Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

Imagine turning a typical city walk into an exciting zombie apocalypse adventure. For just $20 per group, you and up to nine friends can explore Des Moines with a mobile app that transforms the city into your own survival battleground. With a duration of approximately one hour, this activity offers a fresh, playful take on sightseeing, blending outdoor exploration with a bit of flash fiction fun.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are its flexibility—you can start and stop as you please—and the personalized guidance provided by a remote survival guide for hints and tips. It’s a clever way to keep the game engaging without feeling rushed. However, a potential consideration is that, since it’s a self-guided activity relying on your phone, it might not appeal to those who prefer guided tours with a physical guide or structured route.

This scavenger hunt suits adventurous travelers, families, or groups of friends looking for an offbeat way to discover Des Moines. Whether you’re local or visiting, it’s a chance to see the city in a new light while enjoying some friendly competition. If you like puzzles, challenges, and a bit of humor, you’ll find this activity hits the spot.

Key Points

• Affordable at only $20 per group, making it a cost-effective way to explore the city.
• Flexible timing allows you to start, pause, and resume as you wish, fitting into your schedule.
• Personalized support with a remote guide for hints and tips enhances the experience.
• Location independence means you can choose your own route in Des Moines.
• Engaging challenges and scavenger tasks keep the experience lively and interactive.
• Authentic adventure with a zombie theme, blending city exploration with playful survival tactics.

A Creative Way to Explore Des Moines

Instead of the usual guided tour or wandering aimlessly, this zombie-themed scavenger hunt turns your walk through Des Moines into a game of wit and agility. For $20 per group, you get about one hour of activity that begins at Cowles Commons and ends right back there, making it easy to plan around.

The concept is simple: using your smartphone, you’ll look for survival items scattered around the city or complete challenges that are zombie-themed. The game is designed to be played at your own pace—stop to search for items, complete a challenge, or chat with your remote guide for clues. No time limits mean you can enjoy the activity comfortably without feeling rushed.

What makes this activity stand out is its personalized experience. Being limited to your group, you’ll have the chance to bond over silly challenges and strategize together. The remote guide, available for two hours, can provide hints if needed, adding a layer of support that helps keep the game fun and stress-free.

What to Expect During Your Zombie Scavenger Adventure

The game launches at Cowles Commons, a lively spot in downtown Des Moines. From there, you’re free to roam anywhere in the city—whether that’s the bustling farmers market area, historic neighborhoods, or scenic parks. The game’s focus is on finding items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse, which you locate in any order, adding a level of strategy to your adventure.

Throughout the hunt, you’ll encounter challenges that test your creativity and quick thinking. These might include solving puzzles, taking creative photos, or completing physical tasks. The app’s interface makes it easy to track your points, and you can compare your score with other teams across the country, adding a fun competitive element.

One review summarized the experience with a simple yet charming note: “Discover DES MOINES,” highlighting how it offers a fresh way to see and enjoy the city beyond traditional tours. Since it’s self-guided, you can pause for lunch or a quick snack without missing out on the game.

The remote guide is accessible via chat, ready to help with hints or clarifications. This support not only keeps the game flowing but also makes the experience more engaging and less frustrating if you get stuck on a challenge.

The Value of the Experience

At $20 per group, this scavenger hunt offers excellent value, especially considering the interactive and personalized nature of the activity. You get not just a walk around town but a themed adventure that sparks creativity while encouraging you to explore areas you might not have otherwise visited.

This activity is ideal for families, young adults, or teams looking for a low-pressure, entertaining experience that combines outdoor activity with a bit of storytelling. The game’s flexibility makes it suitable for different schedules—whether you want to squeeze it into a lunch break or extend it into a longer exploration.

While it relies on your own smartphone and transportation, that flexibility can be a benefit for those who prefer to customize their route or pace. Plus, starting at Cowles Commons, a conveniently located hub, makes logistics straightforward.

A Thorough Breakdown of the Experience

Itinerary and Route

The game is self-directed, so you choose your own path through Des Moines. Starting at Cowles Commons, which is close to public transportation options, you can head toward landmarks, parks, or neighborhoods that interest you. The only fixed point is the start and end at Cowles Commons, making it easy to plan around.

What You’ll Do

Your main tasks involve locating survival items—such as tools or supplies needed to fend off zombies—in various parts of the city. These items are hidden in spots you can reach on foot, and their locations are part of the challenge. Completing zombie-themed mini-challenges adds variety—think puzzles, photo tasks, or physical activities.

The Challenges and Scoring

The game encourages strategic planning—you can complete challenges in any order, aiming to maximize points. The app tracks your progress and compares it with others across the country, adding a fun competitive edge. The remote guide can be contacted for hints, ensuring you stay engaged even when facing tricky tasks.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

From the description and reviews, it’s clear that this activity balances fun and challenge. “We went to Farmer Market, it’s Saturday, delicious food, crafts and live show,” says a reviewer, indicating that it complements other local activities rather than replacing them. It’s designed to be a lighthearted adventure, infused with humor and a sense of play.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to your group, this activity offers privacy and intimacy, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. It’s an excellent way for groups to bond while exploring Des Moines’ cityscape in a unique, thematic way.

Practical Considerations

Since it’s self-guided, you’ll want to ensure your smartphone is fully charged and that you’re comfortable walking around the city. The activity is available Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing ample flexibility. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is accessible near public transportation.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for adventure-seekers who want a playful challenge, families looking for a fun outing, or groups of friends wanting to combine sightseeing with a game. If you enjoy puzzles, riddles, or just want a lighthearted spin on a city walk, this is a great choice. It’s especially appealing for those open to a less conventional tour with a quirky, zombie twist.

Final Thoughts

This zombie-themed scavenger hunt in Des Moines brings together outdoor exploration, interactive challenges, and a playful story—all at a reasonable price. It’s designed to be flexible and personalized, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. The activity’s emphasis on self-guided fun allows you to tailor your experience while still having access to helpful tips from a remote guide.

Whether you’re a local wanting to see your city differently or a visitor seeking an unusual activity, this tour offers a refreshing change from traditional sightseeing. It combines the thrill of a game with the chance to discover Des Moines’ neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden corners—making every moment memorable.

FAQ

Can I start the scavenger hunt anytime during opening hours?
Yes, the activity is available Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can start whenever it suits your schedule within those hours.

Is this activity suitable for children or families?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the playful zombie theme and outdoor nature suggest it can be fun for families, especially those with older children or teenagers.

Do I need to bring anything special?
You’ll need a fully charged smartphone with internet access. No other special equipment is required, as all activities are managed through the app.

How long does it take to complete the scavenger hunt?
The activity is designed to last around one hour, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer if desired—pausing and resuming as needed.

Is the activity private for my group?
Yes, the experience is limited to your group only, providing a more personalized and intimate adventure.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is there support available during the activity?
Yes, you’ll have 2 hours of access to a remote interactive survival guide who can offer hints and tips via chat.

This activity offers a quirky, engaging way to see Des Moines from a new perspective. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy challenges, humor, and outdoor fun, with the flexibility to make it your own adventure.