Small objects or cards with movement tasks (e.g., “Do five shoulder rolls,” “Walk to the window and back”) are hidden around the space.
Participants search for them and complete the movement tasks in order to collect as many pieces of paper as possible.
The person with the most treasures at the end receives a small prize.
This interactive workshop combines light physical activity with the excitement of a treasure hunt. Participants engage in movement-based challenges as they search for hidden objects, promoting mobility, coordination, and problem-solving in a fun and social setting.
GOALS:
- Encourage physical movement through an engaging game.
- Enhance coordination and spatial awareness.
- Foster a sense of adventure and social interaction.
INDICATORS:
- Are participants actively searching for and completing tasks? Yes/No
- Are they enjoying the activity? 0-4 scale
MATERIALS:
- Small objects or cards with movement instructions (e.g., “Do five shoulder rolls,” “Walk to the window and back”).
- Baskets or bags for collecting treasures.
- Small prizes for participants.
TIMETABLE:
- 10 mins – Introduction: Explain the rules and demonstrate some of the movement tasks.
- 40 mins – Treasure Hunt: Participants move around the space, finding and completing movement challenges before collecting their treasures.
- 10 mins – Reflection & Cool Down: Gentle stretching and discussion about the experience.
Adaptations for Disabilities:
- Visual Impairments: Use larger, brightly colored objects and provide verbal guidance. Pair participants if needed.
- Hearing Impairments: Use written instructions or visual demonstrations for movement tasks.
- Mobility Impairments: Ensure some treasures are placed within easy reach for seated participants and adapt tasks for those with limited movement.
- Cognitive Impairments: Simplify movement tasks and offer one-on-one assistance as needed.
Ideas for Running a Treasure Hunt Walk with Seniors
The Treasure Hunt Walk is a fantastic way to combine light exercise, cognitive engagement, and social interaction. Here are several creative ways to structure and run the activity:
- Themed Object Hunt
How it Works:
- Hide large, easy-to-spot objects along a walking path (indoors or outdoors).
- Give participants clue cards or a checklist with pictures of the items to find.
- As they walk, they check off or collect small objects (or just point them out if mobility is limited).
Examples of Themes:
- Nature Walk – Find a pinecone, a bird, a yellow flower, a butterfly.
- Color Hunt – Find something red, blue, or green.
- Story-Based Hunt – Hide items related to a short story (e.g., a pirate’s hat, a map, a treasure chest).
How to Make it Fun:
- Play soft background music while walking.
- Have a small prize for everyone who finds at least three objects.
- Mystery Clue Walk
How it Works:
- Place written clues at different spots along the walking path.
- Each clue leads to the next location until the final “treasure” is found.
- Participants work in pairs or groups to solve simple riddles or follow directions.
Example Clue:
«To find the next clue, look under the bench where people rest.»
How to Make it Fun:
- Use riddles or rhymes for clues.
- Have a small “treasure” at the end, such as a medal, stickers, or a fun group photo.
- Sensory Treasure Walk
How it Works:
- Instead of searching for objects, participants use their senses to complete a checklist.
- Example list:
Feel the bark of a tree
Smell a flower
Listen to a bird chirping
Touch a smooth rock
How to Make it Fun:
- Have participants share their favorite discovery at the end.
- Take photos of the experience and create a memory board.
- Memory Lane Walk
How it Works:
- Place historical photos or objects from the past along the route.
- Encourage participants to talk about their memories related to those items.
Examples:
- Old black-and-white photos of their town.
- Images of famous movie stars or music icons from their youth.
How to Make it Fun:
- Add a trivia game at the end related to the items they saw.
- Team Challenge Hunt
How it Works:
- Divide participants into small teams.
- Each team gets a list of 5-10 things to find or do during the walk.
- The team that completes the most tasks wins!
Examples of Challenges:
- Find a leaf in the shape of a heart.
- Walk five steps backward safely.
- Spot an animal and name it.
How to Make it Fun:
- Let the winning team pick a fun group activity for the next session.
Tips for a Successful Treasure Hunt Walk:
- Ensure paths are safe and accessible.
- Use large, clear text for clues.
- Encourage social interaction and teamwork.
- Make it about fun and movement—not competition.