04 Mar 2020
If you have ever dreamed of being on Amazing Race but haven't been cast yet (or failed to apply) then this is the perfect activity for you. The other benefit is that it only takes you a couple of hours.
The story to your scavenger hunt is that some animals have been stolen from the zoo and you have to help find them (19 I believe in total). Each clue will give you creative directions to find your way to the next location and then a clue to help solve which animal you are looking for.
Once purchasing a race day, you will get information on how to download the app.
They will send you a time frame for your race and starting information. When you get to your first location, you will login and start the scavenger hunt. You will get a sample clue to solve before the actual hunt begins...this will help orient you to the types of questions you will be facing. The app is a free download but you will need data on your phone as you run the race. Once you have logged in, you can get also download it on additional phones so you aren't relying on one person's phone to read the clue over and over. Saturday is a good day to do the race as downtown is quieter. The plus 16 and stores close by 6 so do not start your hunt any later then 4 pm.
The directions are well laid out and we had no trouble finding the next location (pay attention to each word and you will find your way around as well). If you are needing a directional hint you can request one however it will come at the cost of an added time penalty.
Some of the clues are easy to piece together and some of them took a lot of work to figure out. You can also request a clue specific hint but once again that comes with a time penalty. Also, if you guess a wrong answer, you will be given a time penalty. If you give up on a clue, it will direct you to the next location however that is with a much larger time penalty.
Plan for at least 2 hours to complete the race (you will end at the same place as you start). You are given the option for a couple of snack/coffee breaks (don't worry the timer is paused if you do take a break) so if you are wanting a break make sure to plan that as additional time above the 2 hour time frame.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking about 2.5 km for this hunt. It is all indoors so you don't need to worry about the outdoor weather conditions for this race. 2-4 people would work for this race...we had 4 which was a great number as we needed everyone's eyes and ears to solve the clues.
The race itself is challenging and well laid out. We thought it may be cheesy but were really impressed. The family could do this race however some of the questions are more challenging and may be over kids heads.
If you have questions or need help (before the race), the staff was super helpful and quick to respond helping ease our minds and help prepare us for the race ahead.