Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Holly Jolly Hunt

Planning a fun, interactive way to celebrate the holiday season? The Holly Jolly Hunt in Grand Rapids offers an engaging, family-friendly scavenger hunt that’s played entirely through your smartphone. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the reviews and details paint a picture of an activity that’s both light-hearted and memorable. It’s designed to bring friends and family together as you explore the city’s festive sights and hidden gems, all while competing for top scores.

One of the things we really like about this experience is its flexibility. You can play any time between December 15 and December 31, and it’s a private tour just for your group, making it a personalized holiday outing. Plus, the cost is quite reasonable—just $20 per group, which is a small price for a one-hour adventure packed with laughs and holiday cheer. On the flip side, you’ll need your own smartphone and transportation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of self-guided exploring.

This scavenger hunt is ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed, interactive activity that isn’t overly structured. It’s especially suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone who loves festive fun and doesn’t mind a little silliness. If you’re looking for a way to appreciate local holiday decorations in a playful manner, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Affordable and straightforward: Only $20 per group, making it accessible for many.
• Flexible timing: Available during the entire holiday season from December 15-31.
• All ages welcome: Designed to be fun for everyone, from kids to adults.
• Self-guided with support: Use your own smartphone, but get help from a remote guide if needed.
• Offline considerations: You’ll need your own device and transportation.
• Memorable holiday experience: It’s about creating laughs, silly tasks, and holiday memories.

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that turns your city exploration into a playful competition. Using an app on your smartphone, you’ll be tasked with finding various holiday items that are both traditional—like Christmas trees and ornaments—and non-traditional, adding a quirky twist to the experience.

The goal is simple: find as many items as possible and capture photos to earn points. Each found item contributes to your score, and there’s a leaderboard to keep the friendly competition lively. Along the way, you’ll complete silly holiday-themed tasks designed to generate laughs and foster a sense of camaraderie.

What makes this experience unique is its adaptability—it can be played in any city, making it an excellent option for travelers or locals alike. Plus, the entire experience is remote, with a chat feature for assistance, so you’re never truly on your own.

How Does the Experience Work?

The activity begins at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, a recognizable spot that sets a festive tone. From there, your group will follow clues and prompts through the app, exploring the city’s holiday sights and neighborhoods.

Because the activity lasts about an hour, it’s perfect for fitting into a busy holiday schedule. You’ll be seeking out items that are just around town—perhaps a string of holiday lights, a Santa figure, or something unexpected like a reindeer-shaped sign. The app awards points for each item found, and you can see how your group stacks up against others on the leaderboard.

Throughout this process, you’ll be asked to perform various silly tasks, such as singing a holiday song or posing in funny ways, which are meant to boost the fun and laughter. The activity ends back at Rosa Parks Circle, where everyone can share their favorite moments and celebrate their holiday spirit.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The price covers access to the scavenger hunt activities, all associated fees, taxes, and the support from a remote guide via chat. This makes it easy to participate without worrying about hidden costs.

However, you’ll need to bring your own smartphone to access the app, and any transportation required to move between stop points isn’t included. If you’re traveling with a group, just ensure everyone has a compatible device and is ready to walk or drive around town.

Meeting Point and Timing

The adventure kicks off at Rosa Parks Circle, located at 135 Monroe Center St NW. It’s a central, easy-to-find location well-served by public transit, so getting there is straightforward. The activity operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving you plenty of flexibility to choose a time that fits your schedule.

The whole experience takes around an hour, making it a manageable and fun holiday break or pre-dinner activity.

What Do Reviewers Say?

While the sample review is limited, Lisa_H gave it a perfect 5 out of 5, describing it as a “fun activity for anyone,” emphasizing its appeal for people of all ages and its ability to enhance appreciation of holiday decorations. Her comment hints at the activity’s inclusive, cheerful nature—exactly what you want in a festive city adventure.

Given its rating and positive feedback, it seems that participants find it engaging and memorable. The fact that it’s a private activity means your group can enjoy the experience at your own pace, without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips

• Bring your own smartphone with a good charge—battery life could be a concern if you’re out for longer.
• Dress warmly, especially if you plan to do it outdoors during chilly days.
• Coordinate transportation ahead of time if you’re not close to Rosa Parks Circle, as the activity doesn’t include travel.
• Allocate a bit of extra time for photos or completing silly tasks, especially if you’re playing with kids or a group that loves to laugh.

Final Thoughts

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a simple yet charming way to enjoy the holiday season in Grand Rapids. It’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, and the balance of friendly competition with holiday fun makes it appealing for many types of travelers. If you’re looking for an activity that combines city exploration with lighthearted silliness—without breaking the bank—this scavenger hunt could be just what you need.

While it’s not a full-day tour or an immersive cultural experience, it delivers on the promise of creating festive memories and enjoying the city’s holiday spirit in a relaxed, engaging way. It’s particularly well-suited for groups who value fun, light interaction, and a bit of friendly rivalry.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This activity is best suited for those who want a playful, social holiday outing without a lot of fuss. Families with children, groups of friends, or even couples looking for something different will likely find it enjoyable. Since it’s designed to be accessible for all ages and includes silly, holiday-themed tasks, it’s especially appealing for anyone wanting to add some extra cheer to their city visit.

If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of competition, quirky challenges, and celebrating the holiday season in a relaxed way, you’ll probably love this hunt. Just remember, it’s about fun and laughter more than perfection—so bring your sense of humor and holiday spirit.

FAQ

Can I play the Holly Jolly Hunt in any city? Yes, the activity is designed to be adaptable for any city, making it perfect for travelers or locals who want a festive city adventure.

What equipment do I need? You will need your own smartphone with the app downloaded. No other special equipment is necessary.

Are there any age restrictions? The activity is suitable for all ages, making it ideal for families or groups with children. It’s meant to be a fun, inclusive experience.

What is included in the price? The $20 fee covers all scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide via chat.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Any cancellations less than that will not be refunded.

Is transportation provided? No, transportation between locations is not included, so plan to walk, drive, or use public transit to get around.

If you’re after a cheerful, light-hearted holiday activity that’s easy to organize and guarantees some smiles, Holly Jolly Hunt in Grand Rapids might just fit the bill. It’s a low-pressure, engaging way to see the city’s festive sights and create some holiday memories with friends or family.