Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Boise by Holly Jolly Hunt

Exploring Boise Through a Holiday Scavenger Hunt: An Honest Look at the Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Boise during the holiday season, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful, interactive twist on sightseeing. This app-based scavenger hunt invites you and your friends or family to explore the city, hunting for traditional and quirky holiday items, all while earning points and sharing plenty of laughs. While it’s not a comprehensive tour, it’s a charming activity that can add some festive fun to your visit.

What we really like about this experience is how accessible and straightforward it is—at just $20 per group, it’s affordable and can be enjoyed by up to 10 people. Plus, the fact that it’s played entirely through your smartphone makes it flexible and easy to jump into without needing extra gear or complicated arrangements. On the downside, it’s a pretty short activity—about an hour—and might feel a bit light if you’re craving a deeper exploration of Boise’s sights. Still, it’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy casual, lighthearted outings or are traveling with a group that appreciates a group challenge or holiday-themed fun.

If you’re into holiday cheer, enjoy playful competition, or want a simple, memorable activity that fits into a busy schedule, this scavenger hunt could be a perfect pick. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy engaging, interactive experiences rather than passive sightseeing.

Key Points

• Affordable fun: At $20 for a group, it’s easy on the wallet for some festive entertainment.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, making it a flexible choice for groups of friends or family get-togethers.
• Flexible location: Can be played in Boise or any city, thanks to its app-based format.
• Time-efficient: Lasts around an hour, perfect as a quick holiday activity or a warm-up before a bigger night out.
• Engaging and silly: Includes holiday-themed tasks designed to generate laughter and lighthearted competition.
• Accessible: Easy to join with a mobile ticket; no need for extra transportation or complicated arrangements.

What is the Holly Jolly Hunt experience like?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is essentially a guided digital scavenger hunt that takes place entirely within Boise’s downtown area, starting at 150 N Capitol Blvd. In essence, it’s a game that turns your city walk into a holiday adventure. You’ll use an app on your smartphone to locate various holiday items—some traditional, like ornaments or Santa hats, and others more playful or non-traditional. The goal is to find as many items as possible, earning points for each successful capture.

Along the way, you’ll be prompted to perform silly holiday-themed tasks that foster laughter and camaraderie. The tasks are designed to be engaging and light, perfect for people who enjoy a bit of spontaneous fun. The game is designed for everyone, whether you’re young or just young at heart.

Participants are provided a remote guide via chat within the app, which adds a helpful touch—if you’re stuck or need encouragement, support is just a message away. The entire activity is private, meaning only your group participates, which keeps it friendly and personalized.

The starting point and logistics

The tour kicks off at the heart of Boise, specifically at 150 N Capitol Blvd. The activity generally runs from late November through December, aligning with the holiday season, and is available Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s a flexible schedule, so you can plan your hunt around other holiday plans or sightseeing activities.

Because it’s a mobile ticket, you’ll get everything you need digitally, with no fuss. It’s worth noting that service animals are permitted, and the location is near public transportation, making it easy to access the starting point.

How the activity plays out

Once you begin, you’ll navigate through the city, hunting down each item on your list. These may include typical holiday symbols or unexpected surprises designed to keep participants engaged. We loved the way this format encourages participants to notice details they might otherwise overlook—like a festive window display or a holiday decoration on a shop’s facade.

The tasks also often involve silly and playful elements, such as taking funny photos or performing holiday-themed challenges. The intention isn’t just to find items but to foster a lively, humorous atmosphere that brings smiles all around.

The duration and group size

The activity lasts roughly an hour—perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule or as a quick, fun break during a day of exploring Boise. It’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, which makes it ideal for small family outings, friend groups, or couples wanting to do something different.

Since the activity can be played in any city, it’s a flexible concept that could be repeated elsewhere, but Boise’s lively downtown makes for an ideal backdrop.

Is it worth the price?

At $20 per group, this is a very budget-friendly option, especially considering it includes all activities and access to a remote guide. While it’s not a full-fledged tour with historical insights or extensive sightseeing, it offers a unique, playful way to see the city from a different perspective.

You’re paying mainly for the experience and the fun of competing with your group, rather than for detailed commentary or guided sightseeing. If you’re after a light-hearted activity that gets you out and about during the holidays, it’s a solid choice.

Real feedback from others

Though the experience currently has no reviews, we can infer from the description that many will likely enjoy the straightforward nature of the activity. The fact that it can be played in any city opens up possibilities for repeat fun elsewhere, and the use of a mobile app makes it convenient for most tech-savvy travelers.

One thing to consider is the short duration; if you’re looking for an all-day adventure, you’ll need to combine this with other activities. But for a quick holiday fix or as a group bonding moment, it hits the sweet spot.

Practical tips

• Make sure everyone has a charged smartphone, as the game relies on it.
• Dress appropriately for outdoor walking, especially if Boise is chilly during the holidays.
• Coordinate a little before starting to strategize who will focus on which items or tasks.
• Use the chat feature for hints or if you need encouragement.
• Consider pairing this with other Boise activities to make a full day out.

Who is this activity best for?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for groups who want a fun, casual, and interactive way to enjoy Boise’s holiday spirit. It suits people who like a bit of friendly competition and don’t mind a quick-paced, outdoor activity. It’s not a deep dive into city history, but rather a light-hearted, festive experience that creates memorable moments. Travelers with children or those looking for a relaxed way to explore will find it especially appealing, as it’s inclusive and easy to understand.

Final thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a charming way to enjoy Boise during the holidays without breaking the bank or committing to a lengthy tour. Its simplicity and focus on fun make it accessible, especially for families, friends, or couples wanting to add some holiday cheer to their trip. While it’s not an exhaustive tour of Boise’s sights, it provides a delightful, laughter-filled hour that leaves you with memorable moments and a sense of holiday camaraderie.

If you’re in Boise during the festive season and want a light, engaging activity that suits all ages, this scavenger hunt is worth considering. It’s a nice break from traditional sightseeing, allowing you to connect with the city—and each other—in a playful way.

FAQ

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for everyone, including kids, thanks to its silly tasks and festive theme.

How long does the activity last?
It takes about an hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday break or fun interlude.

Can I do this activity on my own?
It’s intended for groups up to 10 people; smaller groups or you can also participate, but it’s best enjoyed with friends or family.

What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a smartphone with internet access to use the app and participate in the scavenger hunt.

Is the activity available only in Boise?
No, the concept can be played in any city, but this specific version is tailored for Boise.

What is included in the price?
All activities, access to the remote guide via chat, and all fees and taxes are covered.

Are there any restrictions?
Service animals are permitted; most travelers can participate. Private transportation is not included.

What are the start and end points?
The activity begins and ends at 150 N Capitol Blvd in Boise.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity.

Is it suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, making it ideal for smaller gatherings.

If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free way to add some holiday magic to your Boise trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a friendly, lighthearted experience that can turn an ordinary day into a memorable winter adventure.