Chicago Old Town

FAQs

Splitting bookings into teams

We can split your booking into teams if you'd like to get competitive! Just let us know at hello@thesecret.city, sending your order email address and order number.

We recommend a team size around 5, with a minimum of 2 people and maximum of 8 (soft max).

Stop & start at anytime

You can take extra breaks or come back to your route at anytime. Just continue from where you left off at your own convenience. Handy if the heaven's decide to open! Your team clock will still be ticking, but not everything's a race!

When can I start my adventure?

Some of our trails have specific time slots that you should start within, this is usually due to closing public areas that you'll be travelling through. Some adventures can be played at any time so you can start whenever you're ready.

The latest start time assumes that you'll take no longer than the maximum duration, most teams will complete the trail within this time, if you'd like to go slower then start a bit earlier!

Can I book and play the same day?

Of course! After purchasing you can login to your dashboard, where you can enter your team name and number and get setup to go within a couple of minutes. If you're a larger group and would like the booking split into smaller teams, please book in advance so we can accommodate this for you.

Can all members receive clues?

Yes absolutely, add a phone for every member when setting up the team on the dashboard, or by forwarding them the extra-member join message you received at the start.

What apps will work?

WhatsApp & Telegram apps can be used to receive clues on almost all our trails. There are a select few that are Telegram only due to technical restrictions, you can check which apps you can use on the "Plan your day" section on each trail page.

Can I use my international phone number?

All international phone numbers work with our system, using WhatsApp or Telegram will only use data so make sure you can roam whilst away.

Game commands

• START: Commence the trail when you're at the start location.
• HINT: You're at the correct location but don't know how to find the answer.
  (1 Penalty Free)
• LOST: Got lost on the route? We'll send a detailed path to get you back on route.
  (1 Penalty Free)
• SKIP: When you're on a set break but ready to move on.

Time penalties - Watch out!

There are time penalties for; incorrect answers, hints and losts. You receive 1 penalty-free of each, but after that you'll have 10 minutes added onto your team time for each use.

Money back guarantee

Simply; If you don't have a great time on our trail, let us know why and we'll give you your money back in full. Easy!

Do I need to know the city?

Our trails don't require any local knowledge. All the trails can be completed by visitors/tourists without an issue, a perfect way to explore a new city!

Payment methods

We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, Paypal, VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

How to start?

After purchase you'll receive login credentials to enter your dashboard. There you can enter a team name and phone numbers, upon submission you'll receive a message to confirm the booking with us.

WhatsApp Setup Guide

Telegram Setup Guide

How much do messages cost?

Whatsapp & Telegram integrations will use data, again if your contract has a set amount of data you should not be charged. If you have any questions or issues then please get in contact with us.

How do the trails work?

We turn your city into a playground of clues! When you begin you'll receive the first clue. Solve the obscured directions to discover your path and lead you to answer the question. Use your surroundings to help guide you and find the answer to the clue. Once you've found it reply back to us to receive the next.

Along the way we'll take you to fantastic secret areas and breaks at brilliant pubs/cafes.

Check out our How it works page to see more.