United States of America>Philadelphia>Race for the Tortoise: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
City exploration game

Race for the Tortoise: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia

Race for the Tortoise: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia image 1
Play at your pace · usually 42 min Route details Philadelphia App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Step into the halls of one of America’s oldest natural history museums, where ancient bones, glittering gems, and mysterious specimens hide more than just knowledge—they hide secrets. 

Your challenge? Find them all before your friends do! Follow curious clues, solve clever puzzles, and race through exhibits in a fast-paced, real-world adventure. But there’s a twist: the game ends at the hidden bronze tortoise… and no one knows where it is. This quest is perfect for curious minds and competitive spirits—whether you're a family, a group of friends, or a solo explorer on a mission. 

Discover Philadelphia’s wildest secrets—one clue at a time!

Admission: Adults 13-64: $27 ($25 online)
Children 2-12: $23 ($21 online)
Children under 2, members, Drexel DragonCard Holders: free
Seniors 65+: $24 ($22 online)
Military, students with ID: $24 ($22 online)

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Families with school-age children, dinosaur fans and groups of friends who like a bit of competition will enjoy racing through Dinosaur Hall, its mezzanine and three floors of dioramas, solving clues to find a hidden bronze tortoise. It takes about 40 minutes and stays indoors, so it suits a short museum visit or a rainy day. If you want a guide explaining the fossils or a longer walk around the city, choose a different quest.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • View plants & animals from the ancient past to the recent past to the present, and that's just the stuff on display!

  • This museum holds the first dinosaur that was ever on display in the US!

  • This museum is primarily geared towards older kids, so parents with children under the age of five, the Academy probably won't be for you.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Philadelphia

A · Start & finish

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

The people behind the adventure

Created by Ned Wilson.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Ned Wilson

Good to know before you play

  • We recommend not playing at night
  • Kids under 12 should be guided by their parents
  • You need to buy the entrance ticket separately

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is there a scavenger hunt at the science museum in Philadelphia?
Yes. This quest is played inside the Academy of Natural Sciences. Your phone leads you through Dinosaur Hall, the mezzanine, the Science at the Academy exhibit and the dioramas on the first, second and third floors, with puzzles built around the exhibits in front of you.
Is this Philadelphia scavenger hunt free?
The game itself is free to play on your phone. It takes place inside the museum, so you need regular admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences to get in, and that is arranged separately with the museum.
Where does it start and finish, and how long does it take?
You begin at the Academy of Natural Sciences and work through Dinosaur Hall, then up through the museum floors to finish at the Third Floor Dioramas, where the bronze tortoise waits. Most players take about 40 minutes, puzzles included, and there is no outdoor walking.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, it was designed with families in mind, and the dinosaur exhibits and clue hunting appeal to children. Kids under 12 should play with a parent guiding them, since some puzzles need an adult to help read and work through the clues.
Can we play as a group and compete against each other?
Yes. The game is built as a race, so friends or family members can try to find all the secrets and reach the hidden tortoise before the others. It also works for a solo player. You can start whenever the museum is open, with no time slot to book.

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Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

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