We’re excited to announce the return of our popular Scavenger Hunt—reimagined for a special summer-long experience! This FREE, self-guided, all-ages adventure invites you to explore the Centennial District of West Fairmount Park at your own pace while uncovering the rich history of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landscapes.

Hosted by Fairmount Park Conservancy, this year’s scavenger hunt celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Centennial Exposition, the first world’s fair held in the United States, which drew nearly ten million visitors and transformed the park with groundbreaking exhibits and architecture.

What to Expect

Participants will complete 10 engaging missions spread across roughly two miles of the Centennial District. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating stories about the Exposition, explore historic sites, and experience the beauty of the park in a whole new way. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, this scavenger hunt offers a fun and meaningful way to connect with Philadelphia’s history.

Event Details:

• Dates: May 1 – August 31
• Time: Anytime (self-guided). Please obey park hours (generally dawn to dusk).
• Best Starting Location: Parkside Park (along Parkside Avenue between East and West Memorial Drive)

How It Works:

• Missions will remain available throughout the entire four-month period, so you can complete them whenever it suits your schedule. 
• Travel the route however you prefer—walk, bike, or drive. 
• Most missions are suitable for children ages 6 and up. 
• The full route covers high-traffic areas, so please stay alert and use sidewalks where available. 

 Prizes and Participation:  

• Teams that complete all missions will be entered into biweekly prize drawings, selected at random. 

 How to Join: 

• The scavenger hunt will take place on the GooseChase app (further instructions here).

From some of our past participants:  

• “We LOVED the scavenger hunt! It was a blast! It got us out of our homes and into the parks in the winter when we’re usually hibernating. It introduced us to new areas of Fairmount Park we’d never been to and taught us facts we never knew! It opened our eyes to the beauty and history at our fingertips in Philly.” 
• “I have lived in Philly my whole life and love this city, its history, and the park system and figured it would be cute to try it out. I had no idea how much we would learn, and the quality time we spent together was amazing.” 
• “YES! I have lived in Philadelphia for 27 years and had NO IDEA how much there was to do in Fairmount Park. This scavenger hunt fixed that. I can’t believe the incredible resources available in the park. Thank you so much for hosting this!”

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