What Are Scavenger Hunts (And Why Your Team Needs Them!)
Scavenger hunts are team-building activities focused on problem-solving, teamwork, and discovery. The goal is always to tackle challenges and solve riddles to find certain items. Alternatively, the purpose can be to uncover what challenge comes next, which can be a group photo or a dance battle.
Scavenger hunts have become powerful team-building boosters over the years, offering multiple benefits for workplace engagement and productivity.
According to a study by Future Workplace, employees with few workplace friends reported feeling lonely and disengaged. Plus, over 70% of employees say friends at work are the most crucial element to a happy working life. Scavenger hunts can help address this by:
- Strengthening bonds between cross-functional teams
- Facilitating connections between employees who don't typically interact
- Creating experiences that build lasting relationships
With employee isolation leading to a 21% drop in productivity, according to Gallup's research, investing in team-building activities becomes more and more a priority.
As reported by McKinsey & Company, 43% of employees fear reduced collaboration in remote work settings. Scavenger hunts contribute to problem-solving skills and collaboration, even virtually. Additionally, these activities can have a positive impact on employee retention. By strengthening workplace relationships, scavenger hunts may help reduce the turnover rate.
TeamOut's List of 25 Scavenger Hunt Clues for Effective Team Building
Explore four game-changing scavenger hunt styles that will transform your team’s experience. Explore our TeamOut suggestions for Indoor, Outdoor, Virtual, and Educational hunt ideas that promise to make team building unforgettable.
15 Great Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Scavenger hunts don’t necessarily demand thorough planning, tons of materials, and outdoor space. They can take place right in your office with minimal investment (or none at all)! Check out our top suggestions for Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas:
Indoor Scavenger Hunt Table
Indoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas
| Scavenger Hunt |
Duration (mins) |
Participants |
Difficulty |
| Storage Room Hunt |
45 |
4-15 |
Easy |
| Office Hunt |
60 |
10-30 |
Easy |
| Stream Hunt |
90 |
5-20 |
Medium |
| Museum Hack Hunt |
90 |
8-25 |
Medium |
| Culinary Detective Hunt |
75 |
4-12 |
Hard |
| Alphabet Hunt |
60 |
6-40 |
Medium |
| Selfie Safari |
45 |
5-30 |
Easy |
| Nostalgia From Decades Past |
60 |
4-20 |
Medium |
| QR Code Mystery Hunt |
90 |
4-20 |
Hard |
| Sensory Exploration Hunt |
60 |
6-16 |
Medium |
| Technology Time Hunt |
45 |
8-20 |
Easy |
| Creative Corner Hunt |
60 |
6-15 |
Medium |
| Time it Right Hunt |
30 |
6-20 |
Hard |
| Scavenger Hunt Bingo |
45 |
5-30 |
Easy |
| Seasonal Themed Hunt |
60 |
8-25 |
Medium |
1. Easy Indoor Storage Room Scavenger Hunt
Turn your dusty storage room into a treasure trove by hunting down vintage artifacts, quirky designs, and items from before your team members were born. Each find sparks storytelling and shared memories.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Give the team a list of relics and categories to find.
- Search the storage area, photographing or sharing finds.
- Present discoveries and explain their stories to the group.
Group Size: 4–15 participants
Adaptation: Works in-office, at home, or via photos for virtual participants.
Why it works for teams: Promotes creativity, storytelling, and unique problem-solving.
2. Easy Office Scavenger Hunt
Your everyday workplace becomes the game board, with clues that push teams to notice personal touches, meet new people, and explore hidden corners of the office.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide a clue list covering office spaces, items, and people.
- Teams locate and document each find with photos or videos.
- Share results and award points or prizes.
Group Size: 10–30 participants
Adaptation: Can be done in-person, hybrid (photo submissions), or fully virtual via desk/office tours.
Why it works for teams: Breaks routine and fosters spontaneous, fun interactions.
3. Stream Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt works as an effective icebreaker for employees to get to know each other. Teams watch a TV show they’ve never seen before, pausing to complete creative challenges like predicting twists, making memes, or reimagining costumes.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Pick a show unfamiliar to most players.
- Pause at planned points to give scavenger tasks.
- Share creations (memes, poems, predictions) with the group.
Group Size: 5–20 participants
Adaptation: Ideal for virtual or hybrid teams using streaming platforms.
Why it works for teams: Boosts creativity, humor, and quick thinking.
4. Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt
Museum Hack Scavenger Hunts are the ultimate hunt at world-class museums!
Teams explore a world-class museum with a guide, uncovering unusual stories, solving trivia, and hunting for specific art pieces—mixing culture with competition.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Meet at your chosen museum, with guide providing challenges.
- Explore galleries to complete photo, trivia, and scavenger tasks.
- Regroup to share findings and declare winners.
Group Size: 8–25 participants
Adaptation: Works for in-person gatherings; virtual option via virtual museum tours.
Why it works for teams: Encourages cultural learning, observational skills, and teamwork.
5. Culinary Detective Hunt
Gather your team and start investigating where cooking meets mystery. This indoor scavenger hunt is a fantastic culinary team-building activity. In a kitchen-driven challenge, teams solve ingredient mysteries, track cooking origins, and create themed dishes, testing both their taste buds and collaboration skills.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide culinary clues and sensory challenges.
- Hunt ingredients and solve recipe puzzles.
- Prepare or present a final dish for judging.
Group Size: 4–12 participants
Adaptation: Can be in-office, at home kitchens, or virtual cooking streams.
Why it works for teams: Sparks creativity, teamwork under time pressure, and cultural curiosity.
6. Alphabet Hunt
Teams photograph objects, locations, or people that represent each letter from A to Z, turning their surroundings into a creative alphabet adventure.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide the A–Z list and creative prompts.
- Hunt and photograph items for each letter.
- Share images and vote for the most inventive finds.
Group Size: 6–40 participants
Adaptation: Works in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual with personal surroundings.
Why it works for teams: Enhances creativity, observation skills, and flexible thinking.
7. Selfie Safari
Embark on a selfie adventure with the Selfie Safari! Inspired by the classic scavenger hunt, in this exercise, participants become explorers, armed with nothing but their smartphones. Phones, participants compete to take the most creative and memorable selfies, featuring quirky objects and fun team poses.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Share selfie challenge prompts.
- Explore and capture creative selfie moments.
- Present the best shots for judging or voting.
Group Size: 5–30 participants
Adaptation: Easily adapted to in-person, hybrid, or remote selfie themes.
Why it works for teams: Promotes self-expression, breaks down barriers, and sparks laughter.
8. Nostalgia From Decades Past Scavenger Hunt
Step into a time machine with your team members and relive the glory of the golden days with this Nostalgia From Decades Past Scavenger Hunt. Teams recreate iconic pop culture moments, like movie scenes, songs, and TV show moments, from past decades, blending performance with creativity.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Assign or let teams choose nostalgic challenges.
- Recreate and film or photograph each scene.
- Share performances for group voting.
Group Size: 4–20 participants
Adaptation: Works for in-person or remote reenactments.
Why it works for teams: Encourages intergenerational bonding, humor, and teamwork.
9. Challenging QR Code Mystery Hunt
Your office can be the ultimate interactive puzzle playground using QR codes. Teams locate and scan hidden QR codes that unlock riddles, puzzles, and further clues to progress through the hunt.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Hide QR codes in strategic locations.
- Teams scan codes to access riddles or tasks.
- Solve puzzles to reach the final goal.
Group Size: 4–20 participants
Adaptation: Can be physical, hybrid, or fully online with embedded links.
Why it works for teams: Strengthens problem-solving and logical thinking under pressure.
10. Sensory Exploration Hunt
A Sensory Exploration Hunt is an immersive indoor activity that challenges team members to utilize all five senses in discovering their environment.
Participants engage all five senses to identify hidden items, textures, sounds, scents, and tastes in a multi-sensory scavenger experience.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Prepare sensory stations or hidden challenges.
- Complete each sense-based task.
- Compare results and declare winners.
Group Size: 6–16 participants
Adaptation: Works indoors or via mailed kits for virtual play.
Why it works for teams: Broadens sensory awareness and fosters collaborative problem-solving.
11. Scavenger Hunt Bingo
Transform the traditional scavenger hunt into a game of chance and strategy with Scavenger Hunt Bingo.
Teams receive bingo cards listing items or personal traits, aiming to find matches and achieve a winning line first.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Hand out bingo cards with customized prompts.
- Search for matching people, places, or objects.
- Shout "Bingo!" and verify before awarding a win.
Group Size: 5–30 participants
Adaptation: Works in-office, for remote teams, or mixed environments.
Why it works for teams: Encourages networking, conversation, and a playful challenge.
12. Seasonal Themed Hunt
This Seasonal Themed Hunt is the perfect team-building activity for a special occasion. Adapt it to suit the date: Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, 4th of July, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Participants use smartphones to take photos based on clues or prompts, promoting storytelling and out-of-the-box thinking.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Choose a seasonal theme and prepare clues.
- Teams locate themed items or complete holiday tasks.
- Present photos or results for scoring.
Group Size: 8–25 participants
Adaptation: Works for in-person, online, or hybrid seasonal celebrations.
Why it works for teams: Boosts morale, celebrates shared culture, and builds festive spirit.
13. Creative Corner Hunt
Challenge your team's artistic side with this art-fueled team-building activity. Teams hunt for artistic expressions hidden in the workplace, spotting quotes, artworks, and creative details, before adding their own original touch.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Search the office for inspiring visual or artistic elements.
- Complete creative challenges like recreating famous artwork or building group art pieces.
- Present artistic finds and creations to the group.
Group Size: 6–15 participants
Adaptation: Works in-person or hybrid with photo/video submissions.
Why it works for teams: Fosters creativity, visual inspiration, and collaborative spirit.
14. Time it Right Hunt
High-energy scavenger hunt with a ticking clock—teams solve puzzles, find items, and complete challenges before time runs out.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide teams with a set list of timed challenges.
- Track countdowns and verify completed tasks.
- Award points based on speed and accuracy.
Group Size: 6–20 participants
Adaptation: Works indoors or online with digital countdowns.
Why it works for teams: Builds focus under pressure, sharpens decision-making, and energizes participants.
15. Challenging Technology Time Hunt
Make the most of the digital age with your team on this tech-focused indoor scavenger hunt! Teams explore workplace spaces to identify tech gadgets from multiple decades, complete tech trivia, and photograph quirky device setups.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Share a tech-themed clue list and trivia prompts.
- Hunt items and capture creative documentation.
- Present oldest/most modern finds and completed trivia answers.
Group Size: 8–20 participants
Common Issues: Limited variety of tech gear in smaller offices.
Why it works for teams: Encourages innovative thinking, tech knowledge, and shared exploration.
5 Outdoor Adventure Ideas
If you’re planning on gathering your team for a scavenger hunt and need a break from the office, why not hold it in an inspiring location? Outdoor activities offer a change of scenery that can be a booster for innovation and teamwork. These are our favorite Outdoor Adventure Ideas:
16. Beach Scavenger Hunt
Every team loves a beach day, but you’re about to make it an exciting adventure of discovery and team bonding. This outdoor activity combines seaside exploration with team challenges. Seaside adventure where teams collect visual evidence of beach treasures, wildlife, and creative sand-based challenges.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Distribute beach-specific task lists.
- Photograph finds and complete challenges like sandcastle building.
- Share results and vote on the most creative entries.
Group Size: 6–20 participants.
Adaptation: Works for seaside teams or virtual with past photo submissions.
Why it works for teams: Combines outdoor fun with collaboration and environmental awareness.
17. Travel Scavenger Hunt
Turns a team trip or outing into an observational challenge, encouraging participants to spot and document unique landmarks and moments.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide participants with travel-based clue prompts.
- Capture photos or short videos of discoveries.
- Share findings at day’s end.
Group Size: 4–15 participants
Adaptation: Works for in-person trips or virtual “armchair travel” hunts.
Why it works for teams: Encourages mindful observation, storytelling, and cultural curiosity.
18. GPS Scavenger Hunt
Time to explore your city on an outstanding GPS-guided scavenger hunt.
A city-wide hunt guided by GPS coordinates where teams locate attractions, complete site-specific challenges, and document proof.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Share GPS coordinates for each clue.
- Navigate to destinations and complete corresponding challenges.
- Upload proof of visits for scoring.
Group Size: 5–18 participants
Adaptation: Fully in-person or hybrid with virtual map tools.
Why it works for teams: Promotes navigation skills, city discovery, and tech confidence.
19. Fun Zoo Scavenger Hunt
A Zoo Scavenger Hunt can be an educational and entertaining adventure, combining animal observation with challenges and learning opportunities. Teams explore the zoo to identify species, gather fun facts, document animal behavior, and complete themed challenges.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide species lists and activity prompts.
- Observe, photograph, or video-specific animals.
- Share findings and facts with the group.
Group Size: 8–25 participants
Adaptation: In-person or virtual tour-based play.
Why it works for teams: Combines education, fun, and teamwork in a lively setting.
20. Nature Scavenger Hunt Experience
Immerse your employees in outdoor exploration and get familiar with nature.
Outdoor exploration focused on spotting, collecting, and artistically presenting elements of the natural environment.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Assign nature-based clue lists or species to locate.
- Document and collect allowed natural items.
- Create a mini display or presentation of findings.
Group Size: 6–20 participants
Adaptation: Works in-person or virtually via nature photos near participants’ homes.
Why it works for teams: Builds ecological awareness, appreciation for nature, and team cooperation.
3 Best Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Remote teams are eager to participate in thrilling challenges and team bonding exercises, and scavenger hunts are no exception! Gather your team on a video conferencing platform and get hunting! These are our top ideas for Virtual Scavenger Hunts:
Virtual Scavenger Hunt Table
Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ideas
| Scavenger Hunt |
Duration (mins) |
Participants |
Difficulty |
| Beach Hunt |
120 |
6-20 |
Medium |
| Travel Hunt |
180 |
4-15 |
Medium |
| GPS Hunt |
120 |
5-18 |
Hard |
| Zoo Hunt |
150 |
8-25 |
Easy |
| Nature Hunt |
90 |
6-20 |
Medium |
21. Virtual Office Scavenger Hunt
Virtual Office Scavenger Hunts make remote work environments turn into team-building opportunities with this digital twist on the classic scavenger hunt. Remote teams explore their home offices to find unique items, share stories, and showcase creative “work from home” moments via video calls.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Distribute a list of home-office themed prompts.
- Search and present items on a video conference.
- Vote for the most unique, funny, or meaningful finds.
Group Size: 5–20 participants
Adaptation: Fully virtual or hybrid with some participants in-office.
Why it works for teams: Strengthens personal connections and bridges the physical gap for remote workers.
22. Meme Scavenger Hunt
Immerse your team members in digital culture with this modern, humor-focused hunt.
Teams collect, create, and share memes that match humorous, work-related, or culture-specific prompts to spark laughter and creativity.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Provide meme prompts or categories.
- Search online or create original memes.
- Share and vote for the funniest or most on-point entries.
Group Size: 4–30 participants
Adaptation: Works for virtual, hybrid, or in-person meme challenges.
Why it works for teams: Encourages humor, digital literacy, and cultural bonding.
23. Inbox Scavenger Hunt
Emails can be a real headache, so you'd better turn your inbox into a team-building experience.
Turns email inboxes into a playful challenge by finding unique messages, clearing clutter, and sharing surprising discoveries.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Share email-based prompts with criteria.
- Search inboxes and document findings.
- Present the most interesting or unusual results.
Group Size: 6–20 participants
Adaptation: Designed for remote or hybrid teams.
Why it works for teams: Boosts organization, sparks fun discoveries, and reveals communication patterns.
Educational Treasure Hunt Ideas
Who said fun can’t be educational? Scavenger hunts and treasure hunts can include a variety of physical and mental challenges that challenge your team’s problem-solving skills or even job-related qualities. Why not explore their professional competencies while still bonding with each other? Check out our top choices for Educational Hunt Ideas!
24. Skill-Based Challenge Hunt
This innovative indoor scavenger hunt is an interactive game focused on learning, where employees participate in several skill-focused exercises.
Stations test specific professional skills through role-play, problem-solving tasks, and industry-related puzzles.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Set up stations or virtual breakout rooms for each skill area.
- Teams rotate through, completing assigned skill challenges.
- Score performance and celebrate top results.
Group Size: 8–25 participants
Adaptation: Works in-person with stations or virtually via online tasks.
Why it works for teams: Reinforces real-world skills while blending learning with teamwork.
25. Knowledge Expedition Hunt
Knowledge Expedition Hunt is an immersive and educational scavenger hunt where learning becomes an interactive adventure.
An interdisciplinary adventure where teams solve challenges that blend science, history, art, business, and technology.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Set up themed stations or digital modules for each knowledge area.
- Solve progressively harder challenges linking multiple disciplines.
- Present final solutions or creations to the group.
Group Size: 10–30 participants
Adaptation: Works in-person, virtual, or hybrid with mixed teams.
Why it works for teams: Encourages interdisciplinary thinking, deep collaboration, and complex problem-solving.
Wrapping Up
Scavenger hunts are far more than diversions. When carefully planned and implemented, they become tools for strengthening team cohesion, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and encouraging creative collaboration. Suitable for in-person, hybrid, and remote settings, each format can be tailored to your team’s needs. It doesn't matter if it’s exploring a nearby park, rediscovering overlooked corners of the office, or participating in a virtual quest from home: these team-building activities engage participants, foster learning, and encourage a healthy, motivating sense of competition.
Their versatility also makes them valuable for professional development. Scavenger hunts can incorporate industry knowledge, cross-disciplinary challenges, and real-world problem scenarios, turning learning into an engaging, results-oriented experience rather than a task to complete.
At TeamOut, we bring unrivaled expertise to the table, with over 1,000 corporate retreats and team events successfully organized and a client satisfaction rate of 95%. Our network of more than 4,000 vetted venues allows us to save our clients up to 30 hours of planning and research. In short, we ensure that every detail aligns with your goals.
If you are ready to strengthen your team’s culture and engagement, let us handle the logistics while you focus on the outcomes. Schedule a free consultation with one of our planners today, and we will design a tailored scavenger hunt or corporate retreat that delivers measurable value.
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