Scavenger Hunts in Center City

  • private
  • adults
  • outdoor

The Secrets of Old Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt

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 people are saying about the 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.”

group activities philadelphia
A team poses for a scavenger hunt photo challenge.

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!”

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


  • public
  • private
  • adults
  • indoor
  • outdoor

The Munch Around the Market Scavenger Hunt

Nibble your way through Reading Terminal Market

…as you tackle tricky questions while sampling the best foods in Reading Terminal Market. Foodies will feast on artisanal chocolates, sinful cheesecakes, Amish baked goods, soft pretzels, cappuccino, cupcakes, roast pork, and more. Plus you’ll also drop into the Convention Center for a look at Reading Terminal’s glory days as a train station.

On teams, you’ll follow fascinating clues to explore the market and find answers to tricky, amusing questions. Plus you’ll also have Snack Attacks, where you’ll have to take creative photos of the team sampling sinful foods.

On this scavenger hunt you’ll discover…

  • Ice cream once made with the help of mules
  • Chocolates that might remind you of Gray’s Anatomy, featured on Bizarre Foods
  • Philbert, the pig that’s a cash cow, with a telltale tail
  • The terminal’s Grand Hall, with a 509-foot-high roof that’s the only remaining single-span iron roof in the world!
philadelphia team building activities at reading terminal market
A team poses with a snack discovery on the scavenger hunt in Reading Terminal Market.

We promise, even if you’re on a diet, you’ll still have fun on this scavenger hunt. But if you are looking for a low-cal, food free version of the game, try The Reading Terminal Ramble Scavenger Hunt.

Contact us to learn more about the Munch Around the Market Scavenger Hunt—and find more fun at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia!


  • private
  • adults
  • outdoor

The Center of Center City Scavenger Hunt

Explore the streets near City Hall

…on this whirlwind scavenger hunt. On teams, you’ll follow clues and search for answers to tricky questions about places and secrets you discover. The hunt trail stretches between LOVE Park and Reading Terminal Market, and you’ll venture out into the side streets in search of nooks and crannies and hidden treasures.

On this scavenger hunt, your team might…

  • Uncover a cornerstone hidden in the depths of City Hall.
  • Eat your (chocolate) heart out in Reading Terminal Market.
  • Marvel at the cavernous space of a former train station.
  • Wonder about a weird giant head outside the Academy of Arts.
  • Learn to love Bacon in LOVE Park.
Plus you’ll need to stretch your creativity to take unusual Team Photos along the way. Our Hunt Host will check in with you along the way and surprise you with a Bonus Challenge.
No knowledge of Philadelphia is required. You just need sharp eyes, comfy shoes, and good teamwork. Contact us to learn more—and find more Philadelphia fun in Center City!

  • private
  • adults
  • kids
  • outdoor

The Rittenhouse Ramble Scavenger Hunt

Square off in the square!

What are you most looking for in an adventure? 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 tackle three 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 you’ll use your best scavenging skills to find unusual items. Along the way, you’ll meet your Hunt Host for a surprise bonus challenge.

No previous knowledge of the neighborhood is necessary. You just need sharp eyes and comfy shoes.

An International Edition is available for groups with participants whose first language is not English. And the Kids Edition is a great activity in which kids (age 7 and up) and adults to work together and have fun together, whether for a school field trip, a birthday, or other special occasions.

What delighted clients are saying

“Watson Adventures is Fantastic! Booked the Rittenhouse Ramble for my 8th grade students as an end of the year adventure! It was fun and interactive! The tour organizers were knowledgeable, nice, and very organized! If you’re looking for a good time, look no further!” —a 5-star review on Google by Cordell Turner of Kings Collegiate Charter School

There’s something for everyone in this game. Contact us to learn more—and find more fun in Philadelphia!


  • private
  • adults
  • outdoor

The Conquer Philadelphia Citywide Scavenger Hunt

Uncover Center City’s mysteries…

…on a whirlwind tour that hits Philly’s most interesting locations—famous and obscure. Using either limousines or mass transit (including the Philly Phlash in summer), you’ll follow clues from Fairmount Park to Penn’s Landing, including such stops as Independence Hall, Reading Terminal, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Old City, and Chinatown. Along the way, you’ll discover movie locations, historic spots, and cool stores as you answer devilishly tricky questions.

You might search for answers to such questions as…

  • Behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the “topless” men has a motto that sounds like an older version of Chumbawamba’s hit song. What is his name? Answer: Nathanael Greene, who holds a hat behind his back and whose motto on his pedestal is “We fight, get beat, rise and fight again,” or as Chumbawamba would sing, “I get knocked down, but I get up again…”
  • In Reading Terminal, near the Original Turkey, find “Babe.” What you’d expect to be curly is straight. What does it always point to? Answer: The tail of a bronze pig points to an illustration of clams on the sculpture’s base. Original Turkey is a turkey-sandwich seller nearby.

You can only figure out the answers to these questions when you’re in the right spot, looking at the right thing. You don’t need any previous knowledge to triumph: you just need good teamwork and comfortable shoes.

This citywide scavenger hunt is great for corporate outings, social-group gatherings, birthday parties—you name it.


Inquire About a Private Scavenger Hunt!

Tell us About Your Event