August 7, 2007
 Clues to the City
Everyone's setting sail on summer voyages. But temperatures are on the rise and there's a tough crowd of young pirates to please.
Set up a family scavenger hunt that will take your crew all over the urban map. Check the web or contact the Chamber of Commerce for companies that have tours set up, catering to families in search of a fun way to learn the ins and outs of a new place.
You can take on an entire metropolis, following clues that lead you, for example, from Boston's notorious North End to the hallowed courtyards of Harvard. Or engage in a more specific hunt that focuses on a single museum, aquarium, zoo or sports arena. You choose the scope.
In a contained location you can easily put together your own hunt. Stop by the information desk to pick up maps and brochures, give them a quick once over to get some idea of the treasures to be uncovered within, then come up with a list of five to ten specific things to hunt for. In a natural history museum, for example, a stuffed lion or a T-rex skull. In an art museum, a still-life with flowers or a painting of a lady with a dog. At the aquarium, the real-life cast of SpongeBob SquarePants. Work together or break into teams.
Below are a few tips from Rachel Hausner, a manager at Watson Adventures, which has developed scavenger hunts in cities and museums all over the country.
Plan ahead. Most hunts are around two hours long, Beforehand, visit the bathroom, don't bring anything heavy, opt for a backpack or infant carrier for younger kids, wear comfortable shoes and eat a snack beforehand.
Get involved. Children from age 7 and up will be able to read and follow clues for themselves, but remember this is a family affair. Everyone's input is needed. One person may be great with directions, another with getting the jokes. Younger children will feel like part of the action and stay interested only if Mom and Dad are active participants.
Wing it. Don't feel like you have to know anything beforehand. History, animal facts and discussions about art are contained within the hunt. Just bring an open, curious mind and a willingness to have fun.
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