Fairmount Park Conservancy is excited to announce the return of a multi-month-long, self-guided scavenger hunt through the Centennial District of West Fairmount Park to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Centennial Exposition.

The Centennial Exposition of 1876 was the first world’s fair on U.S. soil and attracted nearly ten million visitors over a six-month span. It was meant to showcase breakthrough inventions and industrial achievements. Over 200 structures were built for the Exposition, of which only three remain, and acres of parkland were transformed. Find out more here.

During a year in which we’re celebrating the history of our city, this free, all-ages scavenger hunt is the perfect way to learn some of the history of our largest park and is great for locals and visitors alike!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• The scavenger hunt will run from May 1 through August 31.
• There will be 10-15 missions total, covering roughly two miles. The same missions will remain up throughout the four-month span so participants can complete them at their own pace.
• It is up to you how you traverse the route. It is possible to walk, bike, or drive. Many of the missions are in high-traffic sections of the park so please use caution. There are sidewalks available for most of the route, and we recommend staying on them.
• Most of the missions are possible for children ages 6+.
• There will be biweekly prizes, selected at random, and teams that complete all of the missions will be entered into each drawing.
• The scavenger hunt will be hosted on the Goosechase App. If you are interested in participating, register at the link here, and we will email out further instructions in late April on how to register/use the app.
• Teams can be 1-4 players total, and you should register all members of your team using the link below.
• We will also be holding a scavenger hunt in FDR Park in South Philadelphia, which will kick off in June. Stay tuned for more details!

PARKING/GETTING THERE: The best starting point for the scavenger hunt is at the pocket park along Parkside Avenue between East and West Memorial Drive, linked here. (It shows up as ‘Parkside Park’ in most navigation apps.) There is plenty of free parking available in the park. As always, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Parkside Ave and West Memorial Hall Drive – right at the starting point. The closest Indego bike station is at Parkside and Belmont Ave – about 2-3 minutes from the starting point.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org

Enjoy our programs? Play it forward for Philly parks! Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Fair Play Campaign is creating healthy park infrastructure, expanding people-centered programs, and preparing our organization for the future. Learn more and get involved at fairplayphilly.org.