Turn Balboa Park, Mission Bay, and Old Town into an epic outdoor adventure with the #1 GPS scavenger hunt app for families.
Looking for the perfect kids' birthday party idea or a family day out in San Diego? Forget expensive entertainers and crowded venues. Quest-Hero transforms San Diego's most iconic locations—from the lush gardens of Balboa Park to the sandy shores of Mission Bay—into a real-life playground. Our GPS-guided treasure hunts get kids off the couch, moving outside, and solving puzzles in a thrilling race against the clock.
No app required • No sign-up needed • Play instantly
Why San Diego is Perfect for a Digital Treasure Hunt
With its year-round sunshine and diverse landscapes, San Diego is arguably the best city in the US for outdoor adventures. But let's be honest: dragging kids on a standard walking tour of the Gaslamp Quarter or a long museum visit in Balboa Park can sometimes lead to boredom and complaints.
Quest-Hero changes the game by turning sightseeing into a mission. Whether you are planning a birthday party in San Diego, a school field trip, or just a fun weekend activity, our app engages children with immersive stories and challenging riddles that can only be solved by finding real-world locations.
Top Locations for Your Quest
- Balboa Park: Navigate through the stunning Spanish architecture, find hidden details near the Botanical Building, and solve clues around the museums without needing a ticket.
- Mission Bay & Beaches: Turn a beach day into a pirate adventure. Perfect for active kids who want to run in the sand while solving maritime mysteries.
- Old Town San Diego: Travel back in time to the birthplace of California. Our quests make history exciting by challenging kids to find specific historical markers and artifacts.
The Smartest Way to Party
Hosting a birthday party at a trampoline park or the Zoo can cost hundreds of dollars. A Quest-Hero treasure hunt offers an affordable, high-energy alternative that requires zero preparation. You don't need to print maps, hide clues early in the morning, or hire a host. Just download the app, head to the starting point, and press play.
Quest-Hero vs. The Old Way
| Feature | Quest-Hero Digital Hunt | Traditional/DIY Scavenger Hunt |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | None (Instant Start) | High (Printing, hiding clues hours before) |
| Cost | Affordable flat rate | High (Materials or expensive hosts) |
| Engagement | Interactive GPS & Riddles | Paper maps often get lost/ignored |
| Flexibility | Pause & Resume anytime | Rigid schedule (if hired host) |
| Weather | Play whenever it's sunny | Ruined if paper gets wet |
Make your next San Diego outing unforgettable. Whether you are a local family in La Jolla or visiting tourists in Downtown, Quest-Hero delivers the adventure your kids crave with the convenience you need.
Explore San Diego's Gems
Discover hidden corners of Balboa Park and Mission Bay that even locals miss, all while playing a game.
Zero Setup Required
No printing clues or hiding items beforehand. Our GPS technology handles everything instantly.
Perfect for Parties
An affordable, high-energy activity for birthdays that keeps groups of kids entertained and working together.
"I was dreading planning my son's 10th birthday. We did a Quest-Hero hunt in Balboa Park instead of a venue party, and the boys loved it! They ran around for an hour solving clues and I didn't have to stress about a thing."
- Sarah J., San Diego Local
"We were visiting San Diego for vacation and needed to burn off some energy. The Mission Bay quest was perfect—the kids learned a bit about the area and had a blast running between checkpoints."
- Mike T., Tourist from Arizona
What ages are these treasure hunts suitable for?
Our San Diego treasure hunts are designed for kids aged 6-12. Younger children (4-6) love the excitement of finding locations with help from parents, while older kids enjoy solving the trickier riddles independently.
Do I need to pay for museum entry in Balboa Park to play?
No! Our Balboa Park scavenger hunts take place entirely outdoors in the public areas, gardens, and plazas. You get to enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery without buying museum tickets.
How long does a typical hunt take?
Most families finish our San Diego quests in about 60 to 90 minutes. However, there is no time limit—feel free to pause for ice cream in Seaport Village or a picnic in the park!
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.