Plan a 4 July Scavenger Hunt (With FREE Printable)

Planning a backyard BBQ or block party this Independence Day?

Add a little adventure to your celebration with a 4th of July scavenger hunt! It’s a fun, screen-free way to entertain kids—and even adults might want to join in. Best of all, it works perfectly in small spaces like a backyard, a cul-de-sac, or a quiet neighborhood block.

How to Play

Print out the scavenger hunt list (we’ve made it simple with two different free printables below!), grab a pencil or crayon, and let the kids start hunting! You can make it competitive by seeing who finishes the list first—or play at a relaxed pace throughout the day.

Supplies Needed:
- Scavenger hunt sheet
- Pencil or marker
- Clipboard
- Optional: small prizes or treats for everyone who completes it!

Adapting for Different Age Groups

For Toddlers & Preschoolers:
Stick to visuals. Use a picture-based version of the list. Let them spot items with an adult helping check them off.
For School-Aged Kids:
Use the full list with simple reading prompts. Add a few slightly challenging items like spotting a specific color combo or finding a neighbor with a flag pin.
For Tweens & Teens:
Add photo tasks! Ask them to snap a picture of a patriotic pet, a red drink, or a backyard game in action. You can also turn it into a team relay.

4th of July Scavenger Hunt List

We have two different versions of our scavenger hunt, the Kid’s Edition suitable for those under 10 years of age and your over 10’s can likely jump into the Teen Edition.

a printable kids scavenger hunt with items you would find on 4 july

a printable teenagers scavenger hunt for 4 july

All our printables are free this month while we are still establishing our shop! Click on the images above to grab your free printables now!!

Prize Ideas

Keeping it simple, some easy small prizes could include:

Red, white & blue stickers
Mini flags or pinwheels
Glow sticks for the evening
A treat from the dessert table

Ready to play? Download the free printable scavenger hunt checklist and celebrate with fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition!

children holding an american plag with text overlay how to plan the perfect 4 July scavenger hunt

More 4th of July Party Inspiration

If you’d like more ideas to plan a 4th of July celebration this year, you might also want to check out:

Our complete 4 July party planning companion; this includes template ideas for your 4th of July party invitations, set-up ideas, dealing with pets, protecting your home, and so much more!
Looking for some inspiring food ideas? We’ve rounded up a collection of insta-perfect red, white and blue dishes you can serve up for a patriotic party this summer.
Or pop over to the recipe section of our blog with even more colorful and summery ideas for serving up to a crowd.
Will you be the guest this year rather than the host? Bring more than just a plate to share. Here are some thoughtful hostess gift ideas for 4 July

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