Any routine can get boring, especially when it comes to kids and especially especially when it comes to kids needing to do chores. I try to think of fun new ways to increase engagement in their tasks and let’s be honest… it’s exhausting to constantly try to do things that are new and fun.

Lucky for you, I’m sharing the template in my Etsy shop so the idea is ready for you to tweak and use!

One page has clues. Use clues that fit your child’s age and your home’s setup. We used all sorts of things for hiding clues, from the boys’ Switch to family photos to the ketchup bottle. The clues you keep with you (in the order you want them) and the tasks get hidden wherever your clues lead.

The boys each received their starter clue at the same time. Little man had to find a clue under their new Harry Potter game (which was still out on the dining room table) while our big kid had to find a clue under my hairbrush. They each had seven clues and seven tasks. For the HP game’s clue, the paper told him he had to complete a puzzle of his dad’s choosing. We used some of the 9-frame logic puzzles (also available in my Etsy shop) that we love to do. Under the brush was the task for singing “Thunder” loudly on the front porch. By the time the entire game was finished (an hour and a half for the youngest, two and a half hours for the oldest), they’d each completed four fun / silly tasks and three chores. The kid who finished first won a new book from our prize stash. All our dishes were done, two loads of laundry had been washed, the counters wiped down, the bathroom sinks (all of them) wiped out, and the kitchen completely vacuumed and without any fighting or fussing.

So you tell me… who was the real winner here?! I feel like it was me, but both boys asked when we can do another one so I guess they think they won. Maybe it’s really a win for everyone.