Elf Scavenger Hunt
scavenger hunt · ages 4-10 · easy
Editorial team · Published October 3, 2026
Add a name, change the title, edit the list and print your own version — free, in your browser.
Your little ones will love this Elf Scavenger Hunt Checklist! The title sits in a cheerful colored banner at the top, with the clear instruction "Check off each one you find!" underneath. This free printable features a checklist of 12 distinct elf hiding spots, each with its own checkbox. From "Toy Box" and "Big Book" to "Green Plant" and "Laundry Basket," the varied locations offer a delightful challenge, making each satisfying checkmark feel like a real discovery.
Encourage your child to look for their elf in an organized way, perhaps by starting at one end of a room and systematically scanning for each item on the list. This visual checklist helps children focus their search, ensuring they don't miss a single potential hiding spot. It also reinforces the idea of working through a task step-by-step, building a sense of accomplishment as they tick off each location.
For a fun group activity, print a checklist for each child and have them race to see who can find their elf in all 12 spots first. This adds a friendly competitive element and makes the hunt even more engaging. It's a wonderful way to encourage visual discrimination and reading comprehension in a playful setting.
Teacher notes
Skills practiced
- Observation and attention to detail
- Vocabulary and reading short item names
- Following a checklist to completion
- Teamwork and turn-taking in a small group
Suggested use in class
- Walk-and-find around the playground or school grounds
- Indoor version: hide the items in the classroom before students arrive
Time estimate
15–20 minutes
Materials
- Printed page
- Pencil or crayon
- Clipboard (optional)
Download & print — it's free
US Letter (8.5×11"). Print at home, no sign-up needed.
Tip: set your printer to “Fit to page” for best results.
More printables you'll like
Frequently asked questions
Where can we play this scavenger hunt?
Wherever its theme fits: every item on the Elf Scavenger Hunt is something kids spot on their own, not something an adult hides first, so there is nothing to set up. Read the list together first so younger kids know what they're hunting for, then let them lead.
Can we reuse the hunt more than once?
Yes — laminate a copy and check items off with a dry-erase marker, then wipe it clean for the next round. The same list plays differently on another day, because the finds are rarely the same twice, and a second round against a timer (or with siblings racing each other) keeps it fresh.
What grip should my preschooler be using?
Many preschoolers still use a whole-fist grip, and that's fine — it usually matures into a tripod grip by age 5 without drilling. Short crayon stubs (really) nudge fingers into the right position naturally.
Will it print okay in black and white?
Yes — the printable itself is black line art on a white background, so any printer handles it, including basic laser printers. Set your printer to grayscale or "black ink only" to save color ink; the page will look exactly the same.