STRI-IKE! The bowling ball makes a direct hit, leaving the pins lying defeated on the ground amidst cheers from family and friends. Now it’s my turn—and the bumpers come up. OK, so bowling is not my thing. I have other redeeming qualities, right? Well, that’s what I tell myself.
Clearly I am out of my element here, so let me make a case for escape rooms when planning group activities. Perhaps one of the main draws (among others) is that…
Individuals with varying skill sets can participate in an escape room...And you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to escape. Actually, sometimes it takes a village to sweep through every book, search every nook (and don’t forget the cranies!), and crack every code.
In addition, escape rooms generally aren’t strenuous, but you do get to move around. Escape rooms are meant to be explored—and that means you get to touch, feel, and observe all elements in the room without needing to utilize impressive physical strength (sorry macho men). And with all that adrenaline racing through your veins, it’ll be hard to keep still!
It’s also not competitive within the group. Unlike bowling or mini-golf, members have a common goal. Those with a competitive spirit will still get their fix, but no one feels like they are pitted against each other.
As a result, escape rooms can also build a sense of unity between group members. This makes escape rooms not only a great experience for families, couples, and friends, they are a great option for team building between coworkers.
Members of the team are also continually engaged. It’s a race against the clock to get out of the room before time runs out, so players are generally invested in every minute. This also creates a sense of heightened awareness and fosters communication between the group members.
There is something for everyone when it comes to escape rooms.With themes ranging from prison cells to haunted manors, and casino heists to secret agents, picking an escape room at times can be as varied as picking a movie. Not only that…
You get the feeling of being immersed (like a movie), with the benefit of talking to group members. Well put together escape rooms create a sense that you have stepped into another realm—and no need to shush your partner with any observations, it benefits you to communicate!
Another benefit of escape rooms is that you can meet new people or get to know others. Being trapped in a room for an hour with people you don’t know will definitely help you meet some interesting people. For the most part, the people that I have met while in escape rooms have been pretty friendly and people I wouldn’t have minded grabbing a drink with. Which brings me to the next point…
Escape rooms will give you plenty of things to talk about after. Who solved the riddle with the candles? How did you know you needed to whisper into the lion’s mouth? You’ll be surprised to hear how your teammates were able to logic through their actions.
As a result, you get to learn (a lot) about your team members. Didn’t know your date was good at riddles? Impressed that Mom knew how to pick that lock? Escape rooms allow players to get know each other on a whole new level.
Lastly, and probably the most important point to make, escape rooms are just good fun for everyone. And that’s the whole point isn’t it?