Turn Chicago into a giant game board with the #1 GPS scavenger hunt app for kids.
Looking for unique activities for ages 7-12 in Chicago? Forget the expensive trampoline parks and crowded museums. Quest-Hero transforms the Windy City into an epic outdoor escape room where your kids are the heroes. Whether it's a birthday party in Millennium Park or a weekend adventure at Navy Pier, our app-led hunts combine the thrill of a video game with the joy of outdoor exploration—no prep required.
No app required • No sign-up needed • Play instantly
Why Chicago Parents Are Choosing Digital Scavenger Hunts
Finding engaging activities for ages 7-12 in Chicago can be a challenge. Kids in this "tween" stage are often too old for indoor playgrounds but not quite ready for unguided exploration. You want them off their screens, but you also know that technology is the language they speak.
Quest-Hero bridges this gap perfectly. By turning a smartphone into a "Mission Control" device, we gamify the real world. Your kids aren't just walking through Lincoln Park; they are solving riddles to unlock the next GPS checkpoint, snapping creative photos at Cloud Gate (The Bean), and competing in trivia challenges about Chicago's history—all while running around outside.
The "No-Stress" Birthday Party Solution
Planning a kids birthday party in Chicago usually involves expensive deposits, strict time slots, and the anxiety of unpredictable Midwest weather. Quest-Hero changes the script:
- Instant Play: Did it start raining? Pause the game and finish it next weekend. No cancellation fees.
- Unlimited Players: Perfect for small playdates or massive birthday groups. Teams compete against each other for the high score.
- Budget Friendly: significantly more affordable than booking a venue like the Shedd Aquarium or Skydeck.
Explore Chicago's Best Spots
Our adventures are designed to work in any safe outdoor space, but they shine in Chicago's iconic locations. Imagine a hunt that takes you through:
- Millennium Park: Challenges that involve the reflective distortions of The Bean and the spitting faces of Crown Fountain.
- Lincoln Park Zoo Area: A wild adventure identifying animals and navigating the nature boardwalks (without paying admission!).
- Navy Pier: A high-energy quest dodging tourists to find hidden historical markers near the Centennial Wheel.
Quest-Hero vs. Traditional Activities
See why smart parents are switching to app-led adventures:
| Feature | Quest-Hero App | DIY Scavenger Hunt | Traditional Party Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Time | Zero (Instant) | High (Hours of planning) | Low (But high rigidness) |
| Cost | $ (One low price) | $ (Free but time-heavy) | $$$ (Per kid fees) |
| Flexibility | Play Anytime | Anytime | Strict Time Slots |
| Engagement | High (Gamified & GPS) | Medium (Paper gets lost) | Varies (Waiting in lines) |
| Weather Safe | Yes (Pause & Resume) | No (Paper gets wet) | Yes (If indoors) |
Educational & Fun
It’s not just about running around. Our quests are packed with age-appropriate trivia and puzzles that encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and observation skills. It is the perfect balance of education and entertainment, making it a top choice for teachers and homeschooling families in Illinois looking for educational activities for ages 7-12.
GPS-Guided Adventure
The app guides kids to checkpoints using real-time GPS, turning a walk in the park into a high-stakes mission.
Zero Prep Required
No printing clues or hiding treasure beforehand. Just download the app, head to your location, and hit 'Start'.
Team Mode enabled
Great for parties! Split a large group of 10-20 kids into competing squads to see who can solve the mission fastest.
Photo Challenges
Kids love taking photos. Our app challenges them to pose with landmarks or find specific items, saving the memories for you.
"I was dreading planning my son's 10th birthday because venue prices in Chicago are insane. We did a Quest-Hero hunt in Lincoln Park instead. The boys were obsessed with the GPS tracking and I saved hundreds of dollars. Best birthday ever!"
- Sarah M., Lincoln Park
"Finding activities for my 8 and 11-year-old that they both like is impossible. This app actually worked. We played near Navy Pier and they worked together to solve the riddles without fighting once. Highly recommend for Chicago families."
- Mike T., Wicker Park
Is this activity suitable for Chicago winters?
Yes! While it is an outdoor activity, the 'Pause' feature allows you to jump into a coffee shop or museum to warm up without losing progress. Many families in Chicago use our shorter 45-minute quests during colder months to get quick bursts of fresh air.
What happens if it rains on the day of our party?
Unlike booking a rigid venue, Quest-Hero is flexible. If the forecast looks bad, you can simply delay the start time or move the activity to a different day instantly. Your game code never expires until you complete the hunt.
Do I need to supervise the kids?
For ages 7-12, we recommend at least one adult per team to ensure safety, especially in busy areas like Downtown Chicago or near the Lakefront Trail. The adult can hold the phone, or let the kids navigate while keeping an eye on traffic.
How does the outdoor treasure hunt work?
The treasure hunt runs right in your mobile browser (Safari or Chrome). GPS guides you to each station where exciting riddles await.
What do I need to play?
You only need a smartphone or tablet with GPS - Android or Apple, either works perfectly. For treasure hunt games you should also hide a small treasure at the final stop.
What can I use as a treasure?
Anything fun works: small toys, candy, chocolate, or another surprise. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A themed container such as a small treasure chest adds to the excitement.
What ages can take part?
Our quests are suitable for children ages 4 and up and adapt to the selected age range. Younger kids who can’t read yet may need a little help.
How long does a game last?
Playtime depends on your route and the number of quizzes. Plan for roughly 30–90 minutes for a typical adventure. The setup shows you the expected walking distance.
Where can we play the treasure hunt?
The quests automatically adjust to your chosen location. Play in a park, downtown, your neighborhood, or even the backyard.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Preparation is quick and easy. Pick the stations on a map to create your personalized route and you’re ready to go in minutes.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
A little rain is fine, but please postpone the game if thunderstorms or high winds are forecast to keep everyone safe.
Can we pause the game?
Yes. You can pause at any time and continue later. Your progress is saved automatically.
What if we can’t solve a quiz?
You receive up to three hints. If you’re still stuck, you can skip the quiz and keep the adventure moving.
How many times can we play a purchased game?
Each quest can be completed twice.
How long is a game valid?
Your game license is valid for one year from the purchase date.
What if I placed a station at the wrong spot?
No worries - even if it ended up in a pond or on private property. You can adjust every station at any time, including while you play. Just reopen the setup and move the marker.
How do I get help?
Email us at [email protected] and we'll assist you as quickly as possible.