Costco Scavenger Hunt for Kids - free printable!

Want to make a boring Costco trip more fun? Check out our Costco Scavenger Hunt for kids! Grab the free printable and transform your errand into a celebration!

Errands are an unavoidable part of life. Sometimes, kids are down to hang, but sometimes they are bored and restless.

And I don't blame them, I'm bored too!

But, I have been working on simple ways to turn mundane tasks like grocery shopping into exciting adventures for kids - and their parents!

Today I am excited to share a Costco scavenger hunt. This simple activity is a great way to help your kids find the joy in every day activities and to foster their creativity!

The Costco Scavenger Hunt Experience

A trip to Costco is a treasure hunt, even for adults on a good day. There are so many products and so many things to see.

Plus, hopping from sample cart to sample cart is better than most treasures.

My kids are easily overwhelmed in a place like Costco. Having a structured activity - like a printed scavenger hunt - helps to calm everyone down and make the trip more fun for the whole family.

To make this as kid-friendly as possible, the scavenger hunt itself is completely visual, so kids who cannot read can still participate independently.

I also included a second page, which has some written ideas for additional games to play at Costco with kids. These include:

• Counting Challenge: Count how many shopping carts (or any item!) you see in a specific area.
• Alphabet Hunt: Find items that start with each letter of the alphabet (A for apples, B for bread, etc.)
• Price Guessing Game: Guess the total price of a small list of items. The closest guess wins!
• Sensory Hunt: Find items with different textures, smells, or colors.
• Creative Packaging: Find a product with creative packaging and discuss why it's interesting.
• Healthy vs. Treats: Identify healthy items versus treats in different aisles.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Help someone put back a heavy item or hold the door open for another shopper.

These are just some additional ways to make a boring Costco trip more fun.

The Ultimate Costco Scavenger Hunt Checklist

Want to make your own Costco scavenger hunt? Try to include something from each section of the store.

• Fresh Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, etc.
• Snacks: Popcorn, granola bars, crackers, etc.
• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
• Bakery Items: Bread, cookies, muffins, etc.
• Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, lettuce, etc.
• Cereal Aisle: Find a specific cereal box.
• Drinks: Juice boxes, bottled water, etc.
• Frozen Foods: Ice cream, frozen veggies, etc.
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.
• Books/Magazines: Visit the book/magazine section and find a children's book.
• Seasonal Items: Depending on the time of year, find a seasonal item (e.g., Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations).
• Electronics: Locate a specific electronic item like headphones or a tablet.
• Office Supplies: Find colored pencils, markers, or a notebook.
• Clothing Section: Find a specific clothing item like a kid's shirt or dress.
• Pet Supplies: If your Costco has a pet section, find a pet toy or treat.
• Home Appliances: Locate a small home appliance like a blender or toaster.

Tips for a Successful Scavenger Hunt

Here are a few practical tips and suggestions for parents to ensure a smooth and enjoyable scavenger hunt experience for their children:

Organizing the Scavenger Hunt:

• Plan Ahead: Before heading to Costco, print the scavenger hunt. You can always display the PDF on a phone or tablet if you don't have a printer handy.
• Assign Roles: If you have multiple children, assign roles to each child, such as a "navigator" and a "checker." This fosters teamwork and ensures everyone actively participates.
• Set Ground Rules: Establish clear rules for the scavenger hunt, including boundaries within the store, respectful behavior, and how items are to be approached and examined.
• Supervise Closely: Keep a watchful eye on your children throughout the scavenger hunt to ensure their safety and to help them if they need assistance.

Managing Expectations:

• Be Realistic: Set realistic expectations about the duration of the scavenger hunt and the number of items to find. Avoid overwhelming children with a lengthy list, especially if they are younger.
• Celebrate Small Achievements: Celebrate each item found or challenge completed. Positive reinforcement keeps children motivated and excited about the activity.
• Be Flexible: Understand that not every item on the list might be available or suitable for the scavenger hunt. Be ready to adapt the list on the spot based on what's available in the store.

Adapting the Activity Based on Age and Interests:

• Age-Appropriate Challenges: Tailor challenges and tasks to match the age and abilities of your children. Younger children might enjoy simple counting tasks, while older kids can handle more complex challenges.
• Personalize the Hunt: Incorporate your child's interests into the scavenger hunt. If they love animals, include pet-related items. Personalization makes the activity more engaging and enjoyable.
• Encourage Creativity: Allow older children to create their challenges or find unique items related to a specific theme. This encourages creativity and critical thinking.
• Stay Patient and Supportive: Every child has a different pace. Some may finish quickly, while others might take more time. Be patient, offer support, and celebrate each child's progress, regardless of the speed.

By following these tips, parents can create a positive and enjoyable scavenger hunt experience for their children, fostering not only a sense of excitement during the activity but also creating lasting memories of fun family adventures.

Remember - just because errands have to be done, doesn't mean that they have to be a fight. Infusing a little fun into the situation will have your kids begging to return next time!