acme

The Ultimate Virtual Scavenger Hunt Guide for Remote Teams (2025)

Staring at the same Zoom grid for the hundredth time this month? You're not alone. Zoom fatigue is real, and your remote team needs more than another status update to feel engaged.

Enter the virtual scavenger hunt—the fastest way to transform a lifeless video call into an energetic, personality-revealing team-building experience. No downloads, no complex apps, no budget required. Just a Zoom link and this list.

What is a virtual scavenger hunt? It's a race where remote participants scramble through their homes to find specific items and show them on camera. The magic happens when someone holds up their "most embarrassing purchase" or a childhood photo—suddenly, you're seeing real people, not just profile pictures.

Why it works for remote teams:

Breaks Zoom monotony with movement and energy
Zero setup cost—works on any video platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)
Reveals personality through item choices and stories
Levels the playing field—everyone has a home full of random stuff
Fast pacing keeps energy high (15-30 minutes total)
No special skills needed—if you can point a camera at an object, you're in

Perfect for: Morning standups, all-hands meetings, onboarding icebreakers, Friday team socials, remote happy hours

The best part? You don't need to download Scavify or pay for fancy team-building software. A simple item list and enthusiastic hosting are all it takes.

How to Host a Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom (Step-by-Step) {#how-to-host}

Running your first virtual scavenger hunt? Here's exactly how to do it, from invite to scoreboard.

Step 1: Set the Rules (2 minutes)

At the start of your Zoom call, explain the game clearly:

Time limit: Each item has 30-60 seconds to find and show on camera.

Scoring system (choose one):

Speed points: First person = 3 points, second = 2 points, third = 1 point
Participation points: Everyone who shows the item = 1 point (more inclusive)
Creativity bonus: Most unique interpretation = 5 points, everyone else = 1 point

Core rule: Items must be visible on camera. If you can't bring it to your desk, show your phone screen with a photo.

Step 2: Choose Your Theme (1 minute)

Pick a vibe for your hunt:

Home Office Edition: Work-from-home staples (easiest, safest for corporate)
Color Challenge: Items by color (fast-paced, visual)
Nostalgia Hunt: Childhood items, old photos (builds deeper connections)
Speed Round: 15-second items for high energy
Funny & Personal: "Most regretted purchase," "weirdest thing in your fridge" (best for tight-knit teams)

Pro tip: For mixed teams (new hires + veterans), start with easy items like "something blue" to build momentum, then add personality-revealing items later.

Step 3: The "Show and Tell" Moment

This is where the magic happens. Don't just rush through items—give people 15-30 seconds to explain why they chose their object.

Examples that create connection:

Item: "Something you're proud of" → Someone shows a marathon medal and shares their training story
Item: "The oldest thing you own" → Someone holds up a 90-year-old family cookbook
Item: "Something from another country" → Someone explains their favorite travel memory

The stories matter more than the speed. This isn't just a game—it's a window into your teammates' lives.

Hosting hack: If someone shows something interesting, pause and ask: "Tell us the story behind that!" This transforms a 20-minute game into a 30-minute bonding session.

What You Need {#guide-outline}

Required Technology

Essential platform features:

Video conferencing software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.)
Gallery view capability to see all participants
Screen share for displaying items/scoreboard
Chat function for submissions or announcements
Reliable internet connection for all participants

Optional enhancements:

Breakout rooms for team format
Polling features for voting on creativity
Recording capability to capture highlights
Virtual backgrounds for theme integration
Music streaming for energy between rounds

Pre-Game Preparation

Host checklist (15-20 minutes before):

Create item list (10-25 items depending on time)
Prepare scoring method (points, first-to-show, creativity judged)
Test screen share and gallery view
Send calendar invite with clear start time
Optional: Send teaser or theme announcement

Participant requirements:

Working webcam
Access to their home/workspace
Ability to move around to find items
Stable enough internet to maintain video

Pro tip: Send participants a 5-minute warning before starting so they're not mid-task when the hunt begins.

Complete Virtual Scavenger Hunt Rules

Standard Format (20-30 minutes)

Opening (3 minutes)

Host explains rules and scoring system
Demonstrate how to show items on camera
Clarify time limits per item (15-30 seconds)
Establish "camera on" requirement

Hunt Rounds (15-25 minutes)

Host announces one item at a time
Participants race to find and show item on camera
First person (or first 3-5 people) to show correctly earns points
Host acknowledges winners and moves to next item
Repeat for 10-25 items

Closing (2-5 minutes)

Tally final scores
Announce winner(s)
Share favorite/funniest moments
Optional: award prizes or recognition

Core rules:

Items must be shown clearly on camera
Retrieving time limit: 30-60 seconds per item
No leaving your home/apartment
Interpretation within reason (host judges acceptable)
Creativity bonus points optional

Scoring Systems

Option 1: Speed Points (Competitive)

First to show item: 3 points
Second to show: 2 points
Third to show: 1 point
Everyone else: 0 points

Option 2: Participation Points (Inclusive)

Every participant who shows item: 1 point
Encourages engagement over competition
First to show gets bonus point
Levels playing field for different living situations

Option 3: Creativity Judged (Subjective)

Host or group votes on most creative interpretation
Winner gets 3 points
All participants get 1 point for showing
Works best for abstract items

Option 4: Team Format

Divide into breakout room teams
Teams collaborate on finding items
First team member to show earns points for team
Cumulative team score wins

100+ Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Work (Categorized) {#item-ideas}

Don't have time to browse the full list? Want variety every week? Use the random selection method: pick any category below, close your eyes, and point at your screen!

The "Home Office" Edition (Easy)

These work-from-home staples are perfect for corporate settings—fast to find, safe for all audiences, and guaranteed to be nearby.

Quick finds (under 30 seconds):

Your coffee mug (bonus: share your caffeine order)
A pen or highlighter
Headphones or earbuds
Something with your company logo
A notebook or planner
Your phone charger
A sticky note
Something blue
A book on your desk
A water bottle
Your work badge or credentials
Something round (bonus: explain why it's important)
A plant (real or fake)
A piece of mail or package
A remote control

Workplace nostalgia: 16. Something from your first job 17. A professional development book 18. Your favorite productivity tool 19. Something that helps you focus (noise-canceling headphones, stress ball) 20. A work anniversary gift or award

The "Funny & Personal" Edition (Engagement)

These items reveal personality and create authentic connections. Best for teams that already know each other or Friday socials.

Conversation starters: 21. The last thing you regret buying (and why you bought it) 22. A childhood photo (prepare for hairstyle commentary) 23. The weirdest thing in your fridge right now 24. Something you've been meaning to throw away for years 25. Your most embarrassing purchase 26. Something you forgot you owned 27. The oldest piece of clothing you still wear 28. Something someone wouldn't expect you to have 29. A gift you pretended to like 30. Your most-used kitchen gadget (that's not a microwave)

Show your personality: 31. Something that represents your hobby 32. Your favorite possession under $20 33. Something handmade (by you or someone else) 34. An object that tells a story 35. Something from another country (share your travel story) 36. Something you're irrationally proud of 37. The newest thing you bought (justify the purchase) 38. Something with sentimental value 39. A souvenir from your best vacation 40. Something that makes you happy

The "Speed Round" (Energizer)

These rapid-fire items keep energy high. Set a 15-second timer per item and GO!

Colors: 41. Something red 42. Something yellow 43. Something green 44. Something orange 45. Something purple 46. Something with all the colors of the rainbow

Shapes & textures: 47. Something round 48. Something soft or fluffy 49. Something shiny or reflective 50. Something transparent 51. Something with a face on it 52. Something that makes noise

Quick categories: 53. A piece of fruit 54. A sock (matching pairs get bonus points) 55. Something with writing on it 56. A ticket stub or receipt 57. Something from nature (a leaf, rock, flower) 58. A tool (any kind)

Virtual Scavenger Hunt for Adults (SFW)

These prompts are designed for workplace environments—thoughtful, engaging, and completely appropriate for professional settings.

Career & growth: 59. Something related to your current goals 60. A symbol of a skill you've learned this year 61. Something that represents your work 62. A book that changed your perspective 63. Something you're grateful for in your career 64. A photo of a professional achievement

Personal depth: 65. The oldest thing you own (with a story) 66. Something you've had for over 10 years 67. A family heirloom or inherited item 68. Something that smells good (candle, perfume, coffee beans) 69. Your favorite book (and why you recommend it) 70. Something you're proud of (not work-related)

Creative interpretations: 71. Something that represents this year for you 72. An object that symbolizes a lesson you learned 73. Something unexpected (that requires explanation) 74. Something you use daily but never think about 75. The most useful item you own 76. Something that helps you relax 77. Something you keep "just in case" 78. A photo from over 5 years ago (share the context) 79. Something with a number on it 80. Something with writing in another language

Bonus: Themed Variations (81-110)

Tech & Gadgets: 81. The oldest piece of technology you own 82. Broken tech you can't throw away (and explain why) 83. A USB cable (any type counts) 84. Something with a battery 85. Your most-used app (show your phone screen)

Fitness & Wellness: 86. Exercise equipment (from dumbbells to resistance bands) 87. Something related to a healthy habit 88. Athletic shoes or gear 89. Vitamins or supplements 90. A workout playlist (show your phone)

Food & Kitchen: 91. Your favorite kitchen gadget 92. Something from your pantry that's over a year old 93. A snack you're hiding from your family 94. A recipe card or cookbook 95. Something spicy

Arts & Creativity: 96. Something you created 97. Art supplies 98. An unfinished creative project (we all have one) 99. A DIY project you're proud of 100. Something you decorated or customized

Alphabet Hunt (for extra challenge): 101. Something starting with your first initial 102. Something starting with your last initial 103. Object that starts with "M" 104. Object that starts with "S" 105. Two items that start with the same letter

Wild Cards (Advanced Mode): 106. The weirdest thing you own 107. Something you've never used (but can't throw away) 108. Something that would surprise your teammates 109. An item with a funny story attached 110. Something your pet destroyed (or would love to destroy)

Free Virtual Scavenger Hunt Templates (PDF & Slides) {#templates}

No time to prepare? We've got you covered.

Download our ready-to-play slide deck:

Pre-built item lists for 15, 20, and 30-minute hunts
Built-in scoreboards
Themed variations (Home Office, Color Hunt, Nostalgia Edition)
Screen-share ready—just open and go

How to use:

Open the Google Slides or PowerPoint template
Share your screen at the start of your Zoom meeting
Reveal items one at a time
Track scores using the built-in scoreboard slide

Want to create your own template? Copy the item lists above into a Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation. Add one item per slide, then share your screen during your Zoom meeting and advance slides as you go.

Pro tip: Mix items from different categories to keep your team guessing—combine "Home Office" staples with "Funny & Personal" prompts for the perfect balance of easy wins and engaging stories.

Best Virtual Scavenger Hunt Apps vs. DIY {#apps-vs-diy}

Wondering if you should invest in specialized software like Scavify or Goosechase? Here's the breakdown.

DIY Approach (Our Recommendation for Most Teams)

Best for: Teams under 20 people, weekly/monthly recurring meetings, budget-conscious organizations

What you need:

Any video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)
An item list (use ours above or generate your own)
5 minutes of prep time

Pros:

Completely free
No learning curve
Works on platforms you already use
Flexible—customize on the fly
No downloads or accounts required

Cons:

Manual scorekeeping
No built-in photo submissions
Host needs to track everything

Verdict: If your goal is to add energy to a routine team meeting or Friday social, DIY is perfect. Simple, fast, and genuine.

Scavenger Hunt Apps (For Large-Scale Events)

Best for: Company-wide events (100+ people), marketing activations, conferences, complex multi-day hunts

Popular options:

Scavify (enterprise-focused, custom branding)
Goosechase (gamified leaderboards, photo challenges)
Let's Roam (pre-built team building experiences)

Pros:

Automated scorekeeping
Photo/video submissions
Real-time leaderboards
Multi-round tournaments
Analytics and reports

Cons:

Costs $10-50+ per participant
Requires everyone to download an app
Setup time (account creation, invites)
Overkill for simple 20-minute icebreakers

Verdict: Worth it for formal team-building events or large corporate gatherings. For everyday remote meetings? Stick with DIY.

Bottom line: If you're just trying to break up Zoom monotony and get your team laughing, you don't need an app. Save your budget and use our free list.

Variations for Different Platforms and Groups

Variation 1: Speed Round (15 minutes)

Format: Rapid-fire announcements Timing: 15-20 seconds per item, 15-20 items total Scoring: First to show gets point Best for: High-energy groups, short meetings, limited time

Variation 2: Themed Hunt (25-35 minutes)

Themes to try:

Holiday themed (ornaments, gifts, seasonal items)
Color rainbow (items in rainbow order)
Decade hunt (items from different decades)
Work-from-home (office supplies, ergonomic items)
Around the world (items from different countries)

Format: All items relate to central theme Best for: Parties, celebrations, educational contexts

Variation 3: Team Breakout Format (30-45 minutes)

Setup:

Divide participants into breakout rooms (4-6 per team)
Teams collaborate to find items
One team member shows item on behalf of team
Reconvene to main room for scoring

Variations:

Teams submit via chat/photo
Teams create creative displays
Relay format (different person each item)

Best for: Large groups (20+), team building, collaboration practice

Variation 4: Show & Tell Extended (40-60 minutes)

Format:

Fewer items (6-10)
2-3 minutes per item for participants to share stories
Focus on meaning and connection over speed
Everyone who has item shares

Best for: Smaller groups (5-15), building deeper connections

Variation 5: Photo Submission Hunt (Asynchronous Option)

Format:

Post item list in advance
Participants have 24-48 hours to collect photos
Submit photos via shared folder or form
Vote on best/most creative

Best for: Different time zones, flex-schedule teams

Variation 6: Kids & Family Version (20-30 minutes)

Adaptations:

Simpler, more visual items
Longer find times (45-60 seconds)
Participation points only
Parent/child team format

Sample kid-friendly items:

Favorite stuffed animal
Something you drew
Your favorite toy
Something that bounces
A book you love

Variation 7: Educational Classroom Hunt (25-40 minutes)

Academic integration:

Items related to curriculum (science tools, historical items)
Math challenges (find items equaling certain numbers)
Language arts (items starting with vocabulary words)
Geography (items from different continents)

Best for: Virtual learning, review sessions

Variation 8: Virtual Workplace Wellness Hunt (25 minutes)

Focus areas:

Ergonomic workspace items
Wellness tools (water bottle, vitamins)
Stress-relief objects
Movement/exercise items
Healthy snack options

Best for: Corporate wellness programs, HR initiatives

Facilitation Best Practices

Before the Hunt: Host Preparation

Technical setup (10 minutes):

Test screen share for item announcements
Prepare scorekeeper method (spreadsheet, manual tally)
Have backup internet plan
Test gallery view display

Item list creation:

Start with 12-15 items for 20-minute hunt
Mix easy (80%) and challenging (20%)
Include 1-2 wildcard creative items
Order from easy to hard for momentum

Communication: Send calendar invite including:

Clear start/end time
Platform link
Brief rules summary
Optional: theme or preparation hint

During the Hunt: Facilitation Tips

Energy management:

Start with easiest items to build momentum
Use enthusiastic announcing: "Next item: something BLUE! GO!"
Acknowledge finds loudly: "Sarah's got it! Mike's showing blue! Nice!"
Keep tight pacing—30 seconds max per item early on

Handling challenges:

If no one finds item in 60 seconds: "Moving on! Bonus points later if you find it."
If too easy: "Wow, everyone's fast! Next one's trickier..."
If someone's struggling with tech: Assistant can help via chat while you continue
If interpretation dispute: "Host's call—I'll allow it!"

Inclusion strategies:

Celebrate creative interpretations
Recognize participation, not just winners
Call on quieter participants: "Let's see yours, Jamie!"
Offer category variation: "If you don't have that, show something similar"

After the Hunt: Closing Strong

Debrief (3-5 minutes):

Announce final scores
Highlight funniest moments
Ask participants to share favorite items shown
Screenshot or record top moments

Connection extension:

"Drop your favorite find in the chat"
"Share a story about one item you showed"
"What did you learn about your teammates?"

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Too Many Items for Time Allowed

Problem: Hunt runs over scheduled time Solution: Calculate 2-3 minutes per item including announcement and finding time

Mistake 2: Items Too Abstract or Difficult

Problem: No one can find items, energy drops Solution: Balance with 80% accessible, 20% challenging items

Mistake 3: No Clear Scoring System

Problem: Confusion about who's winning Solution: State scoring method upfront, keep visible scoreboard

Mistake 4: Ignoring Different Living Situations

Problem: People in offices/small spaces can't participate equally Solution: Include digital items (phone screens), interpretive items, personal objects

Mistake 5: Dragging Pace

Problem: Too much downtime between items Solution: Announce next item immediately after acknowledging finds

Mistake 6: No Plan for Technical Issues

Problem: Video freezes, someone drops off Solution: Continue with present participants, allow photo submissions via chat for those with issues

Platform-Specific Tips

Zoom Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Optimize settings:

Enable gallery view
Use spotlight feature for item showcasing
Leverage breakout rooms for team format
Use reactions for quick engagement

Pro features:

Polls for voting on creativity
Annotations for virtual pointer
Recording to capture moments

Microsoft Teams Hunts

Team advantages:

Together mode for immersive experience
Integrated chat for submissions
Meeting notes for scorekeeping
SharePoint integration for photo submissions

Google Meet Adaptations

Workarounds:

Use external scorekeeping (Google Sheets)
Leverage Google Forms for photo submissions
Jamboard for collaborative scoring
Google Chat for team coordination

Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual) Hunts

Equalizing playing field:

Ensure virtual participants have same find time
In-person groups operate as teams
Double-check virtual participants' items are visible
Consider separate tracks/categories

Prizes and Recognition

Free/Low-Cost Recognition

Virtual trophy graphic
Custom Zoom background
Shoutout in company newsletter
LinkedIn/social media recognition
Digital certificate
"Scavenger Hunt Champion" title for next meeting

Digital Prizes ($10-30)

Digital gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, Uber Eats)
Streaming service subscription (1 month)
Online course credit
App store credit
Virtual event tickets

Physical Prizes (For Teams Returning to Office)

Desk accessories
Gift baskets
Trophy or plaque
Company swag
Lunch delivery gift card

Combining Virtual Scavenger Hunts with Other Activities

Sequence 1: Energizer + Content

Virtual scavenger hunt (15 min)
Break (5 min)
Core meeting content (30 min)
Close with hunt highlights callback

Sequence 2: Theme Integration

Themed scavenger hunt related to training topic
Discussion of items' relevance
Application activity using insights

Sequence 3: Social Connection

Virtual scavenger hunt (20 min)
Breakout room story-sharing about items (15 min)
Full group debrief and connections (10 min)

For more creative virtual team activities, explore our scavenger hunt collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) {#faq}

How do you make a virtual scavenger hunt fun?

The secret isn't the items—it's the stories behind them. Instead of rushing through a checklist, give participants 15-30 seconds to explain why they chose their object. When someone shows "something you're proud of" and it's a half-marathon medal, the story makes it memorable. Focus on connection over competition.

Quick tips:

Mix easy wins with creative challenges
Celebrate unique interpretations ("I love that you brought a spatula for 'your most useful item'!")
Use funny, personal prompts like "most regretted purchase"
Keep pacing tight—no dead air between items

What are good scavenger hunt items for adults?

The best adult prompts balance workplace-appropriate with personality-revealing:

Safe for work:

Something from your first job
A book that changed your perspective
Your favorite productivity tool
Something from another country
The oldest thing you own

Fun but professional:

Most embarrassing purchase (keeps it light)
Weirdest thing in your fridge
Something you forgot you had
A childhood photo (nostalgia wins every time)

Avoid anything too personal (medicine, financial documents) or potentially divisive (political items). When in doubt, test your list on a colleague first.

Can you do a scavenger hunt on Microsoft Teams?

Yes—it works exactly the same as Zoom. Teams actually has some advantages:

Together mode creates an immersive group view
Integrated chat for submitting photos if video fails
Meeting notes for collaborative scorekeeping
SharePoint integration for photo galleries afterward

The DIY format (host announces items, participants show on camera) works on any video platform: Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Webex, or even FaceTime group calls.

How long should a virtual scavenger hunt last?

Sweet spot: 20-30 minutes for most work settings.

Timing breakdown:

2-3 minutes: Explain rules
15-25 minutes: Hunt (12-15 items at ~2 minutes each)
3-5 minutes: Final scores and highlights

Adjust based on context:

Quick energizer (10-15 min): 8-10 rapid-fire items, no stories
Team building deep dive (45 min): 10-12 items with extended sharing
Weekly standup opener (5 min): 3-5 speed round items

If people start checking Slack mid-hunt, you've gone too long. End on a high note.

Do you need special software for virtual scavenger hunts?

No. For teams under 20 people doing casual team building, you don't need apps like Scavify or Goosechase.

All you need:

Video conferencing platform you already use
A list of items (use ours above)
Manual scorekeeping (spreadsheet or pen and paper)

Apps are worth it only for:

Large corporate events (100+ people)
Multi-day competitions with photo submissions
Formal team-building programs with branded experiences

For a Friday team social or Monday morning icebreaker? Save your budget and DIY it.

What if someone can't find an item?

Move on quickly. Set a hard time limit (30-60 seconds per item) and announce: "Time's up! If you didn't find it, catch up on the next one."

Alternatives to keep everyone engaged:

Offer substitutions: "No plant? Show something green instead."
Award "creative interpretation" bonus points
Include digital items (phone screens, desktop backgrounds)
Mix physical and personal questions so everyone can participate

The goal is fun, not perfection. If someone's struggling, acknowledge it with humor: "Okay, not everyone has a spatula within arm's reach—let's move on!"

Quick Reference Card

Virtual Scavenger Hunt at a Glance:

Setup: 10-15 minutes Activity: 15-45 minutes Group size: 5-50 (scalable) Platform: Any video conference tool Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Basic flow:

Explain rules and scoring
Announce items one at a time
Participants find and show items on camera
Award points and repeat
Tally scores and celebrate winner

Success keys:

Quick pacing between items
Mix of easy and challenging
Enthusiastic host energy
Clear scoring visibility
Celebrate creativity

Ready to Hunt Virtually?

Virtual scavenger hunts transform standard video calls into dynamic, memorable experiences. By sending participants racing through their homes, you create movement, laughter, and authentic moments that forge real connections across digital distances.

Implementation checklist:

Choose appropriate platform and test features
Create item list (12-20 items for 20-30 minutes)
Decide scoring system and prepare tracking method
Send calendar invite with clear instructions
Prepare enthusiastic hosting energy
Plan for technical backup (chat submissions, etc.)
Have fun and embrace the chaos!

Whether you're energizing a remote team, teaching an online class, or hosting a virtual party, the scavenger hunt delivers reliable engagement with minimal preparation. Press "Start Meeting," announce your first item, and watch your participants' personalities shine through their treasured (and random) possessions.

More Team Building Games for Remote Teams

Loved this activity? Here are more ways to energize your virtual meetings:

Quick icebreakers (5-10 minutes):

Never Have I Ever (Work Edition) - Get to know your team with workplace-appropriate prompts
Would You Rather - Spark debates with dilemma questions
Two Truths and a Lie - Classic icebreaker with a twist

Longer team activities (20-45 minutes):

Pictionary - Virtual drawing game for creative teams
Virtual Trivia - Host quiz competitions
Icebreaker Bingo - Custom bingo cards for remote teams

Planning your next event? Check out our complete guide to team building icebreakers for more activity ideas and facilitation best practices.

Pro tip: Rotate activities weekly to keep your team engaged. Mix high-energy games (scavenger hunts, Pictionary) with reflective ones (Two Truths and a Lie, Would You Rather) to balance different personalities on your team.