Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt

If you’re considering a fun, budget-friendly way to explore Chicago’s iconic Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt might catch your eye. Offered by eATLAS for just $8 per person, this 45-minute activity promises an engaging mix of learning and adventure—without the need for a guided tour. It’s designed to be self-paced, making it flexible whether you’re squeezing in a quick visit or planning an afternoon of discovery.

What we like about this experience is how it encourages you to explore the entire zoo grounds, including the Nature Boardwalk and Farm-in-the-Zoo. The use of a mobile app means you can navigate at your own pace, and the competitive element of competing on a leaderboard adds a little extra motivation for those who enjoy a friendly challenge. Plus, it’s ideal for those who prefer an independent, interactive way to experience the zoo without a traditional guided tour.

However, there’s a notable caveat: some users have found the website navigation confusing, and there was a hiccup with payment verification that caused some initial frustration. If you’re tech-savvy and patient, this shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

This scavenger hunt is best suited for travelers who enjoy digital scavenger hunts, are comfortable navigating apps, and want to add a little game-like element to their zoo visit. Families with kids who love a treasure hunt might find it especially appealing, provided they’re prepared for a self-guided experience.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At only $8 per person, it’s a budget-friendly activity.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can start and pause the hunt anytime within zoo hours.
• Self-Guided Adventure: No guides, just your phone and the app.
• Educational and Fun: Learn about the zoo’s history while completing objectives.
• Tech-Dependent: Requires downloading and navigating an app, which may be tricky for some.
• Competitive Element: Race against others on the leaderboard for bragging rights.

What is the Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt?

This activity offers a self-guided exploration using a mobile app, created to add a playful twist to your visit. The goal? Follow clues, complete objectives, and learn interesting facts about the zoo’s diverse animals and history—all in about 45 minutes. It’s a streamlined way to see the zoo with some added engagement, especially if you’re visiting in a group or solo and want to keep things lively.

The zoo itself is a Chicago staple, founded in 1868, and now sprawling across 35 acres with over 200 species. You’ll get to see a variety of animals housed in a setting that includes the Nature Boardwalk and Farm-in-the-Zoo. This makes the scavenger hunt a practical way to ensure you hit the key highlights without wandering aimlessly.

How It Works: A Closer Look

Before you start, you’ll need to download the eATLAS mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The process is straightforward but has had some user complaints about navigation—so don’t be surprised if it takes a moment to get comfortable. Once you’re ready, you’ll be given eight objectives that span the entire zoo. These tasks include taking photos, answering questions, and finding specific exhibits.

The activity is completely self-guided, which means you won’t be meeting a guide or following a tour group. That makes it ideal if you prefer exploring at your own pace or if your schedule is a bit unpredictable. You can pause and restart the hunt at any time, offering a good level of flexibility—something especially useful if the kids need a break or the weather shifts unexpectedly.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The start point is conveniently located at 2200 N Cannon Dr, and the hunt ends back there. Expect to spend around 45 minutes to an hour completing all objectives, though how quickly you finish depends on your pace and interest level.

The app will guide you through each task, with clues and hints that lead you to various parts of the zoo. Since the zoo is open year-round and free to enter, your main expense will be the scavenger hunt fee. The experience is designed to be engaging, especially for those who enjoy using their phones for interactive adventures.

One of the higher-rated aspects noted by users is the knowledgeable nature of the clues and the way the app encourages you to explore areas you might not have visited otherwise. However, some reviewers, like Wstewart_G, experienced issues with website navigation and initial payment confusion. They mentioned, “The difficulty in starting…we were confused with the question and picture of the building that used to be a public restroom.” This highlights that, while the concept is solid, execution can sometimes falter, especially with technical hiccups.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Positives

• Cost-effectiveness: At just $8, it’s an affordable activity that adds a layer of fun.
• Flexibility: You can start, pause, and restart whenever it suits your schedule.
• Educational: The clues help you learn about the zoo’s animals and history in a relaxed way.
• Interactive: Taking photos and sharing them on social media with the hashtag creates a community aspect and memorable moments.
• No Guided Pressure: Perfect for those who prefer personal exploration rather than group tours.

The Challenges

• Website Navigation and Payment Issues: As one reviewer pointed out, the initial process can be confusing, especially if the payment process isn’t clear or if instructions aren’t up-to-date.
• Technical Dependence: Requires a compatible smartphone and a stable internet connection, so be prepared—especially if your signal is spotty.
• Limited Length: At about 45 minutes, it’s a quick activity—great for a short visit, but maybe not enough if you’re looking for a full-day experience.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for tech-savvy travelers who enjoy interactive activities and exploring at their own pace. It’s also great for families or groups who want a guided-like experience without the pressure of a tour guide, especially if they enjoy digital games or quizzes. If you’re visiting during a busy day and want a structured way to see the highlights without wandering aimlessly, this could be a good fit.

However, if you’re someone who prefers guided tours, or if technical issues tend to frustrate you, this might not be the best option. Also, if your time in Chicago is limited and you want a more comprehensive or immersive experience, you might prefer other tours or activities.

The Bottom Line

The Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt offers a fun, engaging way to explore one of Chicago’s top attractions on a budget. While some technical issues and navigation challenges exist, the overall concept is appealing—especially for those comfortable with using apps and looking for a bit of a game during their visit. It’s particularly suited for families, solo explorers, or groups who want to add a playful twist to their zoo day.

For the price, you’re getting a unique, self-guided experience that encourages discovery and a little friendly competition. If you’re okay with the occasional tech hiccup and appreciate flexible, independent sightseeing, this could be a nice addition to your Chicago itinerary.

FAQ

Is the Lincoln Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, especially if your kids enjoy scavenger hunts or interactive games. It’s a family-friendly activity designed to be engaging, but keep in mind it’s self-guided and involves using a mobile app.

How long does the scavenger hunt take?
It generally lasts around 45 minutes, but you can pause and restart at any time, so it’s flexible depending on your schedule and pace.

Can I participate without a smartphone?
No, this experience relies entirely on the eATLAS mobile app, so a compatible smartphone is necessary.

Are there any age restrictions?
The activity is suitable for most travelers; there are no specific age restrictions, but younger children may need assistance depending on their familiarity with smartphones.

What is the cost?
It costs $8.00 per person, making it a budget-friendly activity especially compared to guided tours.

What are the zoo’s hours?
The zoo is open 365 days a year, from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and until 7 PM on holidays, giving you plenty of time to start your scavenger hunt.

Is there a guide or group involved?
No, this is a self-guided activity—you explore at your own pace without a guide or tour group.

What should I bring?
Bring your smartphone fully charged, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera for taking photos of your discoveries.

Can I share my experience on social media?
Absolutely! The app encourages sharing your photos and experiences on social media, especially using the hashtag #LPZooScavHunt and tagging @eATLAS.

In navigating your experience with this scavenger hunt, just keep in mind that while it offers a fun, inexpensive way to explore Lincoln Park Zoo, technical issues have been reported. Approach it with patience, and you’ll likely find it a charming addition to your Chicago adventure—especially if you’re into interactive, independent exploration.