Looking for fun and adventurous outdoor activities in Philadelphia? That’s what we do best. From exploring Philadelphia’s historic past to revealing the secrets of the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods, you’ll be sure to come away with lasting memories and an ever-deeper love for the city.
Outdoor activities in Philadelphia for nature lovers
1. THE SECRETS OF LONGWOOD GARDENS SCAVENGER HUNT
The sprawling, spectacular Longwood Gardens once served as the du Pont estate and now provides a surprising backdrop for an amazing adventure in the Brandywine Valley. On teams, you’ll get a whirlwind tour of the gorgeous grounds and huge greenhouse as you follow clever clues, uncover fascinating secrets, and answer humorous questions.
Along the way, you might climb into tree houses, marvel at amazing cascades and fountains, explore the many environments in the huge conservatory, see how the du Ponts lived in their cozy, frozen-in-time home, and more.
Location: Longwood Gardens
2. THE WILD WILDLIFE HUNT AT THE ZOO
Explore the wackiest and most fascinating creatures at the Philadelphia Zoo by following a trail of clues and answering tricky, humorous questions. Highlights include the Big Cat Falls, the Rare Animal Conservation Center, Bear Country, the African Plains, the Primate Reserve, and many a monkey more.
This whirlwind tour hits most of the exhibits and highlights—from the tiniest ants to the greatest apes.
Location: Philadelphia Zoo
3. EXPLORE THE MORRIS ARBORETUM
Tour the natural beauty of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania on this light-hearted photo scavenger hunt. You and your team will travel through the arboretum, exploring such spots as the Ravine Garden, Oak Allee, the Rose Garden, the Sculpture Garden, the Swan Pond, and the Wetlands
Along the way, you’ll take imaginative photos, meet the Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge, and more.
Location: Philadelphia Suburbs
Philadelphia outdoor activities for Murder Mystery Fans
4. THE MURDER IN OLD PHILADELPHIA HUNT
Egads! There’s been a murder near Independence Hall—and the victim was the Watson Adventures staffer who had created a hunt for your group. Before he died, he left a disturbing clue behind: a star drawn on the ground, in his own blood. Figure out what it means, along with the other puzzling clues linked with secrets in the neighborhood, and you just might prevent an international incident with disastrous consequences.
Along the way, you’ll also uncover the secrets of the historic district and Society Hill area, where many a surprising detail turns out to be integral to solving the case.
Location: Historic Philadelphia
5. THE MURDER MYSTERY MAYHEM AT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN HUNT
Uh-oh! Everyone in your group has been surreptitiously poisoned, and the clock is ticking. To save yourselves and get the antidote, you must play their game, identify the would-be killer, and prevent your own murder.
The killer has hidden their identity in a series of thorny puzzles, as part of a scavenger hunt at the botanical garden. You’ll be tasked with answering trivia questions, solving interlocking puzzles, deciphering coded messages, and meeting the conditions of tricky photo challenges around the gardens.
Location: Longwood Gardens
6. THE MURDER MYSTERY MAYHEM AT THE ZOO HUNT
Beware! Your perfectly delightful trip 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. Just as in Murder Mystery Mayhem at the Botanical Garden, the killer has hidden their identity in a series of puzzles that are part of a scavenger hunt at the zoo. To reveal the killer and save your lives, your team must solve a series of interlocking puzzles, decipher coded messages, and complete photo challenges around the zoo.
Location: Philadelphia Zoo
Outdoor activities in Philly for history lovers
7. THE SECRETS OF OLD PHILADELPHIA SCAVENGER HUNT
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, Dolley Madison’s digs, and much more.
What people are saying: “The scavenger hunt with Watson Adventures was really great. The whole department really got on board 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.”
Location: Historic Philadelphia
8. HAMILTON: THE SCAVENGER HUNT
Don’t throw away 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.
Location: Historic Philadelphia
9. THE RITTENHOUSE RAMBLE HUNT
A beautiful setting? Check. Hidden history? Check. Unusual art with sneaky details? Check. Lively streets with shops filled with snacks for discerning foodies? Check. This scavenger hunt in and around Rittenhouse Square has all these and more.
Your team will different kinds of challenges. You’ll follow clues to answer tricky, amusing questions about what you find. You’ll seek opportunities to fulfill the quirky requirements of team photo challenges. And along the way, you’ll meet your Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge.
Location: Rittenhouse Square
10. THE HIDDEN NEW HOPE HUNT
Discover the most intriguing sights, scenes, buildings, and byways of this historic town, from river to canal, from patriots to pop artists. On teams, you’ll follow a trail of clues through New Hope as you search for answers to tricky, entertaining questions.
Along the way, you might discover a howling neighbor who’s barking mad, a shop that would appeal to Gandalf and Dumbledore, the number of times an artist “gives you the bird,” the year that a cover-up killed a ferry, and more.
Location: New Hope
See all of our activities in Philadelphia
Looking for more ways to explore Philadelphia year-round? Explore dozens of unique Philadelphia scavenger hunts from Watson Adventures.