Philadelphia Self-Guided Outdoor Mystery Games
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Discover Philadelphia’s rich history with the Philadelphia Self-Guided Outdoor Mystery Game. Play at your own pace on your phone, exploring iconic landmarks and uncovering hidden clues without the need for a guide or fixed schedule.
Choose from three exciting adventures: The Bell's Lost Word for young explorers ages 6-12, The Shadow of Old City for intermediate players, or The Spy Winter for those ready for a deeper challenge set during the Revolutionary War. Each game takes about 1 to 2 hours and offers a unique way to experience the city’s historic streets.
Start anytime at a designated location, walk through historic sites, and solve puzzles that bring Philadelphia’s past to life. It’s perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone looking for a fun, educational outdoor activity.
Frequently asked questions
How long does each game take?
Each game runs between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your pace and how thoroughly you explore each stop.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes! The Bell's Lost Word is designed specifically for kids aged 6-12, but all three games are fun for history enthusiasts of all ages.
Do I need a guide or ticket to participate?
No guides are needed. You receive a digital link to access your game, and you start at your convenience from the designated meeting point.
Are the activities accessible for all fitness levels?
Absolutely. The game involves walking between outdoor stops, which are accessible for all physical fitness levels, including those with small children or in strollers.
What’s included in the experience?
You’ll get digital access to your chosen game, which features 7-10 historic stops across Independence National Historical Park, plus clues hidden in landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin’s grave, and more.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 1 hour – 3 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Seven to ten historic stops across Independence National Historical Park
- Digital access to your game (link delivered by email)
- Your choice of three games: The Bell's Lost Word, The Shadow of Old City, or The Spy Winter
Itinerary
Explore key historic sites in Old City Philadelphia with clues at each stop, all at your own pace.
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Stop 1
Solve clues at the exterior of the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. Features visible from the public square—no ticket or timed entry needed.
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Stop 2
Walk along the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. and find clues hidden in doorways and markers. Free to explore anytime.
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Stop 3
Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier and the memorial wall in a public square open at all hours. Two of the three games include clues here.
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Stop 4
Count Greek Revival columns and read site signage at a historic building, with clues visible from the street.
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Stop 5
Examine the oldest bank building in the country, counting its marble Corinthian columns to crack a code letter. Exterior only, always visible.
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Stop 6
View Benjamin Franklin's grave from the sidewalk. Clues come from the names on the slab and the burial-ground sign.
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Stop 7
Count stars on the flag flying over the courtyard and find the state marker on Arch Street—outdoor clues accessible anytime.
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Stop 8
Visit Franklin's home site, the ghost-frame outline, and the B. Free Franklin Post Office sign, which contains a hidden clue. All outdoors.
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Stop 9
Explore the memorial at the site of the former executive mansion, where Washington's enslaved people are named on a granite wall. Clues from all three games.
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Stop 10
Read clues from a bronze tablet at a historic Georgian townhouse on Third Street, frequented by Washington and Lafayette.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point in Washington Square.
Begin your adventure at Washington Square, at the memorial in the center. Open your game link on your phone and start from there—no in-person check-in required. For the junior agent game, The Bell's Lost Word, start two blocks away at Signers' Garden, 5th and Chestnut.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start time
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $17.76 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
