FAQs On

Urban Challenge/Scavenger Hunts

Q: How do the Scavenger Hunts work? What are people looking for?

A: The tasks are designed to take you on a journey through unique spots and new areas. For instance, on the Downtown Hunt, teams will visit cool rooftop lounges with amazing views, hip hotels, and historic landmarks.

Q: How long do the Scavenger Hunts last?

A: The actual Hunt lasts two hours, but when you include the introduction and the awards ceremony afterward, the entire event is about three hours. If it’s a private event, we can customize the length to fit your needs, but three hours is the ideal formula.

Q: Which area is the most popular?

A: La Jolla & Balboa Park are our most requested locations, followed by Old Town, Coronado, Encinitas, The Birch Aquarium, Oceanside, and Downtown San Diego.

Q: Is the Scavenger Hunt physically challenging?

A: The Scavenger Hunt covers approximately 1.5 to 3 miles on a flat route, with no steep hills. Teams aren’t allowed to run for safety reasons, and we want everyone to be able to keep up. We design the hunts to be comfortable for all fitness levels, including those with bad knees.

Q: Do all the teams have the same clues?

A: Yes, but the tasks are arranged in a different order, and each team has a bonus sheet with photos and extra points. This means teams may run into each other on the streets, adding to the competitive, fun spirit!

Q: Can you do Scavenger Hunts for kids? What about themed Scavenger Hunts like birthdays or anniversaries?

A: Absolutely! We've designed many Scavenger Hunts for kids and frequently create customized hunts for birthdays, school reunions, anniversaries, and more. Our Scavenger Hunts have also been used as fundraisers for nonprofits and family outings for Church Ministries.

Q: Does the corporate team-building scavenger hunt allow kids?

A: The best ages for participation are determined on a case-by-case basis. For company adventures, we suggest ages 9 and above.

Q: My company is considering your team-building Scavenger Hunt, but some people think it may be too silly. Is this activity really appropriate for companies?

A: Yes, it's an excellent team bonding activity! We've hosted groups ranging from CEOs, sales executives, teachers, engineers, to attorneys, and they all loved our Urban Challenge Scavenger Hunt. The tasks are designed to stimulate conversation, challenge problem-solving abilities, creativity, and time management skills—all while enjoying a fun and engaging sightseeing adventure.

Q: I'm thinking of surprising my staff and not letting them know what we’re planning.

A: While the idea of surprising your staff is fun, our experience since 2003 has shown that it typically doesn’t work well. We recommend informing your team about the event, including important details like what to wear (sneakers are a must!) and the importance of eating prior to the event. This ensures everyone is prepared and excited to participate.

Alex

Thank you for everything you did to make this event great! Not to mention all you did to make the event even happen in the first place.

You two were a pleasure to work with, as was the team you brought in, and I will certainly be recommending your group to others. You went above and beyond, and our entire team had an amazing experience. Love the pictures as well. Can’t wait to share the link with the team. Such a cool bonus!

Servicenow.com

Audra H

I had a group of 40 professionals in La Jolla for a seminar and needed some fun activities so I found Out of the Ordinary Group & Team Adventures simply because of the catchy name! And let me tell you, their name says it all! Not only do they offer "out of the ordinary" events and excursions, they also go ABOVE and BEYOND to give everyone a wonderful experience! The best part for me as a Meeting Planner was, instead of using separate vendors for all our activities, we were able to use Out of the Ordinary for all 3!!! We did the Sip n' Score games at our Welcome Reception, the Wellness Walk through La Jolla with breathtaking views and for our team building we did the Bike Build Charity Give Back and were able to donate the finished bikes to a wonderful local organization, It's All About the Kids, just in time for Christmas! Thank you Darlynne, Marc and the entire team at Out of the Ordinary for all your help!

Babett Hirzel - Embassy Suites

First and foremost just wanted to say THANK YOU both for such a fun-filled experience on our scavenger hunt.

They all loved it ...What a great time spent together – and that is what it’s all about. Getting to know each other better and having some fun and laughs along the way. Still can’t get over Jason singing that song..haha.

Thank you again, I admire you both so much and can’t wait to partner up again hopefully in the first quarter to do something on a bigger scale with the entire hotel team.

Wishing you and Marc Happy Holidays and thank you for brightening up everyone’s day! You have my dream job!!!!!

Amanda Union Bank

As someone who has planned many team building and corporate events, I have to say that hands down, Out of the Ordinary takes the spotlight on professionalism, reliability and delivering an unforgettable experience. When I was tasked to plan a team building/holiday party in less than 4 weeks, I was so relieved to be working with a company that really has it together! Marc & Darlynne are so enthusiastic and really know how to think outside of the ordinary with every detail. I am so used to the behind the scenes chaos that typically plays out on the day of an event, but OOA's team was so polished and calm. Definitely a relief! I was even able to enjoy the event myself and participate as a guest.

Liana, Encore Semi

We booked the urban scavenger hunt at Balboa Park, in San Diego, for a company gathering and we had a great time!
Darlynne and the other guides were very helpful, guiding us through the park and giving us clues when needed without influencing the game. We all feel that we know better the city we live in, and we received great feedbacks from our whole team, so I can say that it was a lot of fun. Liana G

Beth Visit Santa Barbara

Darlynne and her husband Marc did a great job with a video coaching session for how to best present on Zoom. The content was customized to our audience with pre-questions from Darlynne. I would recommend her for this type of training if your organization can benefit in these days of working virtually.

Shoshana E Thermofisher

My work team did an Outrigger Canoe Challenge recently and everyone enjoyed the event! It was fun and exciting and really helped to bring the team together to enjoy the day outside of your typical working environment. The staff was very friendly, professional and attentive and everything was set up and coordinated perfectly. They made everything super easy from the 1st phone call to the actual event!

Chelsea B. High Tech Elementary

Our school, High Tech Elementary Chula Vista, did The Amazing Race scavenger hunt with Out of the Ordinary and had a blast! They were very professional, organized and fun! We just got to sit back and enjoy. I would highly recommend them for group building activities.

Lois J., Milgard

We always have fun with Out of the Ordinary! I know San Diego is in our future and I will always keep you in mind.

Annette G., Yesco

Just wanted to thank you, Marc and your entire team once again. From the beginning of our talks to the end, it was a great experience. You made us look good. Thank you!