Since 2008, we’ve helped thousands of teams discover a whole new side of New York City—through epic scavenger hunts designed to be both competitive and fun!
NYC is full of secrets, stories, and surprises. We’ll create a custom adventure for your group that challenges your thinking, sparks connection, and turns team-building into an experience you’ll never forget.
Who are we?
Jared Nissim, Director
Jared Nissim has been bringing people together in New York City since 2001, when he founded The Lunch Club, a pioneering social network that connected New Yorkers through group meals and just about every kind of social event you can imagine. He later created Speed Friending, a friendship-only twist on speed dating that gained worldwide recognition, and Meet The Neighbors, one of the first platforms designed to connect people who lived in the same building or neighborhood.
His community-building efforts have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time Magazine, NBC News, and more.
Scavenger hunts became one of The Lunch Club’s most successful formats. Private groups and companies soon began requesting Jared’s hunts for their team-building events. A new company was born! In 2008, Jared launched Secret City Scavenger Hunts to meet that need, designing fun competitions in iconic NYC locations for all kinds of group events.
With a deep understanding of what makes group experiences meaningful, Jared and his team continue to create interactive hunts that bring people together in memorable ways.
Our very talented hosts:
Krista Cousins
As a licensed tour guide, Krista has spent many years educating tourists about New York City and all of the wonders it has to offer.
Walter Petryk
Walter loves scavenger hunts and puzzles of all kinds. He can also be found in the theatre either acting, stage-managing or eating all the donuts in the green room.
Laura Walter
Laura is an actor, filmmaker, tour guide and improv instructor who loves New York with a passion!
Julie Becker
Julie is a theatre artist who also runs a children’s entertainment company. She doesn’t see why adults can’t have just as much fun!
Andres Quintero
Andres Quintero is originally from Caracas, Venezuela but for the last 14 years NYC has been his home. He is professional actor, fitness instructor and NYC enthusiast.
Sara McGuire
Sara is a musical theater artist and competitive Latin Dancer. She is a puzzle fiend and loves any kind of challenge.
Joe Staton
Originally from England (by way of France and Spain), Joe is thrilled to be hosting these awesome scavenger hunts! He’s an actor, producer, occasional director – and Harry Potter geek!
Arielle Zaytsev
Arielle is an actress, tour guide and puzzle enthusiast based in Brooklyn.
Izabel Mar
Izabel is from the Pacific Northwest and now lives in Brooklyn. She is an actor and artist who spends her free time performing folk music in the many NYC parks.
Linda Neel
Linda is a Los Angeles native living it up in New York City. She is a lover of all things Broadway, ice cream, and bulldogs.
Laura Kamin
Laura is endlessly smitten with and inspired by the beauty and grit of New York City. Other loves include: excellent storytelling, her latest restaurant/food obsessions and being mistaken for Parker Posey.
Sofia Faus
Sofia is originally from the Texas coast but now lives in Manhattan. She is a bite-sized actor who loves puzzles, mysteries, and competitions.
Daydra Smith
Daydra is an actor, writer, and creator. She is a big fan of competitions and racing against the clock!
Leigh Paris
Leigh is a lifelong New Yorker who knows the city inside and out. He’s been with us for many years and joins our adventures whenever duty calls!
Jackson Cline
Jackson Cline is an actor and theatre teacher. He loves trivia, puzzles and sharing the magic of New York City.
Sarah Elizabeth Hewitt
Sarah is an actor and comedian living in Brooklyn. She loves a good scavenger hunt and is excited to show you the Big Apple in a way you’ve never seen it before.
