Agents of Discovery mobile app encourages kids to get outside

Become a Puget Sound Explorer and complete missions around the Sound

By Marguerite Cleveland on August 22, 2022

The Agents of Discovery Mobile App is a free educational tool to encourage families who want to spend more time outdoors. Think Pokemon Go but for nature. Six Metro Parks Tacoma locations offer missions. You'll also find eight partners from Seattle to Snoqualmie with additional missions. Become a Puget Sound Explorer by completing missions by Sept. 9, 2022 and receive cool prizes. At each site earn a badge. Complete three missions and earn a lanyard to hold the badges. Six missions finished and get a certificate and a chance to win an Adventure Backpack. Enter to win tickets to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek, Woodland Park Zoo, or the Pacific Science Center by completing nine missions.

"Agents of Discovery was really successful during the pandemic to give people a fun way to learn about nature," explained Michele Cardinaux, supervisor of the Tacoma Nature Center, which is one of the six Metro Parks locations in the program. "It's easy to play, can be done on your own schedule, and makes walking a fun adventure for the whole family."

The App is downloadable for free on Google Play or the App Store. "Missions" at each location can be downloaded in advance, meaning the game can be played without need for data or Wi-Fi. Text-to-speech is available for more accessibility. The challenges are geo-triggered as you walk down a trail. "If you've already played Agents of Discovery, there are now so many more missions to do," explains Cardinaux. "And if you haven't, you're in for a lot of fun!" The Metro Parks Tacoma games were created by staff members

"I love how this game helps kids and families get to know our parks in a way that is accessible, interactive and fun," said Park Board President Andrea Smith.

LEARN MORE: At metroparkstacoma.org/agentsofdiscovery