Reviewed · SCAVENGER HUNTS

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers

5.0 · 2 reviews 1 hour (approx.) From $20 Operated by Zombie Scavengers Hunts · Bookable on Viator
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Chicago gets spooked on foot. This private zombie scavenger hunt has you solving clue games and zombie-themed tasks using an app, with private group play and point scoring that keeps things moving. I especially like how the challenges can include acting out random scenes with your crew, and that teamwork part feels genuinely funny, not forced. One thing to consider: you are not shown a tour guide with a phone in your hand, since use of an activity-owned smartphone is not included.

What makes this work well for Chicago is the flexibility. You start at Congress Plaza Garden and then you follow the app to locate survival items and complete challenges in any order, earning points as you go while chatting with a remote interactive survival guide. If you want a structured walking tour with set sights and explanations, this is not that. It’s more of a game that happens on the streets, with Chicago as the backdrop.

Zombie Scavenger Hunt Key Points You’ll Actually Use

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Zombie Scavenger Hunt Key Points You’ll Actually Use

  • Private, group-only game so you can move at your pace without strangers in your way.
  • App-based item hunting with survival items you can find in any order.
  • Zombie-themed challenges that can include acting out short scenes with your group.
  • Points that matter to survival odds, with the app tracking other teams across the country.
  • Remote chat with a survival guide so you are not left totally on your own.
  • Budget-friendly price per group for up to 10 people, with GST included.

Where You Start at Congress Plaza Garden (and Why It’s Convenient)

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Where You Start at Congress Plaza Garden (and Why It’s Convenient)

You meet at Congress Plaza Garden, South, at 183 E Congress Plaza Dr. It’s a solid spot for starting a walking game because it puts you in the central-city zone where you can likely reach a lot of different streets without complicated transit transfers.

This hunt is designed to end back at the same meeting point. That loop matters because you avoid the classic “we walked all over and now nobody knows how to finish” problem. It also means you can plan around a clean one-hour session that starts and stops at a known location.

If your group likes a clear meeting point and a guaranteed return, this setup is friendly. If your group hates walking and would rather hop in a cab between stops, you may feel the time limit more than the average sightseeing crowd.

The 60 Minutes: How the Game Unfolds in Real Time

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - The 60 Minutes: How the Game Unfolds in Real Time

This is about an hour, give or take. You get a self-guided walking activity plus 1 hour with a remote interactive survival guide, so the experience blends independent problem-solving with quick support when you need it.

Here’s the shape of how it typically feels once you’re underway:

1) You start with the app and begin scanning the list of survival items.

2) You locate items and complete associated tasks in whatever order makes sense.

3) You take on zombie-themed challenges for points.

4) You chat with the remote host when questions pop up or you need guidance.

5) You watch point totals and keep an eye on how you rank against other teams on the app.

That blend is the whole point. You get enough structure to stay engaged, but enough freedom to let your group decide the route and the pace.

A practical note on pacing

Because it’s a timed game, you’ll want to keep decisions snappy. When groups get stuck in debate mode, you can burn minutes that you can’t get back. My advice: assign quick roles, like one person handles the app directions, another checks clue text, and everyone else focuses on moving fast to the next spot.

The App, the Points, and the Remote Survival Guide

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - The App, the Points, and the Remote Survival Guide

The core mechanic is simple: survival items and zombie-themed challenges, each tied to points. The more points you earn, the more likely you are to survive a zombie apocalypse in the game logic.

What I like here is the motivation. Points turn ordinary walking into a mission. Instead of asking, Are we done yet? your group is asking, What’s next, and can we win this round?

Another smart touch is the live chat with the remote interactive survival guide. That means you are not totally cut off if you misread something or the app guidance is unclear. You can get help without stopping the whole game for a long explanation.

The app also shows points for other survival teams across the country. That adds a light competitive edge. You don’t need to care about other teams, but it helps keep energy up when your group is deciding whether to sprint or slow down.

Zombie-Themed Challenges: The Fun Part That Usually Gets You Laughing

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Zombie-Themed Challenges: The Fun Part That Usually Gets You Laughing

One of the top praised parts of the experience is how the challenges can include acting out random scenes. That kind of prompt turns the hunt into something you actually remember, because it becomes a shared moment, not just a scavenger checklist.

If your group enjoys silliness and low-stakes performance, you’ll probably have a great time. The best teams are usually the ones who treat it like an improv game: quick reactions, supportive energy, and no one person trying to control everything.

That said, if your group is uncomfortable with acting or prefers quiet activities, you might feel awkward with the prompts. The good news is that you are playing as a private group, so you can decide how far you want to lean into it. Still, it helps to go in knowing there will be challenge moments that ask for interaction, not just looking around.

Beyond the skyline, the neighborhoods have their own tours and their own stories.

Where You’ll Walk in Chicago (Without Pretending It’s the Same for Everyone)

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Where You’ll Walk in Chicago (Without Pretending It’s the Same for Everyone)

The hunt lets you find survival items anywhere in Chicago and in any order you choose. The exact path depends on how your group solves clues and what the app directs you toward at that moment.

So instead of me promising specific landmarks you will visit, I’ll tell you what you should expect at street level:

  • You’ll be scanning for items and clues as you walk through different city blocks.
  • You’ll follow app guidance rather than a fixed route with set narration.
  • You’ll be moving constantly enough that comfortable shoes matter.

This format is valuable because it avoids the rigid tour problem. Some sightseeing walks feel like you’re trapped in a line. This one feels more like you are navigating with a goal, so you may notice more of the street textures, storefronts, and little Chicago corners along the way.

Keep an eye on time as you chase clues

Because the game is only about an hour, don’t over-optimize distance. If the app sends you toward a spot that looks far, decide quickly whether it’s worth the extra walk. The best move is usually the one that keeps momentum and keeps your group solving.

Price and Value: $20 Per Group Up to 10 People

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Price and Value: $20 Per Group Up to 10 People

At $20.00 per group (up to 10 people), this is a budget-friendly Chicago activity, especially if you can split the cost across a crew. GST is included, so you are not juggling extra surprise fees at checkout.

Here’s why the price makes sense for your planning:

  • If you’re going as a small group, you’re basically buying a fun, timed, guided-by-an-app mission.
  • If you’re going as a larger group up to 10, the per-person cost drops fast.
  • You get a private experience, which often costs much more in Chicago than a standard group attraction.

The only “value tradeoff” is this: you are paying for the game mechanics and the remote host support, not for museum-style admission or a deep scripted history lecture. If what you want is guided storytelling and long stops, this may feel too playful and too short.

But if you want an hour of laughter, movement, and problem-solving, $20 per group is a pretty sweet deal.

Who This Scavenger Hunt Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Who This Scavenger Hunt Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This is best for groups who like hands-on challenges and are comfortable following an app. It’s a good fit for:

  • Friends who want a different kind of Chicago night or afternoon plan.
  • Families with enough age maturity to read clues and keep track of tasks.
  • Small teams who work well together and don’t mind a little acting.

It may not be the best choice if:

  • Your group hates walking on city streets.
  • You want a fixed route with guaranteed major stops and extensive commentary.
  • Nobody in your group wants to use a smartphone during the game.

Also consider that the activity is in English and uses a mobile ticket. If your group’s phone setup is shaky, test it before you arrive so the game doesn’t start with unnecessary friction.

Getting There and Practical Comfort Tips

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Zombie Scavengers - Getting There and Practical Comfort Tips

The meeting point is near public transportation, which matters in a city where parking and traffic can waste time. Since the entire experience is built around walking, you’ll want to arrive ready to go.

The activity allows service animals. Also, most travelers can participate, which suggests the format is broadly doable for a wide range of people. Still, it’s a walking-based game, so comfort and pace are the real factors.

What to bring

You’ll want:

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • A charged phone you can use for the app, since activity-owned smartphone use is not included.
  • A group mindset, because the fun comes from solving and doing the challenges together.

Should You Book Zombie Scavengers in Chicago?

I’d book it if you want an hour of real participation instead of passive sightseeing. The strongest reasons to choose it are the private group-only setup and the chance to get laughs from acting out challenge moments, while still having a remote guide in chat if you need help.

Skip it if your dream Chicago day is a set route with lots of narration and predetermined stops. This is more game than guided tour, and the exact path depends on the app and your choices.

If you like puzzle energy, teamwork, and a budget-friendly way to explore central Chicago, this one is hard to beat.

FAQ

How much does the Chicago Zombie Scavenger Hunt cost?

It costs $20.00 per group, up to 10 people. GST is included.

How long is the scavenger hunt?

The experience runs for about 1 hour.

Is it private or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group will participate.

What language is the experience offered in?

The scavenger hunt is offered in English.

Do I need to bring a smartphone?

Yes, since use of an activity-owned smartphone is not included. You’ll use an app to find survival items and complete challenges.

Where do we meet for the hunt?

You meet at Congress Plaza Garden – South, 183 E Congress Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.

Does the game end where it starts?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How do points work during the game?

You earn points for finding survival items and completing zombie-themed challenges. The app can also show points for other survival teams across the country.

Is there help during the hunt?

Yes. You communicate with a remote interactive survival guide via chat throughout the game.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

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