Play With Your Food: Pool of Popcorn Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Looking for a unique, delicious, and educational activity for the kids this summer? Turn a kiddie pool or large basin into a popcorn-filled scavenger hunt for them to dive and dig in to!

For this kid-friendly activity, we used just one tub of our 20 gallon popcorn and yielded a full day of family fun and snacking. We created special scavenger hunt sheets and printed enough for each child to have their own; the sheets were printed in black and white giving the little ones the opportunity to get artistic and color them in!

To make this an educational experience, pick a theme for your scavenger items and pair it with a mini lesson. For example, if you are asking children to find items in certain colors, pair it with a quick lesson on color combinations (i.e. blue + yellow = green).

Scavenger Hunt Theme Ideas:
Find the letters or numbers (using foam shapes)
Find the animal (plastic animal toys)
Find the color

Alternatively, if planning a party with a theme, pick scavenger hunt props that fit the bill such as characters from the movie or paraphernalia relating to the topic.

Supplies for Pool of Popcorn Scavenger Hunt

20 gallons of Popcorn
Kiddie pool or large basin
Plastic or foil lining
Scavenger hunt items
Scavenger hunt sheet (download the one we used here)

Directions for Pool of Popcorn Scavenger Hunt

First, line your pool or basin with a plastic or foil liner. This is to ensure easy cleanup after the activity. Then, dump half of your popcorn into the pool or basin.

Throw your scavenger hunt items into the popcorn. Then, cover with the rest of the popcorn.

Now your popcorn pool is ready for some snacking-filled scavenger fun!

Here are some photos of this creative activity for kids in action:

The kids first gather around to examine the surroundings.

Now, it’s time to start searching for the treasures listed in the scavenger key!

Our famous scoop boxes make it easy to sift through all the popcorn goodness!

A participant records his progress as he makes his way through the hunt.

After the scavenger hunt is over, it’s time to celebrate…

…with more crunchy, buttery, irresistible popcorn!