National Scavenger Hunt Day is a holiday that falls on May 24th every year. It’s a day when people are encouraged to organize or participate in scavenger hunts with their friends, family members, or perhaps even members of the larger community. It can be celebrated with something as simple as staging a scavenger hunt with your children or something as complex as throwing a scavenger hunt that involves people in your community. Regardless of how you celebrate it, it’s certainly going to be a day of fun and games.

The History of Scavenger Hunts

Although scavenger hunts have been played for thousands of years and started out as simple folk games, there is one person who is credited with the popularization of the modern scavenger hunt. This person was Elsa Maxwell, an American author, actress, songwriter, screenwriter, gossip columnist, and even a radio personality. She was known for throwing elaborate parties for celebrities, politicians, and the elite of New York during the 1930s.

She would often stage scavenger hunts where people had to go all over town to collect items on a list, and the first person to complete the list would win. Players weren’t allowed to buy the objects; instead, they had to beg, borrow, work, or even barter for them. Another feature of some of these scavenger hunts was the addition of riddles that could increase the difficulty of the hunt.

So, how did May 24th become National Scavenger Hunt Day? Well, we know that the date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Elsa Maxwell. She was born on May 24, 1883, in Keokuk, Iowa. However, what we don’t know is when people started celebrating this holiday.

Some Facts About Scavenger Hunts

Regardless of whether you’re looking for some fast facts about scavenger hunts or want some tips to make your hunts more fun, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve listed some tips and facts about scavenger hunts that we think everyone can enjoy.

• Scavenger hunts don’t have to be competitive; they can also be collaborative.
• During team scavenger hunts, different players can take on different roles (puzzle solver, team leader, etc.).
• Both adults and children can play this wholesome game.

Observing National Scavenger Hunt Day

There are many ways that National Scavenger Hunt Day can be celebrated. You can start an Elsa Maxwell-inspired scavenger hunt and have your friends and family search for things off a list. Or, you can hide items in your backyard and have your children search for them.

Scavenger hunts are also a good way for employers to boost employee engagement. You can have employees look for items located around the office or give them riddles that they have to solve. And while you’re celebrating this holiday, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalScavengerHuntDay and let everyone else in on the fun.