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

You don’t need to be an aviator to go plane crazy…

…but you might want to get your pilot’s license after this sky-high adventure at the Virginia branch of the National Air and Space Museum. On teams, you’ll explore the museum’s two giant hangars and answer tricky, humorous questions about the collection’s 200-plus planes, helicopters, gliders, and space vehicles. Even if you aren’t an aviation fan, you probably will be by the end of this hunt—and regardless, you’ll certainly discover plenty of objects to amuse and fascinate you.

Highlights include a full-size Concorde and space shuttle, a Boeing 707, a scary-cool Blackbird jet (like something out of a Batman movie), and the Enola Gay, which dropped the first A-bomb on Hiroshima.

You might also discover…

• An airman’s wacky “party suit”
• The original spaceship from Close Encounters of the Third Kind
• Kitschy Lindbergh and space-age memorabilia
• A true-to-life scene of peasants attacking a balloon (they thought it was a monster)
• An ingenious CIA transmitter designed to resemble dog poop

And much, much more. A Murder Mystery Edition is also available, which adds a story of international intrigue to your quest for clues.

If you’re thinking that kids would love this hunt on a field trip, you’d be right! The Kids Edition, for ages 7 and up, gets children and adults to join forces to answer the entertaining questions.  

One of our most popular scavenger hunts in Virginia

The Udvar-Hazy Center makes a great alternative to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., which is currently undergoing major renovations. The hunt is particular popular for team building with companies in northern Virginia: our delighted clients include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Gruman, Volkswagen, Outback Steakhouse, Carfax, and Siemens, to name just a few. So head to Chantilly and strap in for fun!

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?

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.!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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 about this field trip activity

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!

Go on An Unforgettable Tour of the National Mall Memorials

…on a scavenger hunt that features the most memorable and historical monuments on the western end of the National Mall. On teams, you’ll complete a variety of challenges that bring out your teamwork, in the spirit of E pluribus unum. You’ll pose for team photos, search for interesting details on statues and inscriptions, answer trivia, and more.

On this group activity, you’ll see…

• The Lincoln Memorial
• The World War II Memorial
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• The Constitution Gardens
• The Reflecting Pool

No previous knowledge of the National Mall or its monuments is necessary: all you need is sharp eyes and comfy shoes.

A Kids Edition is also available: it’s designed to get adults and kids (ages 7 and up) working and playing together. It’s a great activity for Washington D.C. field trips, summer camps, scout outings, you name it.

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

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.!

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!

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!

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!

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 us to learn more about a private game for your group!