Are some of the tried and true treasure hunts becoming old around your house? Want to do something fun with some of the kids in the neighborhood this summer? How about using your pool for an underwater treasure hunt?
If you don’t have a pool at home, I know that the YMCA close to my house, it costs next to nothing to rent out the pool for an hour or two (ten bucks, maybe). Get the parents to come along and bring some of the toys that junior doesn’t play with anymore.
Scratch that. Don’t have them bring the toys to the party; have them bring them all to your house a few days BEFORE the hunt. That way, you can scatter all the toys in the pool before everyone starts showing up. Make an actual “treasure hunt” out of it; if anyone finds a toy, they get to KEEP it, with an agreed upon maximum.
I always tell people to invite the adults along, but especially in this case: you don’t want the responsibility of watching a ton of children swimming in a pool. Remember, you’re not only going to have to play lifeguard, but you’re going to have to be mom or dad for the hunt, too. If the other adults are there, that takes a lot of the pressure off YOU.
I think this whole idea a great way to get rid of some of the silly toys your son or daughter doesn’t play with anymore, yet another child can benefit from it.
Just remember not to throw electronics into the pool.
And if your kid doesn’t play with the cat much anymore, that doesn’t count, either.