A Fresh Take on Exploring New London: The Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt
If you’re tired of typical sightseeing tours, the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt offers a playful, engaging way to see this charming coastal town. For $29 per person, you get about three hours of wandering through some of New London’s lesser-known spots, guided not by a traditional tour guide but by a remote, live host who encourages you via your phone. The tour takes you to Connecticut College Arboretum and Ocean Beach Park, where you’ll complete fun, creative challenges amid beautiful surroundings.
What we really appreciate is how this adventure combines discovery and humor. It’s perfect if you want to be active, think on your feet, and feel a sense of community—even if you’re playing with friends or family at a distance. Also, the fact that you can see your fame on an international leaderboard adds a quirky competitive edge that keeps the energy high.
The only thing to consider is that it’s designed for most travelers but might not suit those who prefer a more traditional, structured tour with fixed points and detailed historical commentary. It’s definitely best for those who like a bit of a challenge and a lot of laughs. If you’re into spontaneous adventures that blend culture, art, and a touch of detective work, this will fit your style well.
This experience is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo explorers looking for a different way to explore New London. It’s also a good pick for tech-savvy travelers who enjoy using their phones as part of the adventure.
Key Points
- Interactive Experience: Guided by a remote host via your phone, adding a personal touch.
- Creative Challenges: Adds fun and engagement at each stop, making it more than just sightseeing.
- Unique Locations: Focuses on lesser-known spots like Connecticut College Arboretum and Ocean Beach Park.
- Flexible Timing: You can spend as much or as little time at each venue, tailored to your pace.
- Affordable Price: At $29 per person, it offers good value for a memorable, playful outing.
- Global Competition: Your score and participation are visible on an international leaderboard, adding a fun competitive element.
Exploring the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt in Detail
The Concept and What Sets It Apart
Unlike traditional tours, this scavenger hunt is a hybrid of adventure, challenge, and social experiment. It’s hosted by Alley Kat Adventures, based in Austin, Texas, but they’ve brought their concept to over 300 cities. You don’t just walk around with a guide; instead, your live host communicates with you through your phone, giving instructions, encouragement, and clues. This makes the experience highly flexible—you can do it at your own pace, and you’re not tied to a fixed schedule or large group.
The idea is to discover New London’s hidden gems while having fun with puzzles and creative tasks. Whether it’s interpreting a piece of local art or solving a quirky riddle, the focus is on interaction and discovery.
The Itinerary and Key Stops
Stop 1: Connecticut College Arboretum
This spot offers a peaceful, green escape right in the heart of the town. The arboretum isn’t just a pretty park; it’s a hidden treasure with a variety of trees and plants, perfect for a creative challenge. The tour guides suggest spending around 15 minutes here, which is enough to complete a fun task and soak in the calm scenery. Since the admission is free, it’s a budget-friendly highlight. Visitors can expect to learn a bit about the local flora while engaging in a challenge that might involve identifying plants or interpreting an art piece.
Stop 2: Ocean Beach Park
This classic Connecticut shoreline spot is the second key destination. It’s great for a creative challenge that might involve finding specific features on the beach or interpreting seaside scenery. Again, about 15 minutes is suggested, but you can stay longer if you want to enjoy the ocean breeze. There’s no admission fee, which keeps your costs down, and the scenic views of the Atlantic make it a lovely backdrop for your puzzles.
What It’s Like to Participate
Many reviewers have remarked on how interactive and enjoyable it is. One said, “We loved the way our host kept us engaged even from afar,” highlighting how real-time interaction adds a personal touch. Since the activity is designed for groups up to 30, it feels intimate but lively. The challenge is tailored to all ages and interests, making it suitable for families, friends, or solo adventurers.
The flexibility to spend varying lengths of time at each stop means you can customize the experience. If you love sightseeing with a playful twist, you’ll especially appreciate how the clues encourage you to interpret art and scenery creatively.
Practical Tips for Participants
- Start point: The tour begins at Washington Street Coffee House, a cozy spot where you can get caffeinated before the adventure begins.
- Duration: Plan for roughly three hours, but you can extend or cut it short depending on your pace.
- Group size: Limited to about 30 travelers, so it’s a manageable, social experience.
- Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation, making it accessible for most.
- Cost: At $29, it’s an affordable way to spend an afternoon, especially considering the interactive nature and the opportunity to discover hidden corners.
The Value for Travelers
At this price point, you’re paying for a unique, personalized experience rather than just a sightseeing checklist. The real value lies in the fun challenges, the chance to explore offbeat spots, and the chance to compete globally on the leaderboard. It’s especially worthwhile if you enjoy a mix of art, nature, and puzzles, and like to keep active while exploring.
Limitations and Considerations
While this tour offers a fresh approach, it’s worth noting that it’s not a traditional historical tour. If you’re after detailed insights into New London’s past, a guided historic walk might serve you better. Also, since it’s hosted remotely, some might miss the face-to-face interaction of a live guide. On top of that, the activity relies on your phone and internet connection, so ensure your device is charged and your signal is reliable.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Try the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt?
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, engaging way to see parts of New London you might not encounter on a traditional tour, this is a good choice. It’s especially suited for adventurous types who enjoy puzzles, art, and scenic outdoor spots. Families with kids who like a bit of a detective game will find it fun, as will small groups of friends wanting a shared challenge.
It’s also ideal if you want to avoid standard tours and prefer a self-paced, interactive experience that offers a bit of competition and a lot of laughs. The price point, combined with the creative approach, makes it a worthwhile addition to your New London itinerary.
FAQ
Is the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for a wide age range, especially those who enjoy puzzles and outdoor exploration.
How long does the activity last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, but you can adjust your pace for each stop.
Do I need special equipment?
Just your phone, with internet access, to receive clues and communicate with your host.
Are the locations accessible?
Yes, both stops are accessible and near public transportation, with no specified restrictions.
Can I participate alone?
Absolutely. Many solo travelers enjoy the challenge and the chance to meet others through the competition.
How many people can join?
The group size is limited to 30 travelers for a more engaging experience.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those with kids who like puzzles and outdoor activities.
What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Washington Street Coffee House, a cozy local spot.
Will I get to see historic sites?
The focus is on lesser-known local gems and artistic or scenic challenges rather than detailed historical landmarks.
This scavenger hunt offers a playful, modern twist on exploring New London. It’s perfect for those seeking a personalized, active, and creative adventure without the bulk of a traditional tour. Whether you’re flying solo or with family, it guarantees laughs, discovery, and a few bragging rights on the leaderboard.