Group Activities in D.C. The National Zoo

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

The Wild Wildlife Scavenger Hunt at the National Zoo

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!


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Since 1999, we've planned and hosted thousands of one-of-a-kind games to help groups and teams explore some of the best locations across the U.S. and find more fun.

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  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • teens
  • outdoor

The Murder Mystery Mayhem at the Zoo Scavenger Hunt

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.

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


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