Jenny Many Strikes Gold sees Jenny and her friends take part in an epic treasure hunt around their home town, in order to win tickets to cool new theme park, Planet Thrill.  While trips to theme parks are expensive, a DIY treasure hunt is an affordable and easy way to engage young children, spark their imagination, and get them moving. With a bit of planning, you can create a memorable activity that encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and exploration - all while having fun! Team Jenny Many have put together a simple five-step plan to get your kids involved:.

Step 1: Choose a Theme

Kids love a good story, so start by picking a theme for your treasure hunt. Popular themes for the under-11s include pirates, jungle explorers, fairy tales, superheroes, or outer space. You could also use characters of a plotline from Jenny Many or another of their favourite books. A themed adventure adds excitement and helps tie everything together - from clues to the final treasure.

Step 2: Plan the Clues

Keep clues age-appropriate. For younger children (ages 4–7), use simple picture clues or riddles they can solve with a bit of help. For ages 8–11, you can include rhymes, word puzzles, or basic codes. Each clue should lead to the next location and build anticipation for the final prize.

Example:
📍 “I have four legs but do not run. Find your next clue where you sit for fun.” (Answer: a chair)

Step 3: Set Up the Hunt

Choose a safe space for the hunt - your back garden, a local park, or inside your home. Hide clues in secure but not-too-hard-to-find places. Make sure there are enough clues to keep kids engaged but not frustrated; typically 5–10 clues work well for a 20–30 minute activity.

Step 4: Prepare the Treasure

The “treasure” doesn’t have to be fancy. It could be a small toy, stickers, a treat bag, or even a handmade certificate. You could also make it a group prize to encourage teamwork, maybe a movie session for everyone, with popcorn, drinks and a fun animated film.

Step 5: Add Some Flair

Dress up the event with costumes, maps, or themed decorations. Playing background music or adding a time challenge can make it even more exciting. For group hunts, split children into teams with fun names and give each a slightly different path to follow.

Final Tip

Always adapt your treasure hunt to the children’s ages, interests, and abilities. With a little creativity and preparation, you’ll create an unforgettable adventure that keeps them laughing, learning, and moving!