Scavenger Hunts for Kids & School Field Trips in Washington, D.C.

The Museum of Natural Hysteria Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • indoor

From whales to insects, from mummies to diamonds…

The wonders never cease on this whirlwind tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. You’ll follow a trail of clues and answer tricky, humorous questions about what you find as you travel to China, Africa, South America, the Ice Age, ancient oceans, and beyond. Plus you’ll get a great heaping helping of the new eye-popping jaw-dropping dinosaurs exhibit, aka the Hall of Fossils! 

A museum scavenger hunt full of surprises

On this slightly surreal adventure, you might discover…

  • A tell-tale bone that links a T. rex with your chicken dinner
  • The least secure hiding place for the famous Hope Diamond
  • What town you should probably avoid during a meteor shower
  • A neanderthal’s distinctive “humidifier”

And those are just a few of the secrets on this eclectic hunt. You don’t need any previous knowledge to triumph—you just need good teamwork and comfortable shoes!

We also offer an International Edition for groups with ESL participants. And the Kids Edition of this hunt has been recommended by Budget Travel and GoCityKids.com. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Here are just five of the 5-star reviews on Google:

“Truly amazing team fun activity. Unleashed our competitive spirit and great bonding experience with my colleagues. Our host was so enthusiastic and funny, we enjoyed her energy!”

“Utilized Watson Adventures for a team-building event for our department. Sharlette was such an enthusiastic host with a vibrant personality. She definitely contributed to the fun and awesome experience. I received many thanks from the staff, it was a big hit!”

“It was a wonderful experience! I definitely recommend [the Museum of Natural History scavenger hunt] for team building.”

“We went for a work event and had a great time! Would definitely recommend.”

“We took a group of young men, between the ages of 12 and 16. Not only did they enjoy it, but the [older] men that were there to accompany them enjoyed it as well. Goes without saying, but the [hunt host] was amazing. Thanks!”

Contact us to learn more about our Smithsonian Museum of Natural History scavenger hunts—and find more fun in Washington, D.C.!


The National Gallery Gallop Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor

Warning: This isn’t your ordinary tour

And thank goodness for that because it’s much, much better. Instead of just getting a whirlwind tour of this amazing museum, you’ll also get a team-building experience that will make you laugh, think, and bond with your group. You’ll follow a trail of clues though the galleries and tackle tricky, entertaining questions about the surprising art you find.

Your discoveries might include…

  • A shark attack against a guy named Watson (no relation, we hope)
  • The only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in an American museum
  • An eye-popping saint—literally
  • An ancient version of American Idol you can’t afford to lose
  • A remarkable Civil War scene made more famous by a Hollywood movie

And those are just a few of the highlights on this hunt. Don’t worry: you don’t need to know anything about art or the museum to play or to win. You just need a sharp mind and comfortable shoes. This “level playing field,” in which anyone can contribute to the victory, makes the game a perfect activity for any corporate group looking to add a dash of culture to a team-building outing.

The International Edition is perfect for groups with participants whose speak English as a second language.

A Kids Edition, for children and adults to enjoy together, is available for school field trips, scout outings, birthday parties—you name it! Suitable for ages 7 and up.

What people are saying about the National Gallery Scavenger Hunt

A 5-star review on Google: “My team and I did a scavenger hunt with Watson Adventures as a team building exercise, and we had a amazing time! The hunt was very interactive and allowed us to work together to get through each question, all while seeing beautiful art! Also, huge shout-out to our guide, Marquis!”

“We had a great time. Sharlette [the hunt host] was amazing! She was engaging and super energetic, and the team really enjoyed her enthusiasm. Last night at dinner, everyone just kept talking about the Hunt. We truly enjoyed it. The National Gallery was wonderful and it was great being able to use the questions to see everything the museum contained. It was also really fun to work within our teams to see how different minds work. We each learned new strengths.”

“We just wrapped up our adventure at the gallery and we had a blast! Thank you so much to you guys.”

Contact us to learn more about the scavenger hunt at the National Gallery of Art—and find more fun in Washington, DC!


The National Treasures Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor

If America had a giant attic…

…the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History would be it. On teams, you’ll follow clues through the galleries of this eclectic treasure trove, in search of answers to tricky, humorous questions about artifacts and memorabilia representing all eras and aspects of American life.

Along the way, you might discover…

  • The real color of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz
  • A gadget Alexander Graham Bell built to save a president’s life (it failed)
  • The original Star-Spangled Banner and some “bombs bursting” on silver
  • Edison’s first bulb, a bizarre toaster, and other electrical innovations
  • Lincoln’s last top hat and Mary Lincoln’s bird feet
  • Julia Child’s kitchen, apparently plagued by elves

Plus, full-size locomotives, vintage cars, monstrous machines, and many more amazing artifacts. But you don’t have to be a historian to triumph—you just need good teamwork, sharp eyes, and comfortable shoes.

Great for group activities in D.C.

Since our first hunt at this museum in 2004, countless groups have boosted teamwork and morale on this hunt. Boost the team-building experience even more with the Mixed Alliances Edition, in which teams take turns working with other teams. You must collaborate and cooperate to win.

Young hunters can get in on the fun as well, with a Kids Edition suitable for ages 7 and up. It’s perfect for an unusual school field trip that even the chaperones will love, a birthday party that guests will be talking about for days, or an exciting summer-camp outing that the kids will write home about.

What people are saying about the scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian

“We did the scavenger hunt for a team building exercise and loved it. We had a great time and can highly recommend it.” —a review posted on Google

“This company makes attractions even more fun! They were very organized, well planned and gave clear directions. The amount of time given was perfect and the hosts were wonderful.  Thank you, Watson Adventures!”—a review on Yelp


The Wizard School Scavenger Hunt

  • public
  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor

Like Harry Potter on a Hogwarts field trip…

…you’ll explore the National Gallery of Art, in search of art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in J.K. Rowling’s beloved books and movies. On teams, you’ll follow a surprising trail of clues through the museum and answer tricky, entertaining questions about what you find.

You might be challenged to track down…

  • A Snape-like potions master
  • Hagrid-like giants
  • Centaurs and unicorns who’d be at home in the Forbidden Forest
  • Mystical mermaids and strange sharks that seem straight out of the Triwizard Tournament
  • Cloaked and masked figures as terrifying as any Death Eater or Dementor

Plus, owls and dragons, fierce knights in armor, a powerful sorceress, and much more.

Both wizards and muggles (i.e., people who aren’t Potter experts) can play and enjoy this game. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures; instead, references to the books provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. It’s a unique way to discover—or rediscover—the National Gallery.


From Hidden Figures to Icons: An African American Museum Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • indoor

Black history comes alive

…on this scavenger hunt that reveals the best of the Culture and Community Galleries.

On teams, you’ll follow clues that guide you through the galleries to find amazing objects and answer fascinating questions about them. No previous knowledge of the museum or Black history is required: you just need sharp eyes and comfy shoes.

Scavenger hunt highlights include…

  • Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves and other sports hero memorabilia
  • Chuck Berry’s gleaming red Cadillac
  • Laughs with Richard Pryor and Moms Mabley
  • Personal items used by James Baldwin and other famous authors
  • A visit to the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip Hop

The scavenger hunt includes Photo Challenges and a Bonus Challenge with the Hunt Host. This game is great for corporate groups promoting diversity, or school groups on field trips, or anyone who wants to learn more about Black history and culture.

What people are saying about the Black history scavenger hunt

“The group really enjoyed the hunt. It was a great way to introduce the museum to those who had never experienced it, and many of the participants are excited about going back to explore it on their own. Sharlette [the Hunt Host] was amazing and we really appreciated her hosting the hunt.” —a recruiting manager for a law firm

A 5-star review on Google: “We had an amazing experience! [Hunt Host] Tokia was so engaging and fun, getting all of us in it. Even got in a song or two with the chaperone moms! In the end, the winning team received gold medals for their work and were all smiles. We will be using this company again!!

Contact us to learn more about the scavenger hunt at the National Museum of African American History & Culture—and find more fun in Washington, D.C.!

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich


The Air & Space Race Scavenger Hunt

  • public
  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor

Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure…

…at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. On teams, you’ll follow clues through the famous aviation center, in search of answers to tricky, humorous questions about real-life propeller planes, jets, bombers and bombs, missiles and rockets—and much more associated with the history of flight and space exploration. This is some serious team building in Washington D.C.

Highlights include: a moon rock you can touch, the Wright brothers’ original first-flight plane, Lindbergh’s famous Spirit of St. Louis, the X-1 rocket in which Chuck Yeager became the first to break the sound barrier, the Lockheed Vega piloted by Amelia Earhart on the first solo transatlantic flight by a woman, and American and Soviet nuclear missiles (please don’t sneeze next to them). Currently only half of the museum is open, due to ongoing renovations, so objects included on the hunt are subject to change.

You might also search for answers to such questions as…

  • Find devices that 007 has used. While flying one of these devices, why should he get nervous when his head starts uncontrollably shaking? Answer: The jet pack shakes the pilot’s head when it’s low on fuel.
  • Find a bird trap. When two scientists discovered the background hiss caused by the Big Bang, what did they originally think caused it? Answer: Pigeon droppings on their antenna.

Please note that we’ve left out clues and directions in the questions above. The game is designed so that you can find the answer only when you’re in the right spot and looking at the right thing. You don’t need any previous knowledge to triumph—you just need good teamwork and comfortable shoes.

A Kids Edition of this hunt is suitable for ages 7 and up. It’s a fantastic option for birthday parties and school field trips—and for even the pickiest of participants.

A 5-star review on Yelp: “My kids and I had a great time on a Watson Adventures scavenger hunt at the Air and Space Museum. It was well organized, creative, educational and fun. What a great way to spend an afternoon!”

We also offer scavenger hunts at the National Air and Space Museum: Udvar-Hazy Center, near Dulles Airport in Virginia. You’ll get to explore the center’s two giant hangars, filled with more than 200 aircraft, as you tackle our fun and funny game.

Contact us to learn more about the Air & Space Race Scavenger Hunt—and find more fun at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum!


The American Art Museum Madness Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • private
  • kids
  • indoor

Learn the mysteries in American history…

…on a whirlwind tour of two impressive, history-packed museums. Adults and kids team up to follow a trail of clues that lead you through the best of the exhibits—from freaky folk art and silly sculptures to Oval Office oddities, celeb secrets, and more.

You’re not collecting objects (put back that painting!) on this scavenger hunt. You’re finding answers to tricky and humorous questions that bring out the skills of everyone on the team.

Along the way, you might discover…

  • Portraits of the presidents—and the secrets some conceal
  • Appearances by many famous and colorful Americans, from the real Pocahontas to the man who worked closely with Bugs Bunny
  • Fascinating paintings that relate to kids’ interests, including the Headless Horseman’s wild ride, a balloon ride that might remind you of The Wizard of Oz, and a 19th-century “Wizard” suitable for Hogwarts
  • Modern art that will surprise and delight, including license plates with secret messages, art you can walk on, and the startling hidden home of a man named Sollie
  • Unusual folk art, which features surprising uses for tinfoil and wild whirligigs

No previous knowledge is required, but you’ll learn a lot along the way. It’s the perfect museum activity for any group that wants to get adults and kids working together and having fun—from school field trips, scout-group outings, birthday parties, you name it! Suitable for ages 7 and up.

What happy teachers are saying

A teacher’s 5-star review on Yelp: “We took a group of 30 eighth graders on a private hunt of the National Portrait Gallery. The kids were entertained, focused, and learned something! A win on all fronts! We would definitely recommend this hunt to any school groups visiting D.C. It makes for a fun day of competition and helps students get more out of museums than they normally would by listening to a docent. Thanks, Watson Adventures!”

Contact us to learn more about this fun scavenger hunt at the American Art Museum—and find more fun for kids in Washington, DC!


The Haunted Washington Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

Do you believe in ghosts?

You just might after this spooky tour that reveals the stories of the restless souls you might disturb. On teams, you’ll follow clues to ghost-plagued buildings near the White House and answer tricky questions about what you find. Possible cameos by the spirits of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams, Andrew Jackson, the (allegedly) suicidal Mrs. Henry Adams, and losing duelist Stephen Decatur.

The hunt is a bit spooky, a bit macabre, a bit goofy, and a lot of fun. It’s also a bit slower paced than our regular hunts because the questions are longer, in order to fill you in on the eerie events that transpired at each location.

For private groups, we also offer a Kids Edition of this ghoulish game, suitable for ages 7 and up.

Please note: you’ll see the White House, as well as go around the White House grounds—but you won’t actually go onto the White House grounds. But you assume that, right?


The Murder Mystery Mayhem at the Zoo Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • outdoor

Beware: there’s a killer behind that panda…

Your perfectly delightful team-building outing to the zoo is about to be spoiled: someone in your group is plotting to feed you to the lions, or have you hugged by a cobra, or perhaps sat on by a hippo. Because this person—possibly on your own team—is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde.

This person now challenges you to prevent your own murder. Everyone in your group was fed a deadly venom with your lunch, and the clock is ticking down on your time left to live. To save yourselves and get the antidote, all you have to do is reveal the killer’s identity.

Easy, right? Not so fast: the killer has hidden their identity in a series of puzzles that are part of a scavenger hunt at the zoo. Your team must solve a series of interlocking puzzles, decipher coded messages, and meet the conditions of tricky photo challenges around the zoo.

Along the way, your team might…

  • Play monkey see, monkey do with a monkey.
  • Blend in with an animal known for camouflage.
  • Tackle a trivia quiz about famous murder mysteries.
  • Identify snippets of songs that feature animals.
  • Twist, and maybe shout, with snakes.

If your group loves escape-room games, they’ll love this zoo scavenger hunt. The game will also help you solve the mystery of how to entertain a diverse group of people while boosting morale and teamwork. It’s perfect for a private party or a corporate team-building outing of any size.

A Kids Edition is also available, in which kids age 7 and up work with adults. It’s a great activity for a school field trip, a birthday party, a family reunion, you name it.

What delighted clients are saying

“Everyone had a great time at the hunt! We are all still talking about it.” —an electrical engineer whose group played the game at the Houston Zoo

“A HUGE THANK YOU. Everyone had a BLAST and your hosts were FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for another great event!!” —an office coordinator in Los Angeles

“We had an amazing time and will be in touch for the next hunt we’d like to do in the near future! Tokia [the hunt host] was amazing, and we’d love to work with her again!!!” —an organizer for a group in Washington, DC

PLUS check out Watson Adventures on Google to see hundreds of 5-star reviews from delighted clients!

The hunt’s afoot! Contact us to learn more—and find more team-building fun at the zoo!


The National Treasures Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • private
  • kids
  • teens
  • indoor

Go on a field trip across the country

Pack your (imaginary) bags to go on an amazing journey across centuries and a continent on a scavenger hunt that reveals the best of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. On teams, kids and their chaperone will follow clues that guide you through galleries, in search of answers to tricky, humorous questions.

One moment you’ll be examining Dorothy’s ruby slippers to learn about the Yellow Brick Road; the next you’ll be looking at ball gowns worn by First Ladies; and after that you’ll goggle at massive locomotives and early cars that once raced across the continent. You’ll be dazzled by what you discover—but know previous knowledge of American history is required to win. You just need sharp eyes, comfy shoes, and good teamwork.

Along the way, your team might…

  • “Pass” a president’s “nuclear football.”
  • Search the many rooms of the largest doll house you’ve ever seen.
  • Examine charred wood from the time the White House was set on fire.
  • Look in horror at a talking doll created by electricity pioneer Thomas Edison.
  • Salute a heroic pigeon from World War I.

The scavenger hunt provides a great way for kids to learn about American history. It will pique their curiosity and leave them eager to learn more. And they will have a museum experience that makes them eager to return. As a school field trip activity, the game spurs teamwork and highlights how the talents of each player are needed for success.

Plus the scavenger hunt is a great activity for kids and adults to enjoy together. Families will especially enjoy this activity.

What are people saying about this DC scavenger hunt for kids?

A 5-star review on Yelp: “This company makes attractions even more fun! They were very organized, well planned and gave clear directions. The amount of time given was perfect and the hosts were wonderful. Thank you Watson Adventures!” —posted by the leader of a school group

Another 5-star Yelp review: “My daughter and her friends celebrated her 16th birthday with a scavenger hunt at the National Museum of American History. Our Hunt Host, Sharlette, was really engaging and fun—the girls had a great time and it was a perfect way to celebrate her sweet 16!!”

Contact us to learn more about our National Museum of American History scavenger hunts—and find more fun in Washington, D.C.!


The Race to the White House Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

Uncover history’s mysteries…

…and discover surprising sights in the public places around and near the White House. You’ll be challenged to answer tricky, humorous questions about interesting places, look for the perfect settings to take fun Team Photos, and complete a surprise bonus challenge.

On this D.C. scavenger hunt you’ll discover…

  • Lincoln’s tab at the Willard Hotel
  • Jackie O’s White House view
  • Dolley Madison’s house
  • A site where a would-be presidential assassin was foiled
  • Someone vastly underdressed for his sword lessons

And those are just a few of the highlights on this unusual group game. To win, you don’t need to know the area or its landmarks—you just need good teamwork, sharp eyes, and comfy shoes.

A Kids Edition is available in which young hunters and adults work together to see great sights, take in a bit of history, and have as much fun as possible. Suitable for ages 7 and up, the hunt is a great field trip activity.

Contact us to learn more about our scavenger hunts near the White House—and find more team-building fun in Washington, DC!


The Secrets of Georgetown Scavenger Hunt

  • public
  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

From posh homes to a rugged canal…

…you’ll get to the bottom of this neighborhood’s secrets on this humorous, eclectic game for groups. You’ll follow clues and answer tricky, humorous questions about what you find—including the elegant homes of politicos, cool shops on M Street, trendy eateries where you can grab a tasty morsel or two, memorable movie locations, and more.

Highlights include…

  • The C&O Canal National Park
  • JFK’s first Washington home—and the neighbor honored by reporters for providing coffee in the cold
  • The infamous Exorcist Steps
  • A former prison visited by Lincoln
  • The historic Old Stone House and its garden oasis
  • A tavern where Founding Fathers tippled
  • A bar where a famous cheesy song was born

Plus, sunken houses, magnificent mansions, hidden alleys, and more. One of the best things about this hunt is its variety, since it covers the neighborhood’s three distinct personalities.

The International Edition is great for groups with people whose first language is not English.

The Kids Edition is geared toward ages 7 and up, in which kids and adults join forces to answer the fun and funny questions. Each team must contain at least one adult. The scavenger hunt makes for a great field trip, to introduce kids to a slice of DC history.

Contact us to learn more—and find more fun in Washington!


The Whodunit at the National Gallery Scavenger Hunt

  • public
  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor

Watch your back: there’s a killer on the loose…

…and it’s up to your team to stop him! How? By playing the devilishly tricky scavenger hunt at the National Gallery of Art that the murderer created. When completed, you’ll learn who he is, which weapon he used, and where he hid the body. He sent the hunt to the police and dared them to try and solve it. Now they need your help.

You’ll be supplied with a list of suspects, weapons, and places. By following the trail of clues and answering clever questions, you’ll narrow down the list and provide the police with the evidence they need to catch and convict the killer. Can you figure out who dunnit?

No knowledge of the museum or art is necessary. You just need to pay attention to the details and work well with your team.

We also offer a Kids Edition of this hunt. It’s a great game for introducing younger audiences to art and the National Gallery, whether you’re planning a birthday party, a scout or camp outing, or a school field trip. Suitable for ages 10 and up.

Praise from a client: “Everyone loved the scavenger hunt. I heard a few people mention that they’re going to recommend Watson Adventures to future groups coming into the city. It was a great experience. Sharlette and Marquis were wonderful hosts. I’m hoping to convince some of my family and friends to come into the city to do some of the other hunts.”

Join us on weekends on hunts for the general public. Or contact us to learn more about how your group can experience our National Gallery murder mystery scavenger hunts—and find more team-building fun in Washington, DC!


The Wild Wildlife Scavenger Hunt at the National Zoo

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

Go on a safari that supports animals

Search for fantastic beasts and weird wildlife at this ark that’s a park. By following a trail of clues and collaborating with your team to answer fun and funny questions, you’ll see the Smithsonian National Zoo and its lions, tigers, bears, Komodo Dragons, and more in a whole new way.

Your search might include…

  • The Asia Trail, where termites could help you play tennis
  • The Panda House, where a furry gymnast pulls off a stunt that stinks
  • The Elephant Trails, where you’ll recommend an Rx for Ella Funt
  • The Great Ape House, where an orangutan will remind you of your taxes
  • The Think Tank, where you’ll search for a shark part that resembles a rubber chicken

You don’t have to be a zoologist to play or to win this game, but you do have to use your wits to solve our crafty questions.

For private groups, we also offer a Kids Edition of this hunt, suitable for ages 7 and up. It’s great for birthday parties, school field trips, camp outings, and any activity where you want to get kids and adults working together and having a blast.

Contact us to learn more—and find more fun in Washington, DC!


The Grab ’n’ Go Anywhere Scavenger Hunts

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

Fun games with humorous twists!

If you’re looking for a good, old-fashioned scavenger hunt, we have one—with very unusual challenges that will exercise your brain and tickle your funny bone. Your tasks may involve strange uses for food, new lyrics for old songs, people in any kind of uniform, strangers wearing valuable words, secrets about local landmarks, and more. If you’ve been on scavenger hunts where you’ve had to collect boring things like clothespins and obscure CDs, you’re in for a surprise and a treat.

Teams fan out to tackle such challenges as…

Take unusual team photos

Get creative and keep your eyes open as you explore your area and try to meet the requirements of diverse “photo op” challenges. Everyone has to get into the picture (except the person holding the camera, of course). We’ve designed them to allow room for creativity while also delivering dramatic visuals (not just shots of people standing around, smiling and pointing). You might be asked to demonstrate a group member’s superhuman powers. Or treat a staircase as if it’s a carnival ride. Or photobomb another team.

Participants use their smartphone cameras and our browser-based app. You’ll get to see the other players’ pictures and download them afterward.

Find or create unusual items

As in a classic scavenger hunt, you’ll have to locate or create unusual items. But in our version, you might encounter these tricky tests: Can you create and name an amazing new food by combining two unlikely foods? How about an appropriate trophy for the hunt winners? Three items that rhyme? Something improved by being broken? You’ll be surprised by the results that come from great teamwork.

Crack a code to decipher a mystery message

Your hunt materials will include a bizarrely coded message. What the heck does it say? To crack the code, you’ll need to solve crafty, fun puzzles, involving a trivia questions, pop music, and a “pigpen cipher.” Can you piece together the key that unlocks the mystery message?

Locate the Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge

At a designated spot in the hunt area, the Host will be waiting for you, ready to spring a tricky, humorous visual puzzle for you to ponder. It could involve unusual celebrity pairings…or musical snippets…or international maps…or strangely altered art.

Go on a scavenger hunt anywhere, with versions and themes to suit your group

Go Deluxe: Let us tailor the hunt to your needs. Tell us what you want to highlight and we’ll weave it into the game. Perhaps someone you want to celebrate? A theme or slogan for a new campaign? Hidden talents in your group? Talk to us! We like a challenge.

Care to take a bite out of crime? Check out the Murder Mystery Mayhem Scavenger Hunt.

The hunts are available in International Editions, for hunters whose first language is not English. They are also available in Spanish, as well as in other select languages.

A Grab ’n’ Go Scavenger Hunt for Kids challenges youngsters and adults to work together to tackle challenges appropriate for ages 7 and up. It’s the perfect activity for birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, family reunions, school field trips, summer-camp outings—you name it.

For a snack-tastic adventure, the Grab ’n’ Go Food Edition features food-themed Collect & Create and Photo Challenges.

And young Harry Potter fans will be cheating if they use their wands and other magical powers on the Wizards & Witches Scavenger Hunt, for ages 7 and up.

What happy clients are saying

“The Grab ’n’ Go Scavenger Hunt was so much fun! All of the teams were engaged and working together. We couldn’t have asked for a better team-building and celebration event.” –Brittney Gallardo, Office Manager/Executive Assistant, Texture by Next Issue Media

A 5-star review on Google: “We hired Watson Adventures to host the Grab ‘n’ Go scavenger hunt for a teambuilding event in our local downtown area. We chose to pay for an on-site host and it was well worth it. Kim, the host, was fantastic, well organized, very helpful with the game app, and added even more fun to the game with opportunities to earn extra points. Our team had a blast!! We thoroughly enjoyed getting out from in front of our computers to spend time together in this fun and creative environment!”

A 5-star review on Yelp: “I planned a surprise custom scavenger hunt for my fiancé’s birthday last year and it was so much fun! Tara was a pleasure to work with and incredibly accommodating with all of my requests. The event host was equally wonderful. We all had a blast. I wish I had more reasons to plan scavenger hunts!”

Contact us to learn more about the Grab ’n’ Go Scavenger Hunts—and find more fun wherever you are!


Birthday Bash Blowout! An Outdoor Birthday Party Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • outdoor

Turn your outdoor birthday party into an adventure!

Celebrate someone’s BIG DAY by bringing together friends and family on a fast-paced, fun outdoor birthday scavenger hunt. On teams, you’ll tackle a series of challenges that stretch your creativity, foster connections, and tickle the humerus (that’s the funny bone, right?).

Challenges that honor the Birthday Celebrant

  • Take team photos, many of which pay tribute to the Birthday Celebrant—providing keepsakes to share after the game
  • Find or create objects that test how well you know the Birthday Celebrant
  • Answer trivia and decode a mystery message honoring the Birthday Celebrant
  • Connect with our Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge

Our live Hunt Host keeps the game going and everyone laughing and sharing. Depending on your location and your preference, our Hunt Host can conduct the game in person, or can the Host can meet the teams on Zoom at the start and finish of the game, as text the teams during the game.

Players use our custom, browser-based app for all parts of the game.

Customize the outdoor birthday party to suit your celebrant

For an additional fee we can customize the game to the particular interests, enthusiasms, and even humorous dislikes of the Birthday Celebrant. We’ll send you questions about the celebrant and then incorporate them in creative ways into the challenges.

In addition to the version for adults, a Kids Edition is available for ages 12 and up.

What clients are saying about our outdoor birthday party scavenger hunt

“I planned a surprise customs scavenger hunt for my fiancé’s birthday last year, and it was so much fun! Watson Adventures was a pleasure to work with and incredibly accommodating with all of my requests. The event host was equally wonderful. We all had a blast. I wish I had more reasons to plan scavenger hunts!” —a reviewer on Yelp

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Saturday was a huge success. The kids had a blast and Eric, the host, was fun and in total control. I could not have come close to giving [our son] as awesome a birthday without your help. You’re the best party coordinators ever!” —a survey response from a parent

Contact us to learn more—and let us make your birthday celebration one of the most memorable you’ll ever enjoy!


Heroes & Villains Super Powers Grab ‘n’ Go Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • indoor
  • outdoor

Show Off Your Heroic Side

Calling all caped crusaders, mighty mutants, and strange visitors from other planets! Gather your super friends for an imaginative, empowered adventure. Whether you live in a mighty metropolis or a small town, team up for a super hero scavenger hunt—and take on challenges that bring out the superpowers and secret talents in everyone.

Your Super Teams Will Have To…

• Take Unusual Team Photos: Complete hero- and villain-themed photo prompts. Perfect your heroic poses, hold up tall buildings with a single hand, defeat your arch-enemies, and more.

• Collect & Create Interesting Items: As in a traditional scavenger hunt, this game tasks your league of extraordinary players with finding or cobbling together certain things. You might need your own super logo, an object you smashed with your super strength, or a key to the city!

• Decode a Mysterious Message: Is a bald professor recruiting you to join his fancy school? Is a galactic menace coming to devour the earth? You’ll never know unless you crack the code and reveal the message.

• Join the Hunt Host for a Surprise Challenge: Not even a supreme sorcerer or cosmically powered telepath can predict the fun puzzle in store for your avenging heroes.

Contact us to learn more about this awesome super hero scavenger hunt. Your super-powered adventure awaits!


The Murder Mystery Mayhem Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

Beware: there’s a killer in your midst

Someone playing this game with you is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde. His or her good side knows nothing about the evil side—and the evil side has challenged you to prevent your own murder. Everyone in your group has been poisoned, and the clock is ticking down on your time left to live. To reveal the killer’s identity, you’ll have to complete a series of photo challenges, solve interlocking puzzles, decipher coded text messages, and more. If you succeed, you get the antidote. If you fail…well, you know.

If you love escape-room games, you’ll love this murder mystery scavenger hunt. But even better, you won’t be locked in a room for an hour: this game can be played almost anywhere. 

An in-person murder mystery for any location!

We have a variety of versions, depending on where you want to play. Such as…

  • A city, town, or neighborhood
  • A science or history museum
  • A zoo or aquarium
  • An office building
  • A school or campus

A murder mystery scavenger hunt perfect for team building

Here’s a game that will help you solve the mystery of how to entertain a diverse group of people while boosting morale and teamwork. It’s perfect for any private party or a corporate team-building outing of any size. Our clients who have enjoyed this game include T-Mobile, TD Bank, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Michigan in Washington, and others too numerous to mention.

What delighted clients are saying

“Everyone had a great time at the hunt! We are all still talking about it.” —an electrical engineer whose group played the game at the Houston Zoo

“A HUGE THANK YOU. Everyone had a BLAST and your hosts were FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for another great event!!” —an office coordinator in Los Angeles

“We had an amazing time and will be in touch for the next hunt we’d like to do in the near future! Tokia [the hunt host] was amazing, and we’d love to work with her again!!!” —an organizer for a group in Washington, DC

The hunt’s afoot! Contact us to learn more—and find more team-building fun anywhere!


The Murder Mystery Mayhem at the History Museum Scavenger Hunt

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • indoor

Uh-oh! A killer lurks among you…

…and they’re about to interrupt an otherwise normal team-building outing to your favorite history museum. Someone in your group—possibly on your own team—is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, and they’re plotting to make you history.

Fortunately, this game gives you a fighting a chance to prevent your own murder. Everyone in your group has been secretly poisoned, and the clock is ticking down on your time left to live. To save yourselves and get the antidote, all you have to do is complete various fun challenges and reveal the killer’s identity.

The killer has hidden their identity in a scavenger hunt at the history museum. Your team will solve a series of interlocking puzzles, decipher coded messages, and meet the conditions of creative, collaborative photo prompts.

Along the way, your team might…

  • Act your age with age-old artifacts.
  • Put your patriotism on display for all to see.
  • Interrogate sculptures and statues for clues.
  • Gape in wonderment at outdated technology.
  • Tackle a trivia quiz about famous murder mysteries.
  • Identify murderous movies and snippets of killer songs.

If your group loves escape-room games, they’ll love this history museum scavenger hunt. The game will also help you entertain a diverse group of people while boosting morale and teamwork. It’s perfect for a private party or a corporate team-building outing of any size.

A Kids Edition is also available, in which kids age 7 and up work with adults. It’s a great activity for a school field trip, birthday party, and more.

Contact us to learn more about the Murder Mystery Mayhem Scavenger Hunts—and find more fun!


The Wizards & Witches Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • private
  • kids
  • outdoor

An adventure Harry Potter fans will love

Journey to an enchanted world without ever leaving your hometown, on a scavenger hunt that features a variety of challenges that might remind you of Harry and friends. On teams of six, kids search for objects that young witches and wizards would use at a school such as Hogwarts. They’ll also take Team Photos that let them demonstrate their magic skills or show off the effects of spells.

Though the challenges may call to mind aspects of the Harry Potter books and movies, no knowledge of them is required whatsoever. So if, say, you’re throwing a birthday party for the world’s biggest Potter fan, he or she will be thrilled, while friends who know little or nothing about the boy wizard will still have a blast.

This hunt is recommended for ages 7 and up. The minimum rate is $700 for up to 20 people.

Contact us to learn more about this scavenger hunt for kids who wish they could go to Hogwarts—and find more wizarding fun right in your hometown!


Escape to the Museum Virtual Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • private
  • kids
  • teens
  • indoor

Explore Museums All over the Country—at Home!

Round up your teammates for an online adventure that challenges you to explore museum websites in search of the craziest, zaniest, secret-and-surprise-stuffed-fulliest (is that a word?) exhibits you’ve ever seen outside of your dreams. You’ll follow tricky clues on different museum websites and answer humorous question about what you uncover.

No knowledge of any particular museum is required: you just need sharp eyes, sharp wits, sharp teammates, and sharp pencils. Wait: sharp pencils not required, because you’ll be reading the clues and answering the questions in our spiffy app, bursting with links and hints and sound effects and other fun stuff.

Virtual scavenger hunt highlights include…

  • Sue the T. rex at the Field Museum in Chicago
  • A tour of the Texas State Aquarium with a sloth
  • A bison stampede at the Milwaukee Public Museum
  • The Space Shuttle Discovery at the Air & Space Museum
  • Vintage arcade games at San Francisco’s Musée Méchanique

The game is suitable for ages 10 and up, and we recommend at least one adult per team. This virtual scavenger hunt is a great way to connect with family, friends or classmates. Contact to learn more about a private game for your group!


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