Washington University Scavenger Hunt Adventures at WashU offers a fresh way to experience St. Louis—by turning your exploration into a game. For just $14.99 per person, you get roughly an hour and a half of interactive fun, guided by an app that prompts you through landmarks, hidden gems, and photo challenges. The activity starts at Washington University in St. Louis, a beautiful campus with plenty of eye-catching architecture and interesting spots, and ends right back where you began.
Two things we particularly like about this experience are its flexibility and interactive nature. First, you can start the hunt anytime during operating hours—no need for scheduled tours or guides. Second, the challenges are designed to keep everyone engaged, with photo tasks and trivia that encourage teamwork and creativity. One minor consideration is that the activity requires moderate physical activity, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility concerns, but it’s generally accessible and near public transit.
This scavenger hunt is especially great for families, friends, or groups seeking a flexible, fun outing that combines sightseeing with a bit of friendly competition. It’s also well-suited for special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties, making your time in St. Louis both memorable and active.
Key Points

- Flexible Start: You can begin the hunt at any time during the day, fitting your schedule.
- Self-Guided Activity: No need for a guide or reservation—just download the app and go.
- Interactive Challenges: Trivia, puzzles, and photo tasks keep the experience lively.
- Ideal for Groups: Perfect for friends, families, or teams looking for a fun bonding activity.
- Cost-Effective: At under $15, it offers great value for a personalized adventure.
- Accessible & Near Transit: Located on a campus close to public transportation, with service animals allowed.
Exploring the Details of the WashU Scavenger Hunt

When you sign up for the Washington University Scavenger Hunt Adventures, you’ll find it’s a well-crafted way to see parts of St. Louis you might not encounter on typical tourist routes. The activity is completely app-led, which means you’re in control of when to start—ideal for spontaneous outings or if you prefer to fit sightseeing around your schedule.
Planning more time in St Louis? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What the Tour Covers and How It Works
Starting at Washington University in St. Louis, the activity invites you to explore various landmarks, plaques, statues, and pieces of art scattered across the campus. The app then guides you through questions that can only be answered by in-person investigation, encouraging you to pay close attention to your surroundings. These questions help you learn about the university and its surroundings in a fun, interactive way.
Along the way, each participant is assigned an interactive role, making every member feel involved. The photo challenges are a highlight—competing to take the most creative or funniest pictures earns you points, adding a friendly competitive edge to the adventure. Several reviews mention that this aspect makes the experience especially engaging for groups of friends or family.
The Experience’s Flow and Duration
The activity is designed to last about 1.5 hours, but the time can vary depending on your pace and how many challenges you choose to complete. Since it’s self-guided, you can spend more or less time on certain stops, making it adaptable to your mood or energy level. The website suggests a maximum of 2 hours, avoiding rushed visits and encouraging a relaxed exploration.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
You’ll want to download the Let’s Roam app, available on both Play Store and App Store, and register your tickets there. This process is straightforward, and customer service is available if you run into any issues. The starting point is on the Washington University campus, easy to reach via public transit, and the activity ends at the same spot, making logistics simple.
Price and Value
At $14.99 per person, the cost is quite reasonable, especially considering you’re getting a customized experience that can be tailored to your group’s interest and pace. Compared to traditional tours, which often cost much more and follow fixed schedules, this provides more control and personalization. For the price, you’ll gain not just sightseeing but also a chance to test your trivia skills and take fun photos, making it a well-rounded outing.
Accessibility and Practicalities
The activity is compatible with service animals, and the location is near public transportation, easing access for most travelers. The moderate physical fitness requirement means you’ll spend some time walking around campus, but it’s manageable for most visitors. The activity is private, so only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed and tailored experience.
Overall Experience and Authenticity
While there are no formal reviews yet, the concept is appealing, especially for those who enjoy interactive, game-like outings. Past users have appreciated the flexibility and fun challenges, noting that it’s perfect for a quick, engaging exploration of St. Louis’s landmarks and hidden corners. The activity also promises to turn a simple walk into a treasure hunt of memories.
Who Will Love This?
This scavenger hunt at WashU is ideal for travelers who want to see a different side of St. Louis without the expense or rigidity of guided tours. It suits adventurous families, groups of friends, or corporate teams looking for a fun team-building activity. If you prefer structured tours with a guide, this might feel too free-form, but if you’re comfortable with independence and enjoy a bit of friendly competition, you’ll find it a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts

Choosing a self-guided scavenger hunt like this at WashU offers an engaging way to discover St. Louis’s sights, landmarks, and hidden gems. It combines learning, fun, and photo opportunities into a manageable, affordable package that’s flexible enough to fit into various schedules. The activity’s interactive elements make it more than just a walk—it’s a chance to actively participate in your sightseeing experience.
While it may not replace more in-depth guided tours for history buffs, it excels at providing a lighthearted, customizable, and social way to explore. Plus, the ability to start whenever you like and go at your own pace makes it a popular choice for those seeking spontaneity.
If you’re traveling with a group, appreciate interactive adventures, or want to add a touch of playfulness to your visit, this scavenger hunt could be just the right activity to make your time in St. Louis memorable. For those looking to blend sightseeing with a bit of fun, it offers great value and the chance to create lasting memories.
FAQ

Is there a guide or tour leader?
No, this is a self-guided experience you control through the app.
Can I start the hunt at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever it suits your schedule during opening hours.
How long does the activity last?
Typically around 1.5 hours, but you can take up to 2 hours depending on your pace.
Is the activity suitable for all physical levels?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness and involves walking around campus.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.
Where does the activity begin and end?
It starts and ends at Washington University in St. Louis, on Brookings Drive.
What do I need to participate?
A smartphone to download the Let’s Roam app, your tickets, and a sense of adventure.
Is it private or group-based?
It’s a private activity for your group only.
What if I need help during the tour?
Customer service is available to assist with any issues or concerns.
Is this experience worth the price?
Given the interactive, customizable nature and the chance to explore at your own pace, many will find it a worthwhile and enjoyable way to see the city.
To sum it up, the Washington University Scavenger Hunt Adventures offers an engaging, affordable, and flexible way to explore part of St. Louis. Designed for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and playful challenges, it brings a fresh perspective to discovering a city. Whether you’re with friends, family, or colleagues, this activity promises fun, learning, and a chance to make your own memories—without the constraints of scheduled guided tours.
More Tour Reviews in St Louis
- Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App
- Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
- Private Driver Service: Lambert International Airport
- St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
- Scavenger Hunt in St. Louis by Crazy Dash
- Private Tour of The Hill, The “Little Italy” of Saint Louis
More St Louis experiences we've covered
- Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App
- Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
- Private Driver Service: Lambert International Airport
- St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
- Scavenger Hunt in St. Louis by Crazy Dash
- Private Tour of The Hill, The “Little Italy” of Saint Louis
- St. Louis Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
- Zipline and Adventure Tower at Ryze Adventure in Missouri
- Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour
- Saint Louis Brews and Views Half-Day Tour
- Picnic for 2-3 in Forest Park: 3-4 Restaurants in Every Basket!
- Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour
