Neighborhood Scavenger Hunts in Chicago

Escape to the lake at Navy Pier

It’s an amusement park! A garden! A market filled with scrumptious food! A place for great views! There’s something for everyone on Navy Pier.

On this diverse scavenger hunt, your team will tackle a variety of challenges: you’ll decipher clues and answer humorous questions about interesting locations, take creative and unusual Team Photos, find and create unique items, and seek out our Hunt Host for a surprise challenge.

On the scavenger hunt your team might…

• Lie on the couch of TV shrink Bob Newhart
• See Dr. Venkman’s actual outfit from the original Ghostbusters movie
• Get a bit salty with an old sea captain
• Discover the true story of the Billy Goat Curse

This activity is great for groups of all kinds, celebrating all types of occasions—from office outings and alumni gatherings to birthday parties and family reunions.

Navy Pier is an ideal location for an after-work activity: the pier stays open until 8 p.m. or later on most days.

What delighted clients are saying about the Navy Pier scavenger hunt

5-star review on Google: “We utilized the Navy Pier scavenger hunt as a corporate team building activity at the conclusion of our regional meeting. Watson Adventures’ communication was great—before, during, and after the event. I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the participants! They said it was really fun and that they learned some cool things about Navy Pier! Brittany was a great leader and made the game easy to understand. We will definitely look to use Watson Adventures for a future event!”

5-star review on Google: “A great experience! We did the Navy Pier scavenger hunt as a team-building event. Our group had so much fun! There was a healthy amount of competition and the time flew by! Would definitely recommend it!”

5-star review on Yelp: “We did a Navy Pier Scavenger Hunt. The [Watson Adventures] team was so helpful working with us on time and location to ensure it was convenient for my team of 20. We had an amazing time! It was so much fun to see everyone running around Navy Pier. The clues were both challenging and fun. It provided us with some great team building as well. Our [hunt host] Valerie was funny, upbeat, and really made the hunt extra successful. Every single person asked if we could do another one soon. We cant wait to to take our next adventure! Thanks Watson Adventures!!”

“We all had a fabulous time!” —the organizer of an adult birthday party

“We had a wonderful time and our hunt leader was awesome! I have just recommended another department within my company to you, so hopefully you will be hosting another hunt [for our company] soon.” —a management coordinator for a company that went on to do five more hunts with us

“Our group had a total blast and it was a great way for us to enjoy ourselves together outside of the office—we made some wonderful memories thanks to Watson Adventures!” —an executive search firm

Contact us below to learn more about the Navy Pier scavenger hunt—and find more fun in Chicago!

Discover the historic heart of Chicago…

…on a team-building activity that reveals the secrets of the Picasso in Daley Plaza, the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, humorous gargoyles, marvels of architecture, and much more. You’ll follow a trail of clues in search of answers to tricky, humorous questions about the unusual sights and facts you find.

On this scavenger hunt your team might discover…

• A fishy foreigner among presidents 1 and 16
• A Braille “mini mi” that points to a raging fire
• A Pope and four Cooks stuck near a fountain
• A skyline scramble
• A famous magician who hides between the lions
  

You’ll play the game on your phone, using our browser-based app. Our Hunt Host will meet you at the start to set you up and meet you again at the end to reveal the final results. Along the way, you might also be challenged to complete team photo challenges and perhaps a surprise bonus challenge.

This group game is perfect for corporate outings, locals or tourists looking for some secret city history, student or alumni gatherings, birthday parties, and any other occasion where you’re looking for an activity that’s unique, fun, and funny.

An International or ESL Edition is also available for groups with players whose first language might not be English.

A Kids Edition is also available.

On select weekends, you can join games for the general public—just click on the calendar button below to see the schedule!

What clients are saying about the Loop Scavenger Hunt

5-star review on Google: “Our group hosted a team retreat with Watson Adventures in Chicago and it was so much fun! Our staff not only enjoyed the experience but were able to work with people across teams to discover each other’s leadership qualities and talents throughout the 1.5 hour scavenger hunt. Our host, Valerie, was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone had an enjoyable time.”

5-star review on Google: “Our group hosted a team retreat with Watson Adventures in Chicago and it was so much fun! Our staff not only enjoyed the experience but were able to work with people across teams to discover each other’s leadership qualities and talents throughout the 1.5 hour scavenger hunt. Our host, Valerie, was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone had an enjoyable time.”

“Our corporate finance team participated in the Secrets of the Loop Scavenger Hunt. We had an absolute blast! The scavenger hunt was extremely engaging with the absolute right scale of challenge. My entire team of 30 people work and live in Chicago, and the hunt brought us into buildings we’ve never been into before and guided our attention to details that we otherwise would have overlooked. Thank you, Watson Adventures!”

Contact us to learn more about this team-building scavenger hunt extravaganza in The Loop—and find more fun on scavenger hunts in Chicago!

Show your Windy City pride

Demonstrate how much you appreciate Chicago with special challenges that highlight its best attributes—its food, its celebrities, its history, and more. This theme is woven into three challenges: your team must get creative to meet the requirement of the Team Photo Challenges; keep your eyes peeled for unusual objects you need to collect or create; and crack the code of a mystery message. 

In select locations, such as the Loop and the Magnificent Mile, you might also follow clues to find fascinating places and answer tricky questions about what you find there.  

Along the way, you’ll meet up with our Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge.

The game can be played anywhere and is a great activity for locals who love their hometown—or visitors who want a taste of what it’s like to be a local.

See the best of Chicago…

…on a whirlwind tour that reveals the secrets of such famous places as the Loop, Union Station, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and the Wrigley Building. Your group can take on the city by limo or mass transit. The humorous questions reveal intriguing historical and cultural information that adds to your understanding of the spots you visit. Along the way, you’ll tackle fun Chicago trivia questions and Team Photo Challenges.

This team-building scavenger hunt is a great way for visitors to see the area, while natives will be surprised by the secrets they discover.

You might search for answers to such questions as…

• At the Chicago Cultural Center, visit the GAR lobby. What two battles near here can combine to sound like a way for a handful of people to eat a row of veggies? Answer: Five Forks and Pea Ridge, two of the battles listed on the walls.
• Find the Billy Goat Tavern on Navy Pier. Outside, find out: after a “Motor City quadruped” got evicted from a box seat, what did Billy ask the gum magnate? Answer: Billy Siannis asked Wrigley in a “wire,” “Who smells now?” as detailed in a newspaper clipping above a photo of a goat wearing a banner that says, “We got Detroit’s goat.”

We recommend doing a three-hour hunt, although shorter options are available. If you want to bring together a diverse corporate group for an out-of-the-box activity that gets everyone to interact while having fun, look no further!

We also offer a version of this game that challenges kids and adults to work together. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

There’s more than just stores in store…

…on this adventure that reveals the secrets of the glamorous stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. You choose the section you want to explore, and we’ll provide the game. On teams, you’ll follow tricky clues to discover surprising spots on and off the avenue, answer fun and funny questions about what you find, tackle entertaining photo challenges, and meet with the Hunt Host for an unexpected bonus challenge.

Whether you’re a local who wants to get to know your hometown better or a visitor staying at one of the Magnificent Mile’s many hotels, this scavenger hunt provides a great option for a group activity.

Along the Mag Mile, your team might discover…

• Hidden beasts lurking outside the famous Wrigley Building
• The father of Chicago who was born in Haiti
• Stones from famous buildings around the world, embedded in the facade of the Tribune Tower
• A Walk of Fame for radio stars
• A captured spy facing execution
• Views of five of the 85 tallest buildings in the world, all in this district
• The Old Water Tower, rare survivor of the Great Fire of 1871
• Traces of “Towertown,” a bohemian enclave
• A tranquil oasis (except for the gargoyles) that hearkens back to Gothic England

You don’t need to know anything about the area or its magnificent history to play—or to win. Just keep your eyes open, work with your group, and wear some comfy shoes.

Choose your magnificent Chicago scavenger hunt

You can decide which part of the Mile to focus on based on where you want to start and finish. This team-building adventure has been a popular way for corporate groups staying in the area to get out, see the sights, and work in a little bonding while having fun.

The International Edition is great for groups with participants whose first language isn’t English.

An Kids Edition for kids ages 7 and up is also available, in which they collaborate with adults to scour the streets for secrets.

Contact us to learn more about the Really Magnificent Mile Scavenger Hunt—and find more fun on scavenger hunts in Chicago!

Journey to the center of Oz

Oz Park, that is, with its sculptures saluting Dorothy and her sidekicks. On teams, you’ll explore the charming and quirky heart of this Lincoln Park neighborhood by following a trail of clues and answering fun, funny questions about what you find.

You might investigate…

• Dorothy and friends, who definitely aren’t in Kansas anymore
• Jaw-dropping micro mansions
• Quirky murals almost bursting off walls
  
• A monstrous cross between a dinosaur and a Corn Puff
• One of Chicago’s oldest houses
• The location of Dillinger’s last stand

No prior knowledge of the neighborhood is needed for this game. Just bring your teamwork skills, your sense of humor, and a pair of comfy shoes.

Care to add a little more suspense? Test your teamwork with the Murder Mystery Edition.

The Kids Edition is great for school groups on field trips, scout outings, birthdays and just about any other occasion you can think of.

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

Discover a newly cool, fast-changing neighborhood

Dynamic companies, innovative chefs, and mind-stretching art transformd blocks of warehouses into possibly the most interesting neighborhoods in the Windy City’s downtown. Explore Fulton Market and West Loop with your friends or teammates on this Chicago scavenger hunt. With your grou8p, you’ll seek out the secrets of the area and capture what you find in photos that meet a variety of eye-opening requirements.

West Loop highlights include…

• A monster behind a yellow door
• A River Point sculpture that’s like a red tidal wave
• Giant wings that you can “wear” outside Federales or Parlor Pizza
• A hidden alley oasis
• A snack attack at Do-Rite Donuts

The game also challenges you to crack the code to a mystery message, and to meet the hunt host for a surprise bonus challenge. No knowledge of West Loop is required: you just need sharp eyes and comfy shoes.

Also available: the Munch Around Fulton Market Scavenger Hunt, where part of your challenge is to find delectable delicacies to snack on during your quest.

What clients are saying about this Fulton Market Scavenger Hunt

“Our team had an incredible time! People are still talking about it and will for many months to come. Unfortunately, now I think I’ve set the bar too high for future company events. 😊 ” —a marketing manager at a company that used the hunt to help introduce employees to their new West Loop office

“Five stars. John was a great host and the hunt was amazing!” —a staffer at a Chicago radio station

Contact us to learn more—and find more fun in the West Loop!

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 are people saying about the Anywhere Scavenger Hunts?

“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!”

Another 5-star review on Google: “Watson Adventures was so incredibly fun for our company offsite! Correy was a fantastic host that guided the experience and Tara made planning a customized hunt a breeze. 10/10 recommend!”

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

’Tis the season for a team-building game

Gather your friends and colleagues for a holly, jolly holiday scavenger hunt in your favorite neighborhood. Your challenge: take creative team photos and collect items that relate to the holiday season. If you’re looking for a different way to kick off your year-end celebrations, you don’t have to ask Santa: just go on this holiday scavenger hunt!

Players use our browser-based app on their phones to check off challenges, take photos, and at the end, share them with other teams. The emphasis is on teamwork and appreciation. By the finish line, even a Scrooge will be acting like it’s Christmas morning.

Your team will tackle holiday-themed challenges…

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). You might need to pose while blending in with a holiday window display. Or act as if you are caroling. Or spell a season’s greeting with your bodies. Or re-create a sleigh ride, dashing through the snow.

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 holiday treat by combining two unlikely foods? How about something that could create a “snow storm” for one of your photo challenges? Something you’d put in a colleagues stocking? A holiday gift that is 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 strangely coded holiday message. What the heck does it say? To crack the code, you’ll need to solve crafty, fun puzzles, involving a trivia questions and festive holiday season music. 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 holiday-themed puzzle for you to ponder. It might involve celebrities who have played Santa or the Grinch or Scrooge…

This game can be played in almost any outdoor location. A Kids Edition is also available. Contact us to learn more about this holiday scavenger hunt—and find more fun!

Happy Halloween!

Whether you want festive fun or a chance to show off your costume before you go party, a spooky Halloween scavenger hunt is a mummy-rable—sorry, memorable—adventure for all. You might have to discover weird new uses for food, dig up a skeleton, ward off a vampire, use your bodies to spell “BOO!,” do your best zombie impression, and more.

Teams fan out to tackle such challenges as…

Take unusual team photos

Get your creative juices flowing and your haunted side showing as you come up with clever ways to complete fun “photo op” challenges. Everyone has to get into the picture (except the ghoul holding the camera, of corpse).

They’re designed to give you room to have fun while also delivering dramatic visuals (not just shots of people standing around like a bunch of stiffs). You might have to do the Monster Mash in a crowded place. Or rise from the dead in a funny way. Or pretend to go trick-or-treating.

Participants use their own smartphone cameras and send the images to our photo-sharing site. You’ll get to see the other players’ pictures and download them afterward.

Find or create unusual items

You’ll also have to procure or concoct unusual items, often with a tricky twist. Can you find or draw a creature that represents your team spirit? How about a food menu featuring blood and bone? A haunting Halloween mask? Something inflatable with a terrifying message written on it? You’ll be shocked—and occasionally horrified—by the results that come from devilishly good teamwork.

Crack a code to decipher a mystery message

Your hunt materials will include a bizarrely coded message. What the H-E Double Hockey Sticks does it say? To crack the creepy code, you’ll need to solve crafty, fun puzzles, possibly involving a few twisted trivia questions, an intriguing message from beyond the grave, a musical phone call, and other surprises. Can you piece together the key that unlocks the mystery message?

Locate the Hunt Host for a bone-tingling bonus challenge

At a dead-signated spot in the hunt area, the Host will be waiting to treat you to a tricky, icky visual puzzle. It’s a monstrous good time, and you’ll want to do your best if you hope to stay alive…to win the game, that is!

And show what makes your state so great…

…on a scavenger hunt that sends teams complete challenges that give you a chance to flaunt your hometown pride. You’ll go in search of unusual objects, take inventive team photos, decode a mystery message, and meet the Hunt Host for a surprise challenge.

How is the game tailored to your favorite city and state? Consider some examples:

If you’re from New York City, you might need to locate an actual big apple, or know the best subway route to get from Yankee Stadium to Citifield.

If you’re from Texas, the Lone Star Showdown might challenge you to come up with one of the six flags that have flown over the state, or get a photo with a Longhorn signing “Hook ’em Horns” or with an Aggie signing “Gig ’em.”

Celebrate Milwaukee and the great state of Wisconsin on games that send you in search of such local delights as frozen custard, cheese curds, brats, and booyah stew. Or dramatize the phrase “Fear the deer!”

If you have a case of Minnesota Mania, we might prescribe that you collect some cough drops or lozenges, in honor of Minnesota homeboy Bob Dylan.

In Wilmington, Delaware, you can help a stranger in honor of Joan of Arcadia (the TV series in which Wilmington poses as the fictional Arcadia), or collect a used Amtrak ticket in a salute to hometown hero and rail enthusiast Joe Biden.

In Atlanta, brace yourself for a photo in which you seem to be “gone with the wind” (you know why), or strike a pose with one of the more than a thousand works of street art. Or find a takeout menu with the word peach on it. Peachy!

Or are you visiting the Magnificent Mile in Chicago? Get in the spirit of the Windy City by taking a Team Photo as if you’re being blown away by a gust, or get historical by remembering the Great Fire and finding something toasted (not yourself, please).

In Washington, DC, you can “filibuster” another team for points, or get caught by a “spy camera” with just your heads showing. Or present a stranger with DC’s official flower, an American Beauty red rose.

What people are saying about the Celebrate Your City Scavenger Hunts

A 5-star review on Google: “Our team of 100 had a wonderfully fun time and the coordination with Watson Adventures was super smooth and easy. Laura L. was a wonderful event consultant…she was exceptionally knowledgeable and answered every question I had when planning our team’s Grab n Go option from our hotel conference in San Francisco, which for any event planner is a gold standard….[Watson Adventues] was highly recommend to me by colleagues and now I know why, if you need a fun team building event you will not be disappointed by Watson Adventures!”

“Everyone, even the cynics who weren’t planning on having fun, really enjoyed themselves. We were having so much fun that a complete stranger tried to join our group photo at the finish line!” —a director of sales

Let us know what city or state you love, and we’ll provide a madcap team-building scavenger hunt for your group!