Looking for a fun way to celebrate the last day of summer before school starts? This Last Day of Summer Treasure Hunt for Kids is the perfect way to end summer vacation with one final adventure!
I created this treasure hunt for the kids I nanny but it would also be perfect for an end of summer camp, homeschool activity, day camps, or just a fun game for an afternoon babysitter.
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This free printable treasure hunt is designed for kids around ages 9–10 and includes fun, kid-friendly riddles that have them thinking, solving clues, and searching around the house. It’s a simple back-to-school activity that turns the last day of summer into a memorable adventure.
Just print and cut! No prep!
☀️ Why Kids Will Love This Last Day of Summer Treasure Hunt
The last day of summer can bring mixed feelings. Kids may be excited about seeing friends and starting a new school year, but saying goodbye to summer vacation can be tough!
This summer treasure hunt for kids gives them one last fun activity before school begins.
Instead of simply telling kids that summer is over, turn the day into a mission. They’ll follow a series of riddles, search for hidden clues, and eventually discover their final surprise.
It’s a great activity for:
- Last day of summer
- Back-to-school week
- Summer camp
- Babysitting activities
- Nanny activities
- Family activities
- Kids’ parties
- Elementary school activities
- End-of-summer celebrations
🎒 A Fun Back-to-School Activity
This isn’t just a regular treasure hunt. The clues have a back-to-school theme, making it a fun transition from summer vacation to the new school year.
The riddles lead kids to different locations around the house, including places connected to their everyday routines and favorite summer activities.
The clues are short enough for kids to read themselves while still being challenging enough to make them stop and think.
🧩 Treasure Hunt for 9–10 Year Olds
Finding the right treasure hunt for older kids can be tricky. Younger children may need very obvious clues, while older elementary kids want something they can actually solve.
These clues are written as short riddles with a little wordplay, making them a great fit for kids around 9 and 10 years old.
For example, instead of simply saying “Go to the refrigerator,” the clue gives them hints about what the object does and lets them figure out the answer themselves.
This makes the activity feel more like a real mystery treasure hunt.
😆 A Fun Squishy Toy Clue
One of the clues sends kids to their squishy toys!
If your kids love squishies, this is a fun way to include one of their favorite toys in the treasure hunt.
The clue challenges them to think about something that’s soft, squeezable, and fun to play with before they figure out where to search next.
📦 End the Hunt With a Summer Time Capsule
The final clue has a special purpose: it sends kids to their summer time capsule.
This is such a fun way to finish the last day of summer because it gives kids a chance to look back at all the memories they’ve made.
A summer time capsule could include:
- Photos
- Drawings
- Favorite summer memories
- Notes
- Small souvenirs
- Ticket stubs
- Friendship notes
- A list of favorite summer activities
The final clue says:
Summer memories, saved away—
It makes the treasure hunt more than just a game. It becomes a little end-of-summer memory activity that kids can look back on later.
🏆 What Should You Put at the End of the Treasure Hunt?
You can keep the final treasure simple. It doesn’t need to be expensive!
Try adding:
- 🍬 Favorite candy
- 🍦 Ice cream money or a gift card
- ✏️ New school supplies
- 🎨 A small craft kit
- 🎮 A small toy
- 🎬 A movie night coupon
- 🍿 Favorite movie snacks
- 🎟️ A coupon for a special activity
You could even make the treasure a “Last Day of Summer” basket filled with a few small surprises.
💛 Reflect on Summer Before School Starts
After the treasure hunt, take a few minutes to talk about the summer.
Ask the kids:
What was your favorite summer memory?
What was the funniest thing that happened this summer?
What was your favorite place you visited?
What activity did you enjoy the most?
What are you excited about for the new school year?
These simple questions are a great way to help kids reflect on their summer while getting them excited about the next chapter.
📥 Get the Free Printable
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