Entertaining little kids is easy: Some bubbles, an animated movie, even a cardboard box can do the trick. Older kids are another, more challenging, matter. Solution? A scavenger hunt.
Oh no, not one you plan and set up yourself! Who has time for that? Instead, take part in one of the many games organized by professional scavenger hunt companies. These activities will get your whole family working together while seeing and learning a bit about Toronto.
The following companies offer local, family-friendly scavenger hunts. Some of them regularly offer tickets on Groupon and other deal sites so be sure to do a bit of poking around online to see if you can save yourself some money.
Adventure Hunt
Ever wanted to discover a buried treasure chest? This hunt, which revolves around a mobile app, will have you all over Toronto for an experience that one past participant describes as “like The Amazing Race, only better!” There’s even a prize at the end: $5 to spend in Adventure Hunt’s online store. Sign up in a team of two to four members before the July 9, 2018 Hunt Day and you and your family could be digging up a prize that includes a trip to Panama.
Big City Hunt: At Toronto’s Core
Instead of competing against other teams, in this hunt, up to 10 people work together to solve a challenge that takes you all over downtown Toronto. To make it more interactive, team members as young as age 6 can have a distinctive role. The whole game is based around an app on your phone that lets your family try out this hunt any day of the week.
Evergreen Brick Works Scavenger Hunt
Learn all about the history of this beloved Toronto site on this hunt. Two different versions of it are available: One for families with kids ages 3–6 and one for those with kids 7–10. Both versions can be picked up for free from the Welcome Desk located inside the Young Welcome Centre.
The Puzzling Madness of John A. MacDonald
Add some Canadian history to your fun with this hunt and escape game combind that has participants learning about historic Toronto while “saving” Canada. Working in teams of up to eight, you’ll spend roughly 2½ hours solving puzzles while exploring the city. Please note that participants must be at least 14 years old and that each team that includes kids much have at least one adult.
Urban Capers Scavenger Hunts
Teams of two to six compete over two hours to collect the most correct answers. Currently seven scenarios are offered, including one set at the ROM, another in and around St. Lawrence Market and, for those who like to be scared, one called Haunted Toronto. Hunts generally take place on the weekends and are available June–October. Because of their subject matter, these games are recommended for tweens and up and there must be at least one adult on every team.
Urban Quest
This affordable hunt ($10 per person) offers six scenarios that range from easy to hard. Depending on what scenario you pick, your team of two to four people will explore the Eaton Centre, Port Credit, or Toronto’s downtown west end. Hunts are suitable for kids ages 9 and up and for extra fun, your quest can include reservations at a mystery restaurant.
