As anyone that travels with kids knows, keeping the little ones interested and engaged while sightseeing can be a daunting task. My kids enjoy architecture and exploring the twists and turns of new cities, but like most kids, their attention span is limited.
When I was approached about reviewing the Scavenger Hunt Adventures series, I was intrigued but a little skeptical. Could a book really help keep my kids excited about sightseeing?
What are Scavenger Hunt Adventures?
Scavenger Hunt Adventures guides young explorers through the popular sites of cities and engages them in sightseeing through spy-themed scavenger hunts. Children learn about destinations through fun activities and captivating stories. They get points for completing each mission, i.e, finding the landmark or hidden symbol or tasting a new food. If they complete the mission by earning 100 points, you can send away for a Special Agent Certificate.
What kid doesn’t get excited about the earning points and getting a “prize?”
Along the way, kids and parents will learn interesting historical facts about the city and visit not only the popular destinations, but some of the little known areas as well .
Scavenger Hunt Adventures currently have six titles available: MISSION LONDON, MISSION PARIS, MISSION ROME, MISSION BARCELONA, MISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. and the newest book MISSION NEW YORK.
Scavenger Hunt Adventures Series Book Review:
We used the Mission Barcelona book on our recent trip to Spain. My 8 and 10 year olds both thought it was a cool way to explore. They were eager to earn points for completing their “missions” and learned a lot about Barcelona in the process.
The kids were intrigued with the legend of Saint Jordi and how he slayed the evil dragon and rescued the princess. They were forced to keep a sharper eye as we explored and took notice of details that we would have passed right by had we not been following along with the book.
We downloaded the Kindle version of Mission Barcelona on my iPad and iPhone. We read the book on the iPad prior to our trip, so the kids would know what to expect. It’s a quick read. We completed the book after just three short sessions.
Once in Barcelona, we let the mission be our guide. We didn’t complete everything in order, but completed several missions in a row as the book took us from La Ramba to the waterfront. The kids also made mental notes of the “anytime missions” such as foods they needed to try and the symbols they needed to be on the lookout for during our explorations.
Statue at Plaça de Catalunya
We found Canaletes Fountain and read the message
Kids finding animals at Portaferrissa Fountain
We used the notes app on my phone to keep track of points. The kids had me keep a running tab on points earned as each mission was completed.
A peek inside Mission Rome:
I plan to purchase a book each time we visit a new destination or even an old one. Mission London or Mission Rome will likely be next on my shopping list. We’ve traveled to DC many times, but I’m sure there will be new adventures for my family even in a town we know well. It’s a great way to make something old, new again!
I was provided with a copy of the book to review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.
I also just liked The Talking Suitcase facebook page, thanks!
I just liked the Scavenger Hunt Adventures facebook page. Thank!
I would love a copy of the London mission book. Thank you!
I would love the Washington DC book!
What a great idea. We have a Washington DC trip planned for later this year, so I’d love to win a copy of that.
I’ve never seen these but would love to have tried the Washington DC book with my kids when they were younger. What young child doesn’t dream of being a spy? Very cool.
I love these books! I read the Paris one and highly recommend them.
What a fun idea! I’m always looking for new ways to engage the kids and this series sounds like a really good option, hopefully they’ll expand to other cities too.
That sounds like a great series! I hope they will expand it to other cities both in Europe and North America!
What great books! Our kids love to go on scavenger hunts and we are moving to Washington DC this summer! So I would love to win one of the Washington DC books! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Since my Facebook page is linked to my Twitter account, just tweeted about the giveaway too @TravelwithMrsT Fingers crossed now!
Just shared your Facebook post to both my personal page and Travel with Mrs. T. Facebook page. Reminded everyone to click and check it out! Hope you get lots of page visits and entries, but of course hope that mine is one of the winners! Have a great day!
Had already liked The Talking Suitcase in the past with both my personal and page accounts! Don’t know if this counts as an entry, but thought I’d try!
Just liked the Scavenger Hunt Adventures Facebook page, with both my personal and page accounts!
Just subscribed to the Scavenger Hunt Adventures Newsletter, and downloaded the e-book, “The Museum Spy!” Great book. Love spot the difference type pictures. Great for kids. When I was teaching, I used to put these types of activities on the large interactive whiteboards, and have students work in pairs to find the differences!
Great post! Would love to win the Washington D.C. book or the Barcelona book! Thanks for the chance to win!