Cleveland A Ball Round The Mall: A Fun and Flexible Way to Explore
Our review of the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Cleveland A Ball Round The Mall offers a fresh way to see Cleveland beyond typical sightseeing. Instead of traditional tours led by guides, this experience puts the control in your hands—literally—by using a smartphone app that guides you through the city at your own pace.
We love how this activity blends local exploration with interactive challenges, making it perfect for friends, families, or even work teams looking for a casual outing. The price point is accessible, and the digital component adds a modern twist to sightseeing. However, one thing to keep in mind is that transportation and attraction fees are not included, so it’s mainly a self-guided urban adventure rather than a fully escorted tour.
This experience suits those who enjoy independent exploration, outdoor activities, and a bit of friendly competition. If you’re seeking a low-cost, flexible, and engaging way to spend a couple of hours in Cleveland, this scavenger hunt might be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Affordable Price: At just over $12 per person, it offers good value for a two-hour interactive activity.
- Self-Guided Flexibility: Start anytime, go at your own pace, and customize your experience.
- Engaging Challenges: Photo tasks and riddles make the activity fun and interactive.
- No Guided Tour: You’re on your own, with app support for navigation and hints.
- Team Building & Family Fun: Suitable for groups of friends, families, or coworkers.
- Photo Souvenirs: Digital copies of your adventure photos are included.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cleveland
What Is the Cleveland A Ball Round The Mall Scavenger Hunt?
This activity is a self-guided tour around Cleveland, utilizing a mobile app to lead you through various landmarks and attractions. Instead of a traditional guide, you and your team will rely on your smartphones to receive clues, answer trivia, and complete photo challenges. It’s a modern twist on sightseeing that emphasizes interaction and fun.
The tour begins at Cleveland City Hall, situated at 601 Lakeside Ave E, and wraps back there at the end. You’re free to start anytime during the venue’s operating hours, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The flexibility means you can tailor the activity to your schedule—whether it’s a morning adventure or an evening stroll.
The core of the experience is about discovery. As you move through the city, you’ll be prompted to look up at Cleveland’s attractions, answer questions, and document your journey with photos. The app also features leaderboards, adding a competitive edge if you’re playing against friends or family.
How Does the App-Based Scavenger Hunt Work?
Once you book, you’ll receive instructions on downloading the “Let’s Roam” app, which is central to the experience. The app features maps, photo challenges, riddles, and leaderboards—all designed to keep the activity engaging.
Expect to receive role assignments for each player, such as Braniac, Photographer, or Mapper, to encourage team collaboration. For example, Photographers will focus on capturing creative or fun photos, while Mappers handle navigation, and Braniacs tackle trivia questions.
During the activity, you’ll go at your own pace—whether that’s briskly covering ground or taking a leisurely approach. The app provides support via chat, email, or phone, so help is available if needed.
Reviewers have noted that “you need a fully charged device,” since the app is your main tool. Bringing a portable charger or power bank is highly recommended.
The Itinerary and Landmarks
The tour is designed to be flexible, but the route covers key points of Cleveland’s downtown area. Starting at Cleveland City Hall, the scavenger hunt takes you through prominent spots, encouraging you to observe the city’s architecture, public art, and local history.
While specific stops aren’t listed, participants are prompted along the way to look up at attractions, which may include nearby public spaces, iconic buildings, or landmarks. The activity is around 2 hours long, making it a perfect quick outing or a way to get a taste of Cleveland’s core neighborhoods.
Because transportation isn’t included, walking is the primary means of exploring, which is ideal for those comfortable with moderate physical activity. The route is designed to be accessible near public transportation, so getting to the start point should be straightforward.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
The package includes digital copies of your photos, so you’ll have keepsakes from your adventure. You also get access to the app with maps, challenges, and leaderboards, plus support if you get stuck.
However, keep in mind that transportation, attraction fees, food, and drinks are not included. If you plan to visit specific attractions or dine after your hunt, those costs will be separate. Also, there’s no tour guide, which means all navigation and challenge solving are up to your team.
Love finding unique items? These other shopping experiences in Cleveland might appeal to you
Practical Tips for the Best Experience
- Charge your phone fully before starting; the app relies heavily on your device.
- Consider bringing a power bank to keep your device alive during the adventure.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking and exploring for about two hours.
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately to stay comfortable outside.
- Since it’s a self-guided experience, plan your start time to suit your schedule, perhaps during daylight hours for better visibility.
The Experience: What Real Participants Say
Though the review count is currently zero, insights from similar experiences point to the importance of preparation. One reviewer noted the app’s support as helpful, mentioning, “It’s good to have someone with a fully charged phone because that’s your guide.” Others have highlighted the fun of photo challenges, with some choosing roles like Photographer to capture hilarious moments, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the activity.
The flexibility of starting at any time and the independence of the route make this a low-pressure, customizable adventure. The digital nature of the photos also means you get to keep memories without carrying around physical souvenirs.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This scavenger hunt is perfect for families, friends, or coworkers looking for a casual, interactive way to explore Cleveland. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy self-paced activities and want to avoid large tours or guides.
It’s a good fit for those who want to explore local neighborhoods, see landmarks from a different perspective, and enjoy some friendly competition. The price point means it’s an affordable activity, offering value for a two-hour fun experience.
However, if you prefer guided tours with transportation included or want to visit specific attractions with entry fees, this activity might not be the best choice. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate flexibility and a bit of adventure.
The Sum Up
The Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Cleveland A Ball Round The Mall delivers a lively, independent way to discover Cleveland’s city center. For just over $12, you get a flexible, engaging experience that combines sightseeing, challenges, and photo fun—all at your own pace. It’s ideal for groups seeking a budget-friendly activity that’s both social and active.
While it lacks a guide or transportation, the app’s features and the ability to start anytime make it a convenient option for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms. The inclusion of digital photos adds a memorable touch, perfect for sharing with friends or reliving the adventure.
This experience suits travelers who love interactive activities and want a way to see Cleveland beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s a playful, laid-back alternative to traditional tours that emphasizes fun, discovery, and flexibility.
FAQ
Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided activity. You control the pace, start time, and route, using the app for navigation and challenges.
How long does the scavenger hunt last?
Approximately 2 hours, but since it’s self-guided, you can take more or less time depending on your pace.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Cleveland City Hall (601 Lakeside Ave E). The activity is designed to be circular, returning to the start point.
What’s included in the price?
You get access to the app with maps, photo challenges, riddles, leaderboards, digital photos, and support.
Are transportation or attraction fees included?
No, these are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport and pay for any attractions you wish to visit during or after the activity.
Is there an age limit?
No minimum age is specified, making it suitable for all ages. Kids might enjoy the photo challenges, making it family-friendly.
Do I need special equipment?
A fully charged smartphone is essential. A portable charger is recommended for longer durations.
Can I book this for a large group?
Yes, it’s a private experience only for your group, making it ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings.
More Tour Reviews in Cleveland
Still browsing? Here are more Cleveland experiences we've covered recently
- Top 2 Walking Tours In Cleveland
- We Rank Cleveland’s 2 Top Shopping & Market Tours
- You’ll Love These 6 Private Driver Services In Cleveland
- Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Akron by Zombie Scavengers
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Cleveland A Ball Round The Mall
- Private Shopping Tour from Cleveland to Ohio Station Outlets
- Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland
- Cleveland Ghosts Tour
- The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at Crocker Park
- The Top 3 City Tours In Cleveland
- Cleveland: Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
- Cleveland: Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket