Frequently Asked Questions

The Capital Clues app guides you to a number of different monuments using riddles. When you get to a new monument, the app will ask you about a series of questions (usually 4 - 6 per location) that give you the opportunity to score points. Potential points decrease if you answer incorrectly or use a hint. All questions require some type of observation, such as finding a detail on a statue or deciphering a hidden message in an engraving.

You won't want to miss out on playing this game - in our opinion visiting the National Mall is one of the top ten things to do when visiting Washington, DC and our game makes it super fun!

Reflecting Pool course: 1.5 to 2 hours. You'll walk about 2 miles (3km) from course start to course finish.

Tidal Basin course: 1 - 1.5 hours. You'll walk about 1 mile (1.6km) from course start to course finish.

For both courses, consider that the starting point and end point are far away from each other and you may need to walk a decent distance if you parked close to the start.

Yes! All the questions are observation based so kids can definitely participate. Some questions are more complex than other but kids that play still have fun.

Capital Clues is playable on your own through our app. If you get stumped, you can opt for a hint or skip a question. We've done a lot of testing to make sure that playing on your own is a fun and awesome experience. Check out the reviews in the app store to see how much people enjoy playing the app on their own!

Playing with a guide means that someone will meet you and guide you through the game so you're not just relying on the app. The guide will help you get setup to play, share fun facts about the different memorials as you're playing, help troubleshoot any problems, and may provide you with some guidance or clarification if a question is particularly confusing. The game host may try and coordinate multiple teams to play at the same time to increase the competition and fun!

Play with a guide →

It depends on which course you select! The Capital Clues app has more details.

Around the Reflecting Pool Course:

• Washington Monument

• Vietnam War memorial

• Lincoln memorial

• Korean War memorial

• World War II Memorial

• Constitution Gardens

Monuments around the Tidal Basin:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• Thomas Jefferson Memorial

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

• Cherry Blossoms (if blooming)

• George Mason Memorial

The actual order of visiting these memorials is a secret - you'll discover it as you're playing! The app will direct you to these spots using a series of riddles.

Yes - the National Mall offers 10 public restrooms. For both courses, they exist at the start and end points.

Our personal favorite is using Capital Bikeshare but there's underground metro, bus access, and some paid public parking. NPS.gov has answers for every mode of transportation.