Best Scavenger Hunts in Sydney for Kids

By Hayley Dean, ellaslist

Looking for something new and exciting to do with your adventurous kids? Have you ever considered doing a scavenger hunt? Just think, “The Amazing Race” coming to life for your family, right here in Sydney? And the best bit; your kids will actually be learning some history along the way as they spend time away from their screens, in the great outdoors! Yay.

Here’s a list of the best scavenger hunts in Sydney for kids.
 

PuzzleTrails

One of our favourites here at ellaslist, especially as it’s the brain child of a local Sydney Mum! PuzzleTrails has different trail locations and there are three types of trail styles to choose from with most being wheel chair / pram friendly. Embark on a nature or history trail that are either “Code Breakers”, “Murder Mysteries” (think Cluedo meets classic village treasure hunt) or an “Explorer Quiz” at locations right around Sydney including Narrabeen lakes, The Rocks, Sydney’s Iconic landmarks and their latest at Clontarf Reserve. The whole idea is that you get outside, away from screens and enjoy your time together on this self-guided walk.

Download the hunt booklet instantly from their website, grab a pencil and head outside. It’s suitable for kids and adults of all ages to join in and would make for a fun birthday party activity or even a way of giving overseas visitors a really unique taste of Sydney. At only $20 per family, it’s cost effective and healthy fun for less than the price of a cinema, theatre, bowling or laser tag ticket! 

Oh and don’t worry, if you truly get stuck, there is a secret instant SMS helpline available but ssshhh don’t tell the kids!

Urban Hunt

Urban Hunt have trails over the globe with 10 in Sydney though admittedly, some are not suitable for children aka “Drinking Holes & Industrious Souls” is perhaps better suited for the office Christmas party than your daughters sleep over, so when viewing their trails, be sure to use the “family friendly” filter option. Prices range from $20 -$30 and they have teamed up with Sydney Living Museums to offer 3 hunts for free.

Urban Hunt games retain the screens as it’s all done through Facebook Messenger and they recommend playing with teams of 2-4 players for the best experience. To keep it fast paced, they apply time penalties and bonus points.

You can read our ellaslist explorer’s review of Urban Hunt's Royal Botanic Gardens hunt here.

 

Trail Quest

Possibly one of the most detailed for locations (over 40 to choose from), Trail Quest enables you explore a different part of Sydney, discovering more about the area whilst providing enjoyment for all the family. Each Quest has a puzzle to solve. Follow the directions, discover the clues to solve the puzzle. The answer will reveal a true story about the area. Personally, I love finding out about the history of the area I live in, so I was excited to find a scavenger hunt for my suburb on the list. Priced at $20 per quest and downloadable off the website, to be completed at your own pace.

Image: Trail Quest Facebook page

Big City Hunt (Inside Sydney)

Another big company with Scavenger Hunts world-wide, especially big in the USA, so the Sydney hunt is very much based on iconic tourist locations around the city. Fun if you have overseas guests for sure. It’s all completed via the company smart phone app and needs to be completed on the day of purchase to avoid additional charges ($12.99 per day). You earn points along the way and are incentivised to bet the cities current high score.

To find out more, visit their website.