5 Places You Should Never Play Pokemon Go

As if traveling and exploring a new place weren’t exciting enough, Pokemon Go is adding a whole new dimension of discovery. Taking the world by storm, the mobile app allows you to use your phone to hunt for digital monsters in an “augmented reality.”

This surge of people taking to the streets to capture adorable digital monsters has led to an increase in exercise and socialization among users, but it has also led players winding up in some pretty inappropriate spots. Whether you’re a Pokemon master or just seeing what the buzz is all about, here’s where you should never go while playing—no matter how rare the Pokemon.

Don’t Go: Memorials

Reports of Pokemon spawning at memorial sites like the 9/11 Memorial and the Vietnam Wall are cause for concern. Players wandering into somber places to catch Pokemon is extremely inappropriate and can be infuriating to visitors of the memorial. While playing the game, you should always stay aware of your surroundings and use your best judgment. If you wouldn’t take a selfie there, you probably shouldn’t hunt Pokemon either.

If you must travel to a memorial to pursue your Pokemon goals, make sure it’s an appropriate one. Word is the rangers at the National Mall will even help you out!

Don’t Go: Cemeteries

Though cemeteries, with their big open spaces and relatively car-free lanes, make tempting locations for Pokemon hunting, you really shouldn’t have to ask why this is totally out of the question. You know what else has no roads and long walking paths? Parks.

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Don’t Go: Museums

The Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., has already spoken out about the game after players were congregating outside, but as a rule of thumb it’s best to keep the game put away when visiting museums. You won’t be able to appreciate the exhibits when you keep your eyes on your phone the whole time.

Don’t Go: Cliffs and Sheer Drops

As the loading screen says, always be aware of your surroundings. Just because Pokemon Go uses GPS to mimic the real world, it doesn’t always take into account changes in elevation.

Don’t Go: Hiking Trails

When catching Pokemon, it’s best not too wander too far from civilization. You never know when your search for digital monsters will lead to a 100 percent real and dangerous animal.

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