There is simplicity to a scavenger hunt that can only be appreciated by a grown-up trying to find a remedy for a precocious — or bored — toddler. Children have a need for wanting to help, and the idea of gathering a bunch of items in a bag and returning them to Grandma is appealing to their desire to contribute. Moreover, a scavenger hunt is flexible. It can be done inside, outdoors, or online.

Although scavenger hunts are often played as a race, or for points, you can easily eliminate the competition component and have a simple game by merely making lists for a child, or children, and telling them what to look for. Keep the items toddler-appropriate — the glass vase probably isn’t a good idea — and keep the list short, perhaps ten items. Encourage multiple descriptions of the items the kids will be seeking, such as the orange ball, or the pencil with no eraser, or the pillow with fringes. When they’re done collecting everything, have the grandchildren put the items back in their respective places. (Alert: teaching moment!)

And talk about education — even the United States government is in on the phenomenon of scavenger hunts. At Ready.gov, a website dedicated to disaster preparedness, there is a link to a special section for children that utilizes a scavenger hunt to make a fun time out of collecting necessary items in case of an emergency. You don't have to share the fear factor here. Rather, spin the hunt as the items your grandchild would need to gather for a sleepover.

A scavenger hunt can also take place outside, similar to an Easter egg hunt, or online. If your toddler is a cartoon fan, then he or she probably knows the characters from PBS Kids. Check out the PBS Kids website for the online scavenger hunt hosted by Clifford the Big Red Dog. It’s a good way for you to be in control while the grandchildren discover how to use a computer.

Scavenger hunts help sharpen a child’s skills in understanding multiple commands while at the same time boosting confidence and encouraging participation. Happy hunting!