it in the middle fold. It stays if nobody swings.
  • A latch that clicks, a hinge that squeaks. Go where the garden starts and peek. Hide the next clue: the garden gate. Clip it to the latch side with a clothespin.
  • A little arc of water flies. Around my back the next clue lies. Hide the next clue: the drinking fountain. Tape it to the back of the stand in a zip bag.
  • A metal castle kids all know. Don't climb up: the clue is low. Hide the next clue: the jungle gym. Tape it to the lowest rung. Nobody has to climb.
  • A path of islands in the lawn. Count to three, the clue is on. Hide the next clue: the stepping stones. Under a pebble on the third stone.
  • A rope goes up, a rope comes down. Check where I'm planted in the ground. Hide the next clue: the flagpole. Tape it to the pole at knee height.
  • Benches fixed on either side. Look below where lunches hide. Hide the next clue: the picnic table. Tape it under the bench seat.
  • Four thin legs and a cloth to sit. The cup holder has a note in it. Hide the next clue: the camp chair. Roll it into the cup holder.
  • I carry soil and leaves and weeds. Look in my tray for what you need. Hide the next clue: the wheelbarrow. Lay it in the tray under a stone.
  • I catch what tumbles from the sky. Behind my back, a clue stays dry. Hide the next clue: the rain barrel. Tape it behind the barrel in a zip bag. The lid stays on.
  • I keep the summer out all day. Check my handle on your way. Hide the next clue: the cooler. Tape it under the handle in a zip bag. Nothing goes inside with the food.
  • I make a circle on the wall. Unroll the note: I'm long and small. Hide the next clue: the flashlight. Wrap it round the handle with a rubber band.
  • I make it rain on sunny days. Check beside me where the hose line lays. Hide the next clue: the sprinkler. Under a stone beside the sprinkler, in a zip bag. The water stays off.
  • I only work when friends are fair. Check the middle, the clue is there. Hide the next clue: the seesaw. Tape it to the middle post, away from the moving ends.
  • I pour from a tap near my feet. Under me is where we meet. Hide the next clue: the water jug. Under the jug in a zip bag.
  • I show the hills but I am flat. Look in my folds: imagine that. Hide the next clue: the trail map. Fold it inside the map. A park leaflet works too.
  • I tell you when the park will close. Look at my post, down by your toes. Hide the next clue: the park sign. Tape it low on the signpost.
  • I turn old peels to something new. Behind my back there waits a clue. Hide the next clue: the compost bin. Tape it to the back of the bin in a zip bag. The lid stays shut.
  • I'm a small moon you carry round. Look beneath me, on the ground. Hide the next clue: the lantern. Under the base of a battery lantern that is switched off.
  • Metal loops where riders stop. Look at the end one, near the top. Hide the next clue: the bike rack. Tie it to the end loop with string.
  • My legs fold up, my top stays flat. Look below me, just like that. Hide the next clue: the camp table. Tape it under the tabletop.
  • Parties gather under me. One of my posts holds what you need to see. Hide the next clue: the picnic shelter. Tape it to a corner post at knee height.
  • People sit and pigeons wait. Reach below the wooden slats, don't be late. Hide the next clue: the park bench. Tape it under the seat at one end.
  • Poles and pegs all rode in me. Now I'm empty: look and see. Hide the next clue: the tent bag. Drop it inside and fold the top over.
  • Push me and the whole world spins. Look at my rail when stillness wins. Hide the next clue: the merry-go-round. Tape it to a handrail while it is standing still.
  • Where seedlings start in trays of brown, look on the shelf that's lowest down. Hide the next clue: the potting bench. Tuck it under an empty pot on the lower shelf.
  • Where tools hang up at end of day, the door outside hides clues away. Hide the next clue: the shed door. Tape it at the hunter's eye level, on the outside. The shed stays shut.
  • The wind dries everything I hold. Find the pin that grips a note that's rolled. Hide the next clue: the clothesline. Clip it at the low end, where the hunter can reach.

Riddles 30

  • Dinner happens on me outdoors, and I fold in half to go home. Hide the next clue: the camp table. Tape it under the tabletop.
  • I am a bed with no legs. Two trees or two posts hold me up. Hide the next clue: the hammock. Lay it in the middle fold. It stays if nobody swings.
  • I am a bed you can roll up and carry on your back. Hide the next clue: the sleeping bag. Push it down to the foot of the hunter's own bag.
  • I am a box that stays cold with no plug. Lunch is inside me. Hide the next clue: the cooler. Tape it under the handle in a zip bag. Nothing goes inside with the food.
  • I am a castle of bars with no walls and no roof. Look at my lowest rung. Hide the next clue: the jungle gym. Tape it to the lowest rung. Nobody has to climb.
  • I am a door that opens with a zzzip and has no handle. Hide the next clue: the tent door. Clip it to the zipper pull with a clothespin.
  • I am a roof on legs with no walls at all. Look at my corner. Hide the next clue: the picnic shelter. Tape it to a corner post at knee height.
  • I am a small house where nobody lives, only tools. Look at my door. Hide the next clue: the shed door. Tape it at the hunter's eye level, on the outside. The shed stays shut.
  • I am a table that is always dirty, and nobody minds. Trowels rest on me. Hide the next clue: the potting bench. Tuck it under an empty pot on the lower shelf.
  • I am fed apple cores and coffee grounds, and I give back soil. Hide the next clue: the compost bin. Tape it to the back of the bin in a zip bag. The lid stays shut.
  • I am the tallest thing in the park that is not a tree, and I wear a flag. Hide the next clue: the flagpole. Tape it to the pole at knee height.
  • I carry a sunbeam in a tube and let it out with a click. Hide the next clue: the flashlight. Wrap it round the handle with a rubber band.
  • I drink from the roof and never stay full for long. The garden thanks me. Hide the next clue: the rain barrel. Tape it behind the barrel in a zip bag. The lid stays on.
  • I fold flat, ride in a bag and wait by the tent. My arm has a hole for a cup. Hide the next clue: the camp chair. Roll it into the cup holder.
  • I give a drink to anyone who presses, and I never ask for a cup. Hide the next clue: the drinking fountain. Tape it to the back of the stand in a zip bag.
  • I go a long way and never leave my spot. I only move when you push. Hide the next clue: the merry-go-round. Tape it to a handrail while it is standing still.
  • I have a back, two arms and four legs, and I hold strangers all day long. Hide the next clue: the park bench. Tape it under the seat at one end.
  • I have a top and two long seats. I eat nothing, though plenty lands on me. Hide the next clue: the picnic table. Tape it under the bench seat.
  • I have forests with no trees and rivers with no water. Open me. Hide the next clue: the trail map. Fold it inside the map. A park leaflet works too.
  • I have one wheel, two legs and two arms, and I never walk alone. What am I? Hide the next clue: the wheelbarrow. Lay it in the tray under a stone.
  • I hold bicycles but have never ridden one. Check my last loop. Hide the next clue: the bike rack. Tie it to the end loop with string.
  • I hold enough for washing hands and filling cups. Tip me a little. Hide the next clue: the water jug. Under the jug in a zip bag.
  • I make rainbows on the lawn and run without legs. Look next to me when I am dry. Hide the next clue: the sprinkler. Under a stone beside the sprinkler, in a zip bag. The water stays off.
  • I shine in the tent at night and sleep all day. Lift me up. Hide the next clue: the lantern. Under the base of a battery lantern that is switched off.
  • I speak without a voice, and everyone reads me on the way in. Hide the next clue: the park sign. Tape it low on the signpost.
  • I swing but am no swing. I guard the garden with a latch. What am I? Hide the next clue: the garden gate. Clip it to the latch side with a clothespin.
  • I wear everyone's clothes but have no body. The sun and wind work for me. Hide the next clue: the clothesline. Clip it at the low end, where the hunter can reach.
  • The tent lives in me all year, except for the nights it is used. Hide the next clue: the tent bag. Drop it inside and fold the top over.
  • When one of us goes up, the other comes down. Look where I balance. Hide the next clue: the seesaw. Tape it to the middle post, away from the moving ends.
  • You walk on us so the grass can rest. One of us is hiding something flat. Hide the next clue: the stepping stones. Under a pebble on the third stone.

Garden 8

  • Clap your hands and spin around. ____ is where the prize is found. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • Hunters, gather, stand in a ring. Look ____ for the shiny thing. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • Last clue, last step, last place to see. Look ____ for the treasure, one, two, three. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • Pirates bury, squirrels too. The treasure is ____, waiting for you. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • The sun is out, the hunt is through. Go ____ and claim what's due. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • The trail ends here, the map is read. The treasure waits ____, just ahead. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • X marks the spot, so the stories say. Dig with your eyes ____ today. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.
  • You followed every clue outside. ____ is where the treasure hides. Final clue. After printing, write where the treasure is in the blank, such as under the porch chair or in the picnic basket.

How this list was compiled: Written for this site by its editors on 2026-09-30: original clues for a trail that stays outdoors. Every hiding place in a garden, a park or playground and a campsite has three clues (an easy rhyme, a trickier rhyme and a riddle), and the final clues carry a blank for where the treasure is. Nothing was copied from another clue list. Every hiding place is one a child reaches from the ground: no pond or stream, road, fire pit or stove, no climbing or digging, and nothing tied to a living plant. The note under each clue names the hiding place and says how a paper strip stays dry and put. Licence: own work