Family day out San Diego: walk and solve

Secrets of San Diego is a self-guided scavenger hunt through Little Italy, past its piazzas, fountain and firehouse museum. You see The Guardian of Water and Piazza della Famiglia along the route. The hunt gives your family a reason to notice the surroundings while following the instructions. Invite the children to explain what they think the team should try before an adult enters the response. This game uses the free Loquiz app and costs €19.95 per team: one phone, at most 4 players, with your family sharing the activity.

The San Diego Syndicate (outdoor escape game) follows Magnus and stolen formulas from Calhoun Street to La Casa de Estudillo. Along the route you see Whaley House Museum, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Presidio Plaza in Old Town. This option for a family day out San Diego costs €19.95 per team: one phone, at most 5 players. Check that larger limit when deciding which story fits your family. You use the free Loquiz app, with everyone helping to discuss the next move rather than leaving the chase to one reader.

Both San Diego games take around 1.5 to 2 hours and use the free Loquiz app on your own phone. Before your family day out San Diego, choose the story and check its team limit, then prepare the app. Read the instructions aloud so children can look around and still follow the task. You can divide reading, observing and discussing according to what people enjoy, then swap roles during play. Start whenever you want on any day, within the game's 12-month validity, and pick a time that suits your family.