Race for the Tortoise: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia

Race for the Tortoise: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 15 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English
Places you will visit
15
It will take you
27-57 mins
Route you will explore
Starting point The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USAFinish point Third Floor Dioramas
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USAAbout 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)
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in Philadelphia combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 15 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 2520 minutes to complete and covers 0km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Philadelphia.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
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.
The mission: Your story in Philadelphia
Your quest? To find as many secrets as you can before your friends! The first person to find all of the secrets by the time they reach the bronze tortoise wins! Thing is, you don't know where that tortoise could be hiding...
- We recommend not playing at night
- Kids under 12 should be guided by their parents
- You need to buy the entrance ticket separately
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 2520 minutes
Distance
0km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Availability:
Can be played on
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, SundayDuring these hours
10:00AM - 04:00PMLanguages
English