Rebus Scavenger Hunt Clues
Rebus clues turn words into visual puzzles by changing their position, size, order, or sound. They are especially effective as short challenge cards between ordinary location clues.
Ages 10+Best for
Visual word puzzlesStyle
Medium to hardDifficulty
Bonus or route cluesUse
Use one visual rule at a time
A word written repeatedly can mean “again and again.” One word placed beneath another can mean “under.” Large and small text can suggest “big” and “little.” Keep each card focused on one clear relationship.
Connect the solved phrase to a location
The rebus answer should point naturally toward the next hiding place. “Reading between the lines” may lead to a bookshelf, while “under cover” may lead beneath a blanket. Do not require a second unrelated leap after the rebus is solved.
Printable Hunt List
Use the checklist below as written or cross out any prompt that does not fit your location.
- HEAD HEELS with HEAD printed above HEELS — answer: head over heels
- CYCLE CYCLE CYCLE — answer: tricycle
- READING placed between two horizontal lines — answer: reading between the lines
- STAND written beneath the word I — answer: I understand
- MAN written over BOARD — answer: man overboard
- YOU JUST ME — answer: just between you and me
- ECNALG — answer: backward glance
- 0 M.D. PH.D. — answer: two degrees below zero
- JOBINJOB — answer: in between jobs
- DECI SION — answer: split decision
- CLOSE written very far from HOME — answer: close to home
- CHAIR with the word ARM on both sides — answer: armchair