Scavenger Hunt Washington D.C.
Discover the capital of the United States with a scavenger hunt that runs along the National Mall. Stand under the Washington Monument, salute Lincoln in his memorial, peek at the White House and walk past the Capitol. American history is your scavenger hunt board.
Challenges (20)
Capital city kick-off
The hunt begins! Find a typical D.C. backdrop (a marble facade, a federal building, a row of cherry trees if in season) and take a group photo where everyone jumps in the air. Everyone off the ground or it does not count.
Checkpoint: Lincoln Memorial
Navigate to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Check in once the team can see Abraham Lincoln seated above you.
Lincoln steps formation
The steps of the Lincoln Memorial are where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Take a respectful group photo on the steps, with the marble columns and Lincoln statue behind you.
Trivia: Lincoln Memorial year
The Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in what year?
Answer: 1922
Checkpoint: Washington Monument
Navigate to the foot of the Washington Monument, the giant white obelisk on the National Mall. Check in when the team is craning their necks upward.
Obelisk reach pose
The Washington Monument is one of the tallest free-standing stone structures in the world. Take a group photo where everyone stretches their arms toward the top, as if trying to touch it.
Trivia: Washington Monument height
The Washington Monument is famously tall. How tall is it in feet (rounded)?
Answers: 555 / 555 feet / 555ft
Reflecting Pool symmetry
The Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument is two-thirds of a mile long. Find a spot along it and take a group photo with the Washington Monument and its mirror image both visible.
Checkpoint: U.S. Capitol
Navigate to the U.S. Capitol. Check in once the famous white dome rises in front of the team.
Senator pose at the Capitol
The Capitol is where the U.S. Congress meets. Take a group photo on the lawn or steps where the team strikes their most senatorial poses, with the dome clearly behind you. Bonus for any pretend speeches.
Checkpoint: White House
Navigate to a viewpoint of the White House (Pennsylvania Avenue or Lafayette Square). Check in once the team can see the columned facade.
Presidential wave
You may not get inside, but you can wave from outside the gates. Take a group photo waving at the White House as if the President can see you, with the building clearly in shot.
Trivia: White House cornerstone
The cornerstone of the White House was laid in what year?
Answer: 1792
Smithsonian sign-off
The Smithsonian runs nearly 20 free museums on the National Mall. Find any Smithsonian museum entrance and take a group photo at its facade or lobby. Bonus points if everyone strikes a museum-worthy pose.
Trivia: Smithsonian count
The Smithsonian Institution operates a famously large number of museums and research centres. Roughly how many museums does it run?
Answers: 21 / 20 / 19 / around 20 / about 20
Cherry tree pose
D.C. is famous for its 3,000+ cherry trees gifted by Japan in 1912. Find a cherry tree (or any blossoming tree, or the Tidal Basin) and take a group photo with everyone striking a delicate, photogenic pose under the branches.
D.C. local guide
Convince a local Washingtonian to share one favourite museum, neighbourhood tip or D.C. opinion. Take a photo with your impromptu guide and remember the tip.
State of the Union pose
Choose one team member to be President for the day. The rest of the team applauds while the President delivers an imaginary State of the Union speech. Capture the speech in a photo or short video.
Capital cheers
Find a spot with a D.C. landmark behind you, grab a coffee or a drink and take a group toast photo. To the capital!
Group finale on the Mall
The final challenge! Find a beautiful D.C. spot (the National Mall, the Capitol steps, a memorial) and take an amazing group photo with the whole team in shot. A photo for the ages, well done everyone!