Scavenger Hunts in Historic Philadelphia

Ever try team-building time travel?

This hunt takes you back to colonial times and the tumult of 1776. You’ll see and uncover the secrets of such hallowed historic places as Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall (where the Continental Congress first met), the site of Ben Franklin’s home, the First Bank of the United States, City Tavern, and Dolley Madison’s digs. The hunt also dips into Society Hill, with its carefully preserved homes of the colonial elite, and Old City, the commercial district turned trendy neighborhood with artists living in cast-iron buildings.

Don’t worry if you can’t tell Ben Franklin from Ben Affleck: the hunt requires no previous knowledge. You just need to use your wits and work well with your team.

What are people saying about the Secrets of Old Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt?

A 5-star review on Google: “The scavenger hunt with Watson Adventures was really great. The whole department really got onboard for the adventure. It was fun seeing the competitive spirit come out as people broke out into teams. Would definitely do it again in the future.”

A 5-star review on Yelp: “Our team of six did the Secrets of Old Philadelphia scavenger hunt this week. The game was really fun, easy to use on our phones and our guide Karen was always nearby if we needed something. Educational, entertaining and overall a great team building activity. Highly recommend.”

Another 5-star review on Google: “Fantastic hunt staged for our company offsite of 170+ employees. Staff onsite were super communicative and helpful, did a great job setting up the event and had fun personalities. Really enjoyed this and would highly recommend for any other corporate or team events! So much more fun to get out and explore the city for team building rather than staying in conference rooms, etc. Would definitely suggest working with the Watson Adventures crew!”

Yet another 5-star review on Google: “After 2+ years of not being together in our offices, the staff at the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter needed to reunite and reconnect (and in some cases, meet for the first time)! The goal: fun and team building. Watson Adventures delivered on both! The Secrets of Old City Scavenger Hunt was interesting, challenging and exciting. Our host, Andy, was energetic and entertaining! When you see your colleagues relaxed and smiling, you know it was a good day! Thank you, Watson Adventures, for making the planning easy and for helping us execute on a memorable outing!”

Another 5-star review on Yelp: “Our team did the Secrets of Old Philadelphia hunt this week. The game was really fun, easy to use on our phones and our [hunt host] Karen was always nearby if we needed something. Educational, entertaining and overall a great team building activity. Highly recommend.”

A 5-star Google review: “The scavenger hunt with Watson Adventures was really great. The whole department really got onboard for the adventure. It was fun seeing the competitive spirit come out as people broke out into teams.”

Contact us to learn more about this team-building scavenger hunt—and find more fun in Philadelphia!

Don’t miss your shot at this game starring Alexander Hamilton

Follow in the feisty Founding Father’s footsteps along the streets of Philly’s historic district, from Independence Hall to Society Hill, and discover the places where he worked, played, debated, fought, and (ahem) flirted. Your road map? A trail of clues and tricky, humorous questions about what you find.

You’ll love this game if you’re a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical, or the Ron Chernow book that inspired it, or if you’re just curious about the Revolutionary War in colonial Philadelphia.

Along the way, you might see…

• Independence Hall, where Hamilton first served as a delegate to the Confederation Congress, allied himself with James Madison, and later signed the Constitution…and where Aaron Burr served as a senator
• City Tavern, where Hamilton rubbed elbows with politicians and gave a controversial speech on behalf of the elite, exclusive Society of the Cincinnati
• The former First Bank of the United States building, a linchpin in Hamilton’s economic plans for the new nation
• The home of Founding Father James Madison, Hamilton’s onetime ally—and later determined foe
• The site of the home of Maria Reynolds, with whom Hamilton had an infamous affair
• Benjamin Franklin’s print shop, which, under the direction of his grandson, published tirades against Hamilton
• Carpenters’ Hall, scene of the first Continental Congress
• The remains of the mansion of Robert Morris, the powerful financier who recommended that Hamilton become the first Secretary of the Treasury
• The Second Bank of the U.S., now a gallery of portraits of the Founders that includes Charles Wilson Peale’s rendition of Hamilton

And those are just a few of the highlights on this fun, history-packed tour. No knowledge of Alexander Hamilton or Philadelphia history is necessary.

Adult groups can book this hunt anytime. A Kids Edition of this game is available for private groups. It’s perfect for school field trips, birthday parties, and any other events where you want to amuse and entertain young revolutionaries.

BOO!

Sorry to startle you, but you might as well brace yourself now for this eerie adventure. On teams, you’ll answer devilishly tricky questions as you visit ghost-plagued buildings and secret cemeteries while learning the stories of the restless souls you might disturb. Starring: the spirits of 1776 in Independence Hall, Ben Franklin (of course), the Hag of Pine Street, the spectral poltergeist of St. Peter’s, a Quaker that’ll make you quake in Washington Square, the burning bride of City Tavern, and various other apparitions, sudden chills, rustlings, and knockings.