Buried Treasure

[30 Minutes]

Whether at the beach or in the snow – buried treasures are always exciting and involve lots of activity as we race to get to the treasure before anyone else! This buried treasure hunt requires a little more than the regular hunt to keep you moving and on your toes!

You'll need:

• snow, sand or dirt within a large enough area to run around in (either your backyard, a park or a beach if you’re in a warmer climate) • 2 small plastic shovels • 2 small to medium size boxes to be used as the treasure chests • 2 prizes to put into the treasure boxes (a new toothbrush and small tube of kids’ toothpaste, or fruit flavored lip balm, or stickers)

What to do:

1. Explain to your child that the object of the game is to bury a “treasure chest” then challenge each other to do what it takes to reach the chest and uncover it to get your prize!
2. With your child, gather everything you'll need.

How to play:

1. Designate an area to have your treasure hunt. Be sure to be clear about boundaries – especially if at the beach or a park.
2. Invite your child to put the prizes in the treasure chests. Then, mix them up and let your child pick one to bury.
3. Let your child take the shovel and pick a spot where she will bury the treasure. Starting back to back – each of you will walk with your shovels and treasures 10 paces, counting out loud – then five paces counting out loud, then 3 paces, counting out loud so each of you can hear. Guide your child through the counting.
4. When done pacing – bury your treasures. (Don’t peek!)
5. When each of you is finished – holler – “The treasure is buried!” and run back to your starting point.
6. To find the treasures – the person who buried the treasure must put the treasure hunter through the paces – telling them what they must do in order to get closer to the treasure to ultimately uncover it!
7. You may wish to choose three different activities or movements such as: 3 cart wheels or somersaults, then 6 hops, then crawl on your hands and knees for 10 seconds.
8. When the treasure hunter has met the requirements – the treasure can be uncovered and opened!

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Was it fun burying the treasure? What did you like about this?
• Did you like burying it or uncovering it better?
• What other treasures could we bury?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity provides experiences for developing large muscle skills and creative thinking skills.