Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt

If you’re on the lookout for a fun, interactive way to celebrate the holiday season while exploring Tampa, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful twist on sightseeing. This app-based scavenger hunt promises to turn your holiday into a memorable, laughter-filled adventure. It’s designed for groups of up to 10 people, with a flexible location—meaning you can play wherever you choose around Tampa.

One of the things we really appreciate about Holly Jolly Hunt is its versatility. Whether you’re with friends, family, or even co-workers, this activity lets you customize your experience, combining holiday-themed challenges and photo opportunities. Plus, it’s straightforward to join, with a mobile ticket that makes starting the hunt simple. However, a potential consideration is that some participants found the hunt a bit underwhelming when it comes to the variety of items to find, especially in central locations like Lykes Gaslight Square Park.

This experience is best suited for those looking for a casual, lighthearted activity that’s easy to fit into a holiday itinerary. If you love interactive games and enjoy exploring a city through themes and challenges, Holly Jolly Hunt could be a charming addition to your Tampa holiday plans. Just keep in mind that the activity might be more fun in a group that appreciates some relaxed competition and holiday cheer rather than seeking a deep cultural tour.

Key Points

• Flexible Location: Play anywhere in Tampa, making it adaptable to your schedule and interests.
• Affordable Price: At just $20 per group, it offers a budget-friendly way to add some festive fun.
• Group-Friendly: Designed for groups of up to 10, perfect for friends or family outings.
• Interactive & Fun: Combines photo challenges and holiday tasks that encourage laughter and teamwork.
• Accessible & Convenient: Mobile ticket and remote chat support make it easy to join and participate.
• Limited Scope: Some reviewers found the items to be sparse or overly reading-heavy, which might affect the engagement level.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Lykes Gaslight Square Park

Your holiday hunt kicks off at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, a lively downtown spot that’s easy to find and near public transport options. This makes it convenient to gather your team, especially if you’re arriving from various parts of Tampa. From the start, the app guides you through the initial instructions and sets the tone for a playful adventure.

How It Works

Once you join, the app directs you to look for holiday-related items, some classic and others less traditional, scattered around your chosen area. You’re tasked with snapping photos of these items to earn points, which adds a visual element that keeps everyone engaged. The app also throws in fun holiday challenges designed to generate laughter, such as wearing festive accessories or performing silly tasks.

The Items & Challenges

Most of the items are themed around Christmas, and you might come across traditional symbols like Santa or ornaments, but there’s also room for creativity. One review mentions that there wasn’t much to find in the downtown area, and there was a lot of reading involved during the hunt. This suggests that the hunt relies heavily on reading clues or descriptions, which might slow down the pace for some players.

The Group Dynamic

Playing with friends, family, or colleagues, you’ll be able to see your group’s score on the leaderboard, comparing it to other teams from around Tampa. This adds a sense of friendly competition, encouraging everyone to participate actively. The app provides remote support via chat, which can be helpful if you get stuck or need clarification on instructions.

Duration & Flexibility

The activity runs for about an hour, making it a perfect short activity to slot into a daytime itinerary. Since it’s a mobile experience, you can extend or shorten your playtime by adjusting your route or stopping for breaks. The flexible location is a definite plus, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferred neighborhood or park.

Value & Cost

At $20 per group, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers an inexpensive way to inject some holiday joy into your day. When compared to other more traditional tours or attractions in Tampa, this activity stands out as a fun, casual option that emphasizes interaction over spectacle. The inclusion of all scavenger hunt activities, fees, taxes, and access to a remote guide adds to its straightforward value.

What Could Be Better?

The main critique comes from a review stating, “There wasn’t much to find,” which could be a sign that the hunt’s scope may be limited depending on your chosen location. Some might find the reading-heavy clues a bit cumbersome, especially if they prefer more action and less text. Plus, since the activity requires a smartphone, those without compatible devices might find it less enjoyable, and private transportation isn’t included, so plan for your own mode of travel.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a low-key, low-cost holiday activity that encourages teamwork and exploration. It’s especially suitable for small groups wanting to enjoy downtown Tampa or local parks while engaging in some seasonal fun. It’s a good choice if you enjoy gamified sightseeing or are looking for a different way to explore Tampa’s holiday spirit—without the fuss of a larger tour.

Final Thoughts: Is the Holly Jolly Hunt Worth It?

If you’re in Tampa during the holiday season and want a relaxed, interactive activity, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful way to celebrate. Its affordability and flexibility make it appealing, especially for groups who enjoy light-hearted competition and festive photo ops. You’ll love the way it encourages creativity and laughs, making it a memorable part of your holiday plans.

However, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive exploration or a highly engaging adventure, you might find the scope limited. Some participants have noted that the hunt can feel a bit sparse in terms of items to find, and the reading-heavy clues may slow down the fun for those who prefer active searches.

The Holly Jolly Hunt is a delightful, budget-friendly choice for those who want to add a touch of holiday spirit to their Tampa visit without committing to a full-day tour. It’s best suited for small groups, friends, families, or colleagues looking for a casual, cheerful activity that will leave them smiling even after the hunt ends.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they’re comfortable with using a smartphone and can participate in fun challenges. It’s family-friendly, but adult supervision might enhance the experience.

How long does the Holly Jolly Hunt last?
The activity takes approximately 1 hour, perfect for fitting into a larger day of sightseeing or holiday activities.

Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, the hunt is app-based, so you’ll need a compatible smartphone to download the app and participate.

Can we play in any part of Tampa?
Yes, the activity is designed to be played anywhere in Tampa of your choosing, starting from the designated meeting point.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation is not included; you’ll need to arrange your own way to get around Tampa.

Is there a guide on-site?
You get access to a remote guide via chat within the app, offering support if needed.

What’s the cost?
It’s $20 per group, accommodating up to 10 participants, which makes it an affordable holiday activity.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if your plans change.

Is the activity accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for travelers with disabilities.