Monster Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to the Monster Scavenger Hunt, an exciting adventure inspired by the book I Want My Monsters Back.

This activity takes young adventurers on a journey to discover hidden monsters, solve puzzles and learn more about the creatures in the book.

Perfect for parties, classrooms or family fun, this scavenger hunt encourages cooperation, creativity and a touch of monstrous mischief!

Monstrous fun!

Simon & Hildert

How to set up the Scavenger Hunt

Choose your location: the Monster Scavenger Hunt can take place indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both, depending on space and weather.
Hide the Monster Cards: use the postcards, the cards from the deck of cards or print your own images of the monsters. Place them in strategic places as clues or end goals.
Create clues and tasks: write riddles, challenges or puzzles that lead children from one place to another. Each clue should match the monsters' characteristics or theme.
Decorate the room: add monster decorations to immerse children in the monster world (e.g. monster footsteps, spider webs or glowing eyes in dark corners).

Ideas for the Scavenger Hunt

Monster match clues

Set-up: hide a card with a sample in a specific location. The clue should refer to the behaviour or properties of the sample.

Example: for the monster Get, the clue could be: ‘This monster likes to grab and collect things. Find where treasures can be kept!’

Task: when children find the card, they must describe or reenact the monster before they are allowed to move on to the next clue.

Monster Challenges

Setup: add mini-games or challenges that children have to complete before getting the next clue.

Sample task: ‘To cheer up Tearbeard, share something happy! Everyone must name one thing that makes you happy before you are allowed to move on.’

Variation: use tasks such as solving riddles, building a monster out of blocks, or drawing your own monster to progress.

Hidden Monster Footprints

Set-up: make monster footsteps that lead to the next hiding spot.

Example: for Blaze, the footsteps could look like charred or smoky tracks. Add a clue such as: ‘This monster leaves a fiery trail wherever it goes. Follow the ash to find where it is hiding!’

Collect Monster Parts

Set-up: scatter ‘Monster parts’ throughout the area (e.g. paper eyes, tails or claws).

Goal: children collect parts to ‘build’ their own monster at the end. Each part can include a fun fact or question about a specific monster from the book.

Monster Riddles

Set-up: write riddles about the monsters and their properties that lead to the next clue.

Example: for Daze, the riddle could be: ‘I have words I want to share, But I swallow them - I dare not tell. Find me where secrets are hidden, Far away from light, where silence remains small!’

Monster Treasure Map

Setup: provide a map with clues or symbols marking locations where monsters are hidden.

Variation: children can collect all the monsters to unlock a ‘final treasure’ (e.g. a small prize or monstrous treats).

Het Last Monster's Den

Set-up: end the scavenger hunt in a ‘Monster Hole’ where the final monster awaits.

Idea: transform a room or space into a spooky or magical environment where the children can celebrate their success.