Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

Thinking about spicing up your visit to Des Moines? This Zombie Scavengers game offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the city with a twist—turning a simple walk into a zombie-themed survival challenge. While it’s not your average sightseeing tour, it’s especially appealing if you’re after something interactive and playful.

We really like how this experience combines technology and outdoor adventure—all you need is your smartphone—and offers a relaxed pace that you can control. Plus, the remote guide provides an extra layer of support, making it accessible even if you’re new to scavenger hunts.

A potential consideration is that this isn’t a traditional tour—there’s no guided walk, so you’ll need to be comfortable navigating on your own or with your group. It’s best suited for those who enjoy games, puzzles, and a bit of friendly competition. Overall, if you’re after a casual, fun activity that gets you moving and thinking, this could be a good pick.

Key Points

• Flexible pacing means you can start, stop, and strategize as you go.
• Affordable price point at just $20 per group makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Remote guide support ensures you’re never truly on your own during the hunt.
• Customizable in any part of Des Moines, giving you the freedom to explore different neighborhoods.
• Ideal for groups of up to 10, perfect for friends, family, or small teams.
• A unique mix of adventure and city sightseeing that offers a different perspective on Des Moines.

What the Experience Is Like

This Zombie Scavengers game turns an ordinary day in Des Moines into a survival challenge. Instead of following a static route with a guide, you’ll download an app that turns your phone into a game controller. From the start at Cowles Commons, your group will be tasked with finding survival items scattered around the city, all while completing zombie-themed challenges to earn points.

The game is designed to be self-guided, which means you can wander anywhere in Des Moines you like—whether that’s the lively downtown area, the historic districts, or even parks—whenever you feel like it. You’re free to prioritize your own route and pace. This flexibility is great for customizing your experience based on your interests or the weather.

The app will guide you through the adventure, but all communication with a remote guide is handled via chat. This guide is available for up to 2 hours, providing hints and tips if your team gets stuck or needs strategies, which is especially helpful if you’re new to scavenger hunts or unfamiliar with the city.

What You’re Actually Doing

As you explore, your goal is to collect specific survival items that might be found in any part of the city. The challenge is to gather what you need to survive a zombie apocalypse—no small feat! Along the way, you’ll encounter zombie-themed challenges that earn you points, and completing these tasks is half the fun.

The game isn’t just about running around; it’s about thinking creatively and working together. The challenges range from searching for items to completing mini-missions, all themed around surviving an undead outbreak. It’s a playful way to get a feel for Des Moines’ different neighborhoods and landmarks, all while competing for the highest score.

One user review mentions, “Des Moines, the city of walkways between buildings,” highlighting that the city’s layout lends itself well to this kind of mobile adventure. The flexibility to start and stop also means you won’t feel hurried or overwhelmed, and the game can easily fit into a relaxed afternoon.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $20 per group (up to 10 people), this experience offers solid value if you’re looking for something different from usual city tours. You’re paying primarily for the app access and the remote guide support, which means you’re not paying for transportation or a physical guide—you’re in charge of your own adventure.

Compared to typical guided tours, this format allows for more personalization and flexibility. You can choose where to go, how long to spend at each stop, and how challenging or easy you want the game to be. If you enjoy interactive, game-based experiences, this is likely to feel like a good bang for your buck.

Plus, since it’s a private activity, only your group will participate, adding to the personalized feel. The app and remote guidance make it suitable for most travelers who are comfortable using their smartphones and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

The Practicalities

Starting at Cowles Commons, the activity is centrally located and easy to access, with public transportation nearby. The game runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and you can book it well in advance—average bookings are made about 27 days ahead, indicating good planning for those who want to secure a spot early.

Duration-wise, expect around an hour of gameplay, but since you control the pace, you might spend longer if you’re having fun or get caught up in challenges. You should plan for self-guided exploration, so no transportation is included—you’ll need your own to get around if you wish to cover more ground.

One thing to note is that service animals are allowed, and the activity is designed to be accessible to most travelers, making it a flexible choice regardless of mobility needs.

How It Compares to Other Experiences

While this adventure focuses on being a game rather than traditional sightseeing, it complements activities like walking tours or city explorations. Its main appeal is the interactive element—if you’re someone who enjoys puzzles, challenges, or just doing something a bit different, this game will keep you engaged.

If you’re visiting Des Moines for the first time or are a local looking for a fresh way to explore, the game offers a unique lens to see the city’s streets and landmarks. The fact that it has a 5.0 rating based on a recent review suggests that many players find it enjoyable and well-executed.

This scavenger hunt is perfect for groups of friends, families, or small teams who want to add some fun and adventure to their city trip. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking for an activity that combines outdoor exploration with a playful challenge.

It’s not a traditional tour with historical commentary—so if you’re after detailed history or sightseeing commentary, this might not be your best fit. But if you love games, puzzles, and a bit of friendly competition, it’s likely to be a memorable part of your trip.

If you’re after an experience that’s light-hearted, flexible, and interactive, the Zombie Scavengers game in Des Moines hits the mark. It’s a creative way to see the city through a different lens—one that involves problem-solving, teamwork, and a touch of zombie-themed fun.

The price point makes it accessible, and the app-based format means you can tailor the adventure to your own pace. Whether you’re a local wanting a new perspective or a visitor looking for a unique activity, this scavenger hunt offers a playful twist that breaks away from standard city tours.

Just remember, it’s all about your strategy and teamwork—so bring your sense of humor and a bit of competitive spirit. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, this activity might just become a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for kids?
While not explicitly designed for children, the game’s zombie theme and scavenger hunt format can appeal to kids who enjoy puzzles and outdoor adventures. Just consider their comfort with the theme.

Do I need my own smartphone?
You need a smartphone to download and play the game. The activity does not include a device, so bring your own or ensure your group has access to one.

How long does the activity last?
The game itself is about 1 hour, but since you control the pace, you can spend more or less time exploring.

Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, the game has flexible scheduling within its operating hours (9:00AM – 5:00PM, Tuesday to Sunday). You can start at your convenience, as long as you book in advance.

What if I get stuck?
A remote guide is available for up to 2 hours during your game, providing hints and assistance via chat.

Is the activity private?
Yes, only your group participates, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are transportation arrangements needed?
No, but you’ll need your own transportation if you want to explore different parts of the city during the game.

Is the activity accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it reasonably inclusive.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to experience Des Moines outside the usual routes, this scavenger hunt offers a clever mix of adventure and city exploration that’s worth considering.