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Scavenger Hunt Secret Codes

Decode each clue card to find the next hiding spot

A ready-to-run secret-code scavenger hunt: cut out the coded clue cards, hide each one at the spot named by the previous clue, and let kids decode their way from the door to the final treasure. The clues mix three codes (A1Z26, Caesar and Atbash) so the trail stays interesting, and the host answer key lists every location in order so setup takes minutes. Print the cards and answer key below, or read the clue list on this page.

Printable PDF — free to download & print

Download Student PDFAnswer Key (PDF)

How to use this worksheet

A ready-to-run secret-code scavenger hunt. Each clue card is written in a code — A1Z26 (A=1), a Caesar cipher shifted by 3, or the Atbash mirror alphabet. Decode a card to learn where the next clue is hidden, then follow the trail to the treasure. The host answer key lists every location in order.

Exercises

  1. 1. Clue 1 — Decode to find the next spot (A=1): 4 15 15 18
  2. 2. Clue 2 — Decode the next spot (Caesar shift 3): ZLQGRZ
  3. 3. Clue 3 — Decode to find the next spot (A=1): 3 12 15 3 11
  4. 4. Clue 4 — Decode the next spot (Atbash): HSVOU
  5. 5. Clue 5 — Decode to find the next spot (A=1): 16 12 1 14 20
  6. 6. Clue 6 — Decode the next spot (Caesar shift 3): WDEOH
  7. 7. Clue 7 — Decode to find the next spot (A=1): 2 1 19 11 5 20
  8. 8. Clue 8 — Decode the next spot (Caesar shift 3): PDLOERA
  9. 9. Final clue — The treasure is under the (Atbash): IFT

Full solutions are on the downloadable answer key (PDF).

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