Elf Scavenger Hunt With Free Printable Clues (For 2026)

[Jennifer Kropf]

Looking to add some extra excitement to your elf’s visit?

This free printable Elf scavenger hunt, complete with fun clues, will have your kids eagerly searching for their elf!


It’s a great way to shake things up and keep the holiday magic alive. Your kids will have a blast with this easy, indoor scavenger hunt that ends with the discovery of their elf!

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no cost to you. See my disclaimer for more.

Why you should use this Elf Scavenger Hunt​

• It’s FREE!

• Your kids will love hunting for their mischievous hiding elf

• The setup is quick and easy.

• There’s no cleanup! (ALWAYS a bonus!)

What’s not to love?!

Instructions for Your Elf Scavenger Hunt​

Here’s what to do:

1. Sign up below and then download the cards.

2. Cut them out.

3. Hold onto the first card, and hide every other card according to where the card before tells you to go. If you do it in order, here’s where they go:

• CARD 1: Give to child/children

• HIDING SPOT 1: Bathroom (CARD 2)

• HIDING SPOT 2: Under the tree (CARD 3)

• HIDING SPOT 3: Under a table chair (CARD 4)

• HIDING SPOT 4: In cabinet or pantry by the syrup (CARD 5)

• HIDING SPOT 5: In bathtub or shower (CARD 6)

• HIDING SPOT 6: By the art supplies (CARD 7)

• HIDING SPOT 7: Under the kitchen sink (CARD 8)

• HIDING SPOT 8: On a bookcase in a child’s bedroom (CARD 9)

• HIDING SPOT 9: By stockings (CARD 10)

• HIDING SPOT 10: In the oven (CARD 11)

• HIDING SPOT 11: In the fridge (CARD 12)

• HIDING SPOT 12: By the shoes (CARD 13)

• HIDING SPOT 13: By or in the washing machine (CARD 14)

• HIDING SPOT 14: In the freezer (CARD 15)

• HIDING SPOT 15: Behind a couch pillow (CARD 16)

• HIDING SPOT 16: In the clothes dryer- Find the elf hiding here!

Pro Tip: To make the hunt more difficult for older kids, get creative with your hiding spots! Hide the cards under and inside objects instead of in plain sight.

3. Next, give your child (or children) the first card. Then, watch as they scurry through the house in excitement.

Read on for the pdf and more easy and creative elf ideas!

Get the FREE Elf Scavenger Hunt Printable​

This file is large! So to grab the Elf Scavenger Hunt printable cards, sign up below and I’ll send them straight to you.


Related: Christmas Charades Cards


Additional Christmas Printables:

• This or That Questions: Christmas Style!
• Christmas-Themed Scavenger Hunt
• Who Is Most Like An Elf? game

Bonus Elf Fun​

Looking for more ways to keep your kids thrilled when their elf visits? It doesn’t have to be hard.

• Check out these fun and creative printable Elf props that will keep your elf up to all kinds of playful mischief.

• Print and cut these elf notes for more easy elf entertainment!

Discover your own hilarious Christmas elf name too!

What’s Next?​

Make more memories with your kids this holiday season. Enter your email below for more free printables and holiday activities.



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