Keys To Philly
ACTIVE
Each month, I hide a key somewhere in Philadelphia. The first person to find it wins! To unlock your prize, grab the key, then tag me in a post on TikTok or Instagram that shows the key in your hand (and DM it to me to make sure I see it). If I haven’t posted that the key has been found, it’s still out there waiting for you!
Where:
Keys To Philly puzzle videos are posted on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Keys are hidden within Philadelphia city limits.
When:
Once a month—look for countdown timers on my Instagram Story.
Time to complete:
Each puzzle can be solved in under ten minutes. How long it takes to get to the key is another matter! So far, every key has been claimed in under 48 hours. Check to see if I’ve posted that the key has been found before you head out in search of it.
Difficulty:
◉◎◎◎◎
Price:
Free!
Rules:
• Each Puzzler may claim no more than one key per season.
• Do not trespass or violate any laws while looking for keys.
• By participating in Keys To Philly, you assume all associated risks and agree not to hold Eric The Puzzler responsible for any liability that results from your participation.
How to participate:
Watch for a key drop video, solve its puzzle, and go find the key! Remember to tag me in a video or photo of the key in your hand and DM me that post to claim the prize. You can also participate by donating prizes or keys. I hope to do this long enough that I run out of both!
Sponsor a key:
You can now share your brand with my audience by sponsoring a key! More about sponsorships.
“This is effing brilliant. It’s friendly, and it’s organic, and it’s genuine... It’s so fresh. It’s lovely!”
—Jodi Jill, founder of National Puzzle Day (January 29th)
“I spent most of the day in potato mode, so Eric’s Keys To Philly clue hit my feed at just the right moment to get me out of the house!”
—Aubrey
“Thanks for the spontaneously fun evening.”
—Kristen
Keys To Philly Winners and Prizes
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K2P 15: Katey won a swag bag from inaugural sponsor BrewedAt
K2P 16: ???
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K2P 1: Kristen won a selection of works by Philly street artists Nero, Hope Hummingbird, Nuto Studio, and Void Skulls
K2P 2: Anna won a $20 discount code for Philly Street Art Hunt
K2P 3: Cayla won a canvas print of my Fairmount Park cherry blossoms photo
K2P 4: Laura won an invitation to beta test the PHL HeART Scavenger Hunt Challenge
K2P 5: Jessica won a jigsaw puzzle of my abandoned Philly power plant photo
K2P 6: Lydia won a $25 discount code for South Philly Mural Escape
K2P 7: Tatyana won an invitation to my VIP (Very Important Puzzler) list
K2P 8: Lex won the then-secret knowledge that Keys To Philly would kick off a treasure hunt
K2P 9: Danielle won a $15 discount code for Philly Street Art Hunt
K2P 10: Chandra won some Halloween artwork by Philly Street artists Low Level and Wantful Things
K2P 11: Aubrey won a ticket to a street art walking tour that I led for Streets Dept
K2P 12: Elizabeth won a hint to help her complete The Winter Challenge
K2P 13: Mason won a canvas print of my Eagles green Philly skyline photo
K2P 14: Brendan won a mini collection of old/silver coins
In addition to these prizes, each key finder won an invitation to a special puzzle event I hosted in March 2024!
The Philly Treasure Hunt
Every once in a while, Keys To Philly goes on hiatus to kick off a real-life treasure hunt. The video below launched the first hunt, in March 2024. It was solved in 10 days. Watch an explanation of the solution.
Where:
Within Philadelphia city limits.
When:
Who knows when the next Philly Treasure Hunt will begin?
Time to complete:
The first treasure was found in 10 days.
Difficulty:
◉◉◉◉◉
Price:
Free!
How to participate:
Follow the clues to find the treasure. No additional hints will be provided. There are no treasure hunts currently active.
Rules:
As an individual or as a team, use any means at your disposal to find the treasure hidden somewhere within Philadelphia city limits. Taking any action that would prevent others from finding the treasure will disqualify you. If you find the treasure as a team, it’s your responsibility to divvy it up. Participation in The Philly Treasure Hunt is entirely at your own risk.
“This was seriously so much fun. The puzzles were perfect. The most thrilled I've been in a really long time!”
—Caleb
“Thanks a bunch for doing all this! We found lots of cool places that ended up having nothing to do with the treasure, but it's been an adventure!”
—Mason
“What a fun, wholesome, exciting thing to bring to the community. Truly amazing.”
—Pana
“I wish I’d never seen this video. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
—Jillian