St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to get creative and make celebrations interactive. One of the best ways to do that is with a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt. Scavenger hunts get kids moving, thinking, and giggling as they search for clues and treasures. They’re perfect for classroom parties, family gatherings, neighborhood fun, or even a quiet day at home.
Below you’ll find themed scavenger hunt ideas, printable‑ready clues, and tips to tailor the challenge for ages from preschool to grade school. You can use this list as a guide to create your own printable or adapt it into games, classroom stations, or backyard adventures.
A scavenger hunt is a game in which kids follow a list of hints or clues to find hidden items or locations. For St. Patrick’s Day, your clues can lead to treasures like gold coin chocolate, rainbow stickers, shamrock decorations, or little notes of kindness.
Here’s the basic flow:
Write your clues — simple rhymes or riddles that lead from one point to the next.
Hide them around your home or yard — under pillows, behind plants, on shelves, etc.
Start the hunt — give kids the first clue and let them follow the trail to the end.
Celebrate discoveries — finish with a small treat, activity, or family surprise.
You can print the clues as cards, slip them into envelopes, or even tape them to shamrocks or green ribbons.
Here are fun clue ideas you can use as‑is or turn into printables. Each clue hints at a location or next item in the hunt:
Rainbow Run
Look for colors bright and grand, where rainbows might land.
Clue location: Under a rainbow decoration or colored papers.
Pot of Gold
Where treasure hides in golden light, seek the pot out of sight.
Clue location: Near chocolate gold coins or a gold‑colored pot.
Shamrock Search
Three leaves green, small and sweet, behind the cushion where you rest your feet.
Clue location: Couch or favorite seating area.
Lucky Strike
Seven colors shining bright, find the spot that holds them tight.
Clue location: By crayons, markers, or art supplies.
Hat Trick
Where we keep hats both big and small, your next clue waits upon the wall.
Clue location: Hat rack or coat closet.
Heart of the Hunt
A Valentine’s twist, green and red, where bedtime stories are read.
Clue location: Bookshelf or reading nook.
Green Scene
Green socks and shirts galore, check the place where we store them all.
Clue location: Dresser or closet.
Lucky Lunchbox
When lunchtime comes, what do you pack? Look where your snacks all stack.
Clue location: Pantry or snack drawer.
Treasure Box
You’re almost done, you clever crew! Now find the box of treasures new.
Clue location: Toy chest, gift box, or prize box.
Celebration Spot
You’ve solved them all, you clever crew. Now find the place where we celebrate you!
Clue location: Living room party area or decorated table.
You can tailor your hunt for different settings or ages:
When kids reach the end of the hunt, reward them with something fun and festive. Ideas include:
Keep clues age‑appropriate: Short rhymes for younger kids, trickier riddles for older ones.
Use visual cues: Pictures, arrows, and icons help early readers stay engaged.
Mix movement challenges: Add jumping, spinning, or skipping between stations.
Team up: Pair younger kids with older ones or adults for teamwork.
Encourage sharing: Let kids help hide clues or choose treasures.
A St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt is an easy way to turn the holiday into an interactive adventure. Whether you’re at home or in the classroom, it’s a chance to laugh, learn, explore, and celebrate together. Use the clues above to create your own printable scavenger hunt, hide them around your space, and watch kids light up as they follow each clue to the next.