Which clue card goes where?

The picture on a card shows where the player goes next. It does not show where that same card should be hidden.

This is the easiest part of a treasure hunt to mix up. If you put a sofa card at the sofa, the player may find a clue that only tells them to stay where they are. Build the trail from destinations first, then place each next card one step earlier.

A complete six-stop example

Our illustrated sample visits the sofa cushions, bookshelf, shoe rack, toy basket, pillow, and dining chair. Set it up like this:

Hide backward if that feels easier

Put the finish card at the final destination first. Then put the last clue at the previous destination, and keep moving backward until card 1 is the only card left in your hand. The numbered plan in your PDF lists the same arrangement from the start.

Give similar spots distinct names

“Chair” can mean several things. Use “blue dining chair” or “chair beside the window” on your setup sheet, and choose a photo that shows the difference. The builder asks for distinct spot names so that your hiding instructions remain clear.

When you reorder spots, the setup plan changes too. Download a new PDF after changing the route. Do not mix old cards with a new plan, because the numbers may now point through a different sequence.

Walk the trail before the children start

1. Read or look at card 1 and go to its destination.
2. Check that card 2 is actually there and can be found without climbing or moving heavy objects.
3. Repeat until you reach the finish card.
4. Keep the setup page for yourself; it contains the answers.

For a group, let one person carry the current card and another look for the next one, then swap. You can supervise the activity without racing children through the house. Keep every hiding place safe and accessible.