Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re looking for a way to add some light-hearted holiday cheer to your trip in Des Moines, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just the ticket. This app-based scavenger hunt promises a fun, interactive experience that brings friends and families together to explore the city while getting into the holiday spirit. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve looked into what makes it appealing—and what might give some folks pause.

One thing we really like about the Holly Jolly Hunt is its affordability—at just $20 per group, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend an hour enjoying Des Moines in a different, playful way. Plus, the use of a simple mobile app means you don’t need any special gear or guides; just your phone and a little curiosity. Another perk is the inclusive nature of the activity, designed for all ages, so it’s perfect whether you’re with kids, friends, or visiting with family.

A possible consideration is that, since it’s primarily a mobile-based scavenger hunt, it relies heavily on your phone’s battery and GPS accuracy. If you’re in an area with poor reception or your device is not reliable, that might impact your experience. It’s also worth noting that the activity doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to plan your own way around the city to keep the adventure flowing.

This hunt is well-suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, social, and interactive way to explore a city during the holidays. If you’re after a unique, lighthearted activity that won’t break the bank and doesn’t require prior planning, Holly Jolly Hunt offers a cheerful way to make some memorable holiday moments.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a fun, interactive experience.
• Suitable for all ages, making it great for families or groups of friends.
• Easy to participate, just need your smartphone.
• Flexible location, as it’s playable in any city with the app.
• Includes a remote guide via chat for assistance.
• No included transportation, so be prepared to walk or arrange your own way around.

What to Expect from the Holly Jolly Hunt

This holiday-themed scavenger hunt has a straightforward setup that makes it accessible and fun. You’ll download a mobile app that guides you through the city, pointing out items to find and tasks to complete—think of it as a treasure hunt mixed with holiday cheer. The goal? Capture photos of as many items as possible, earn points, and climb the leaderboard. It’s a playful way to see Des Moines through a different lens, especially during the festive season.

The entire experience lasts about an hour, which is perfect if you want a quick holiday activity or are looking to fill a gap between other plans. The hunt begins at 400 Locust St., a central spot that makes it easy to meet up and start your adventure. You’ll end back at the same point, so it’s simple to wrap up or grab a warm drink afterward.

The App and Activities

The app is your main tool for this experience. It offers all scavenger hunt activities, from finding traditional holiday items—like ornaments or Christmas lights—to spotting quirky or unexpected decorations around town. The game rewards you with points for each item you find and for completing silly holiday-themed tasks, which add a fun, interactive twist. These tasks often bring laughter and shared smiles, making the activity lighthearted and memorable.

One nice feature is the chat support, which provides access to a remote guide. If you get stuck or need a hint, help is just a message away. This is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the city or if the GPS isn’t cooperating.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $20, your group gets full access to all scavenger hunt activities, the guide support, and all taxes and fees. You won’t need to worry about extra charges unless you want to use your phone’s data or need to arrange transportation on your own.

However, the activity doesn’t include use of activity-owned smartphones, so you’ll need your own device. Also, there’s no private transportation included, so you’ll want to plan your own way around. Parking near the start point may be available, but public transit options are conveniently nearby, making it easy to get there without a car.

Playing in Des Moines

The experience runs from late November through the end of December, aligning nicely with the holiday season. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, it allows for flexible scheduling—whether you want to start your day with the hunt or squeeze it in as a fun afternoon activity.

The Experience: A Closer Look

Imagine wandering through downtown Des Moines, camera in hand, as the app prompts you to snap photos of a brightly lit storefront or a holiday display in a park. Along the way, you might be asked to perform silly tasks—like singing a holiday tune or acting out a snowman. These add a layer of humor and make the activity more than just a photo scavenger hunt.

Since the goal is to accumulate the most points and top the leaderboard, it encourages friendly competition, whether you’re with family or friends. We loved the way the game gamifies the city, making normal sights into part of the holiday game.

One reviewer mentioned that the silly tasks “brought laughter and smiles to everyone involved,” which is exactly the energy this activity aims for. While some might find the tasks a bit goofy, most agree they add a much-needed dose of holiday cheer.

The Practicalities

Given the one-hour duration, it’s ideal for busy schedules or as a quick holiday break. Because it’s designed for groups of up to ten, it’s perfect for families, small groups of friends, or even coworkers looking for a festive team-building activity.

Since the activity is played independently with a guide support, you can customize your experience—taking time to enjoy sights, or rushing through to beat the leaderboard. Just remember, as it’s a citywide app, the points are earned based on how many items you find and tasks you complete, so the more engaged you are, the more fun you’ll have.

Authentic Insights

From reviews and the official info, it seems the activity is well-suited for most travelers. It offers a relaxed pace and a chance to see some of the city’s holiday decorations and traditions without the need for a formal tour. The price point makes it accessible, and the app’s flexibility allows you to play at your own speed.

Who Should Consider This?

In essence, Holly Jolly Hunt is best for those who love interactive activities, holiday fun, and light-hearted competition. It’s an especially good pick if you want to explore Des Moines in a relaxed, informal way, and if you enjoy making new holiday memories with loved ones. While it’s family-friendly, it’s equally suited to groups of friends or couples looking for a unique way to celebrate.

If you’re traveling solo, you might find it less engaging unless you’re comfortable playing on your own or want a guided activity with help. But for families or groups, it offers a charming, low-pressure way to enjoy some holiday silliness.

Final Thoughts

Holly Jolly Hunt provides a simple yet delightful way to experience the holiday season in Des Moines. For just $20, you get a fun, interactive experience that transforms city sights into a playful game. It’s a clever use of technology, making it easy to participate without a lot of fuss, and the inclusion of remote guide support adds a layer of reassurance.

The activity’s strength lies in its ability to bring people together through shared laughter and friendly competition. The tasks and scavenger items are designed to evoke smiles, making it a memorable part of your holiday plans.

However, keep in mind that the experience depends on your phone’s GPS and battery life, and transportation isn’t included. That said, if you’re looking for a casual, joyful activity that’s light on cost but high on fun, Holly Jolly Hunt is definitely worth considering—especially if you’re already exploring Des Moines or seeking a festive break from more traditional sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun for all ages, with silly tasks and holiday themes that generally appeal to kids and adults alike.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need your own device to use the app and participate in the scavenger hunt.

Is there a guide or tour leader?
You get access to a remote guide via chat support in the app, which helps if you need assistance during your game.

Can I participate if I don’t know Des Moines well?
Absolutely. The app guides you through the city and provides all the clues, making it easy even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

How long does the activity last?
It’s approximately one hour, making it perfect for a quick holiday activity or as part of a larger day.

Is the activity private?
Yes, it’s a private experience—only your group will participate, so it’s a personalized holiday adventure.

Are there any restrictions on the time of day?
The activity is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, and you can choose a time that works for your schedule.

What is included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, access to the guide support, and all applicable taxes and fees.

Are there any additional costs?
You might want to consider data charges on your phone or transportation costs, as these aren’t included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled time.

If you’re craving a playful, easygoing holiday activity that’s more about creating memories than ticking off sightseeing, Holly Jolly Hunt fits the bill. It’s simple, affordable, and designed to make your time in Des Moines a little more festive and a lot more fun.