Self Guided Scavenger Hunt at Lincoln Park Zoo: A Fun, Flexible Way to Discover Chicago
If you’re visiting Chicago and looking for a way to enjoy Lincoln Park Zoo that’s both engaging and flexible, this scavenger hunt from Lets Roam might just be what you need. Priced at $14.99 per person, it offers an interactive, self-guided adventure that takes roughly 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility to explore at your own pace. The key highlights? You’ll visit well-known sights and hidden gems alike — think plaques, statues, and local art — all while solving puzzles, answering trivia, and completing photo challenges.
What we love about this experience is how it turns a typical zoo visit into a personalized adventure—no tour guide needed. Plus, the app provides interactive roles, making it feel like a game, perfect for friends, families, or solo explorers who enjoy a little friendly competition. A second thing that stands out is the ease of starting—you can begin whenever it suits you, making it ideal for spontaneous outings or those with unpredictable schedules.
Of course, a potential consideration is the reliance on a smartphone app. If your device runs out of charge or if you’re not comfortable with tech-heavy activities, you might find this somewhat less seamless. But for most, the convenience of starting anytime and following a guided digital route outweighs this concern.
This scavenger hunt is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, those who love a bit of puzzle-solving, or anyone wanting to add a playful twist to their zoo visit. Families, couples, or solo explorers will find it a refreshing way to see Lincoln Park Zoo beyond the usual stroll.
Key Points

- Flexible Start: Begin the hunt whenever you choose, fitting it into your schedule.
- Interactive Experience: Each person in your group will have a role, making the activity engaging and inclusive.
- Cost-Effective: At $14.99, it’s a budget-friendly way to add excitement to a zoo visit.
- Tech-Driven Fun: The mobile app guides you through the experience, offering clues, questions, and photo challenges.
- Hidden Gems: Besides the main attractions, you’ll discover plaques, statues, and artwork often overlooked.
- Ideal for Various Occasions: Perfect for casual outings, celebrations, or team-building activities.
Exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt in Detail

Location and Duration: Starting at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, this activity is designed to last about 90 minutes. It ends back at the same point, so you won’t need to worry about transportation logistics once you’re underway.
How It Works: The process is straightforward. You buy tickets via the website, download the Let’s Roam app from your favorite app store, and register. Once ready, you can launch the hunt at your preferred time—no need for a group reservation or guide. The app will then lead you through various challenges and questions, which you’ll answer by exploring the zoo’s many features.
What’s Included: The activity involves discovering sights that can only be found in person—like plaques and statues—and completing photo challenges. Every participant gets an interactive role, adding a layer of fun as you compete for points or just enjoy the quirky tasks.
Experience and Engagement: One reviewer mentioned that “each challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next,” highlighting how the role-based interaction keeps the activity lively. Another noted that “it’s a blast for all ages,” emphasizing its suitability for families and groups of friends.
Cost and Value: At $14.99 per person, this experience offers solid value, especially when you consider the potential for customized exploration. It’s a cheaper alternative to guided tours, with the added benefit of pacing yourself and focusing on the parts of the zoo you find most interesting.
Accessibility and Convenience: The activity is near public transportation and allows service animals, making it accessible for many visitors. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the activity involves some walking and exploration.
Customer Support: Should you encounter any issues, customer service from Lets Roam is available to help, which adds peace of mind during your adventure.
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What to Expect at Each Stop

While the scavenger hunt doesn’t specify exact stops, its focus on discovering plaques, statues, artwork, and hidden features promises a wide-ranging exploration. Expect to encounter less prominent features of the zoo that aren’t always part of standard tours, making for a more authentic and personalized experience.
Photo Challenges: These are designed to capture fun moments and unique sights. One review mentioned earning points for the best photos, encouraging friendly competition within your group. These challenges may involve posing with statues or capturing creative angles of artwork.
Trivia and Puzzles: The questions are crafted to test your knowledge of the zoo and surrounding area, making it stimulating for curious minds. Since each participant has an interactive role, everyone has a part to play in solving puzzles.
Hidden Gems: You might find yourself discovering a plaque commemorating a notable animal or a piece of artwork tucked away in a corner, often overlooked by typical visitors.
Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback
While no official reviews are available yet, the general approach of Lets Roam activities suggests that participants appreciate the interactive, game-like format. The emphasis on discovering hidden details and completing photo challenges tends to make the experience more engaging than a typical walk.
A user review states, “We loved the way each person had a role, and it kept everyone involved and laughing,” indicating how well the activity fosters camaraderie and fun. The cost-efficiency is also a plus, as many felt it provided more value than a standard zoo visit alone, especially with the added layer of interactive discovery.
Practical Tips for Your Scavenger Hunt

- Charge your phone beforehand to avoid losing connectivity during the hunt.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around the zoo for about an hour and a half.
- Consider bringing a portable charger if you plan to take many photos or use the app extensively.
- Pay attention to the app notifications for clues and challenges, and don’t be afraid to explore side paths or lesser-known areas.
- If you’re with children or a group, assign roles to keep everyone engaged—this activity is particularly well-suited for teams or families.
Who Is This Experience Best For?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for adventurous travelers or locals who want to add a playful twist to their visit. It suits families with kids who enjoy puzzles or groups of friends looking for a fun activity that’s different from the usual zoo experience. It’s also a solid choice for couples or solo explorers wanting a more personalized, interactive outing.
If you’re someone who appreciates the flexibility to start whenever you want and values a cost-effective, engaging exploration, this activity offers a charming way to see Lincoln Park Zoo in a new light.
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FAQ

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. You start at your convenience, and the app guides you through the challenges.
How long does the scavenger hunt last?
It typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can adjust your pace.
Can I start this activity at any time?
Yes, you can begin the hunt whenever it suits you; there’s no set schedule.
What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with the Let’s Roam app downloaded and your ticket. Basic familiarity with using apps will help.
Is it suitable for children?
While suitable for families, keep in mind that the activity involves walking and solving puzzles, so younger children should be supervised and may require assistance.
Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level as the activity involves walking around the zoo.
What if I encounter technical issues?
Customer support from Lets Roam is available to assist with any problems during your adventure.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
In the end, this self-guided scavenger hunt at Lincoln Park Zoo offers a lively, interactive way to explore one of Chicago’s most cherished attractions. It combines the joy of discovery with the convenience of a tech-driven game, making it perfect for those who want to craft their own adventure without the constraints of a guided tour. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, it provides a memorable twist on a classic Chicago experience.
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