Scavenger Hunt

All the scavenger hunt ideas you'll ever need

Washington DC Scavenger Hunt

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If you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital, why not try something different by putting a twist on your standard sightseeing expedition.

Here are some fun Washington DC scavenger hunt ideas to do while you’re there, including a list of things to see and do.

Here’s how to plan it:

Washington DC Scavenger Hunt List

Resources

  • Pens
  • Scavenger hunt list (see below for ideas)
  • Camera (cellphone cameras are fine)
  • Map of Washington DC

Preparation

None, other than to research some of the tourist attractions to visit if you didn’t want to use the list below.

Instructions

Split the group into smaller teams, unless you’re planning on doing this as a group activity or as a family.

Give them the resources that are listed above, along with some cash for the items and activities if there are any that will cost money.

Arrange a finishing time and location (if separating out), then go off hunting in DC!

Competitive Option

If playing this competitively, make it a photo scavenger hunt where players take photos of all the items / tourist attractions as proof that they completed each one.

Washington DC Scavenger Hunt List

The capital is a huge place, with loads to see and do. A scavenger hunt list could therefore be endless, but here are 20 key things you could include:

  1. White House
  2. Smithsonian Museum
  3. US Capitol
  4. Lincoln Memorial
  5. Jefferson Memorial
  6. Washington Monument
  7. National Gallery Of Art
  8. National Air & Space Museum
  9. National Museum of Natural History
  10. National Mall
  11. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  12. Ford’s Theatre
  13. Nationals Park
  14. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
  15. National Aquarium
  16. Reflecting Pool
  17. Washington National Cathedral
  18. United States Botanic Garden
  19. Potomac River
  20. Madame Tussauds

Save Money

Visiting DC can be expensive, especially when paying for entrance fees, food, transport, etc. One way to save money is to check Groupon for deals and discounts in the weeks leading up to your trip.

Prize

If you’re playing this scavenger hunt competitively, get some kind of souvenir as a prize for the winner (or give them a certain budget and allow them to pick a souvenir themselves).