Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt: A Fun and Quirky Way to Explore

If you’re thinking about adding a little adventure to your trip to New London, the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt might just be worth a look. As a travel blogger who’s seen a lot of city tours, I can tell you that this experience stands out thanks to its interactive, live-hosted twist. It’s not just a walk-and-see; it’s a creative, competitive, and social way to get to know the city’s lesser-known spots.
What I really appreciate about this tour is that it combines art, history, and local culture in a playful way. Plus, the fact that you’re guided by your own remote, live host through your phone adds a personal touch that many self-guided options lack. However, a possible downside is that the pace and structure are somewhat flexible—so if you’re looking for a tightly scheduled tour, this may not be your top pick.
This experience feels especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of puzzle-solving, discovering hidden corners, and having a little friendly competition. It’s a good fit for curious travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and are comfortable engaging with challenges, all while exploring New London’s local vibe.
Key Points
- Interactive and innovative: Unique remote host guiding your team via phone
- Flexible experience: Duration at each stop varies based on your preferences
- Cost-effective: At $29 per person, it offers a fun, social way to explore
- Two notable stops: Connecticut College Arboretum and Ocean Beach Park
- Good for small groups: Max of 30 travelers, suitable for a casual outing
- Free cancellation: Flexibility to cancel with full refund up to 24 hours in advance
Planning more time in New London? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What Is the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt?
This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. Instead, it’s a three-hour immersive adventure that combines a scavenger hunt with a creative challenge, guided by a live host remotely connected to your team via your phone. It’s designed to make you see New London in a different light—uncovering hidden gems, oddities, and points of local interest you might otherwise overlook.
The experience is provided by Alley Kat Adventures, a company known for crafting creative events across over 300 cities. Their approach? Turning a simple walk through a city into a playful contest that also doubles as a chance to learn about history, art, and culture in a fun, informal way.
How the Experience Works

You start at the Washington Street Coffee House, where your adventure kicks off. From there, your team receives instructions, clues, and challenges to complete at each designated stop. The tour features two main stops: Connecticut College Arboretum and Ocean Beach Park.
Each stop has a creative challenge—think puzzles, photo hunts, or interpretive tasks—that you complete while soaking up the atmosphere. The time spent at each location is flexible, which is great if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger a bit longer. Throughout the experience, your remote host provides support, encouragement, and keeps the game lively.
The entire activity wraps up back at the starting point, with opportunities to see how your team fared on the global leaderboard—adding a bit of competitive fun, whether you’re racing against other teams or just against your own previous scores.
The Stops: What You’ll See and Do

Connecticut College Arboretum
This is the first stop, and it’s a lovely, peaceful spot to start your journey. Known as a local hidden gem, the arboretum offers a chance to explore beautiful plantings and natural scenery. The challenge here involves some creative task—perhaps interpreting nature in a fun way or completing a puzzle. Since it’s free to enter, you don’t have to worry about extra costs, though the real value is in the activity and discovery.
One reviewer mentioned that they enjoyed learning about this spot, even if they’d never visited before. It’s a nice way to ease into the scavenger hunt, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages curiosity.
Ocean Beach Park
The second stop is a classic coastal spot—Ocean Beach Park. Here, the challenge may involve some creative interpretation of the scenery or a quick photo challenge. It’s a lively area, perfect for people watching or getting a breath of fresh sea air. Like the first stop, there’s no admission fee, but you’ll likely spend some time soaking in the ocean views and playing the game.
The park offers a different vibe from the arboretum—more vibrant, lively, and outdoorsy, which makes it a great contrast.
Who Will Love This Experience?

This scavenger hunt is ideal for groups who enjoy a blend of exploration and playful competition. It’s perfect for friends, couples, or small groups looking for a laid-back but engaging way to discover New London. If you’re someone who appreciates the idea of solving puzzles, uncovering local stories, and having some laughs, this tour will likely hit the spot.
It’s also well-suited for those who don’t mind a bit of walking and are comfortable with a flexible itinerary. If you’re traveling with kids or teenagers, they might find the challenges appealing, especially if they’re into adventure games, but this isn’t specifically designed as a family-focused experience.
Pricing and Value

At $29 per person, this tour is fairly priced for what you get—a hands-on, personalized adventure that goes beyond the typical sightseeing tour. The inclusion of a remote live host makes it interactive and engaging, not just a self-guided walk. You’re paying for the experience and the chance to see a different side of New London, rather than just ticking off sights.
Considering that it lasts about three hours and includes two stops with a creative challenge at each, it offers good value for those wanting a memorable, interactive activity without breaking the bank. Plus, the free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, especially if your plans might change.
What to Expect in Terms of Logistics

- Meeting Point: At Washington Street Coffee House, a central location easy to reach by public transportation.
- Duration: Around 3 hours, with the pace adjustable to your group’s preferences.
- Group Size: Up to 30 travelers, making it intimate enough for personal interaction but lively enough for group fun.
- Accessibility: Service animals allowed, and most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking.
- Booking: It’s best to reserve about 2-3 months in advance—on average, people book 67 days ahead—so plan accordingly.
Authentic Feedback and Insights

While reviews are currently unavailable, the concept and structure of this experience suggest it’s likely to attract positive feedback, especially from those who enjoy interactive outings. The fact that it’s a unique offering among scavenger hunts—providing a live, remote host—sets it apart. Travelers who value guided challenges that are tailored, fun, and slightly competitive will probably find this a memorable activity.
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

If you’re after a light-hearted, engaging way to explore New London that mixes art, nature, and a bit of friendly competition, the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you want a break from traditional sightseeing and enjoy solving clues, taking photos, and discovering quirky local spots.
However, if you prefer a more structured tour with fixed schedules or extensive historical commentary, this might not suit your style. It’s best for travelers who enjoy the social aspect of exploration and are comfortable with a flexible, playful pace.
This experience offers a creative, fun, and personalized way to see New London that’s likely to leave you with good memories—and perhaps even some new friends.
Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt
FAQ
How long does the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt last?
It runs for approximately three hours, with stops at two locations and flexible time management.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Washington Street Coffee House and ends back at the same spot.
What are the main stops on this tour?
The key stops are Connecticut College Arboretum and Ocean Beach Park.
Is there an admission fee for the stops?
No, both stops are free to enter, though you might want to bring some money for snacks or extras.
Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, be aware that some walking is involved, and the itinerary is flexible based on your group’s preferences.
Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, kids who enjoy puzzles and outdoor activities might find it fun—but adult supervision and engagement are recommended.
What does the experience include?
A remote, live host guiding your team via phone, creative challenges at each stop, and the chance to compete on the leaderboard.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Is this a small or large group activity?
It’s designed for groups up to 30 travelers, making it intimate enough for interaction but lively enough for fun.
How do I book this experience?
You can reserve through the provided link, ideally a couple of months ahead to secure your spot.
If you’re looking for a playful, interactive way to explore New London that offers a bit of challenge and a lot of laughs, the Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt could be just what you need. It’s a quirky, modern twist on sightseeing that turns a simple walk into a memorable adventure.
