Can you escape the sinking ship or solve the professor’s murder before it’s too late? From the minute you step inside an escape room until the second your team cracks the final code, the rest of the world fades away, and all that matters is your friends, the puzzles, and escaping. There are many types of escape rooms out there, with some being designed for beginners (like the one I went through with my friends) and others being more advanced, challenging even skilled escape artists. 

Escape rooms are a great way to get off the couch and out of the house. They give you an escape from your family (unless you’re going with them) and a great hangout and bonding moment with your friends. Rather than just hanging out at a park, which, honestly, as a teenager, feels a bit weird, you can go to an escape room to be trapped in a room with your friends! At least you aren’t trapped in the house with your siblings, who are way too easy to argue with.

Some people may be a bit uncomfortable trying something so different from anything they’ve done before, but that’s why there are different levels of escape rooms. If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of escape rooms that are made for you, and you can always find somebody who has more experience to come with you. Escape rooms are really just a new, fun thing to try, and they’re honestly enjoyable for beginners and experts alike.

Escape rooms can be a great way to spend an afternoon with your family, friends, or even on a date (though I’d recommend going with more people). It helps you learn how well you work with a group (or how badly) while also testing your critical thinking skills. You have to pay attention to anything that could be a clue and try to decipher it the best you can.

I would recommend bringing a group of 4-8 people. This size gives you more brains to think through clues and test codes, while also not having such a large group that you are constantly arguing with one another and getting in each other’s way. While arguing is almost inevitable within the small space of an escape room, it is less likely to happen with a group of 4-8 people (unless you chose a group you really don’t get along with).

If you get stuck on a clue, don’t worry. You can normally ask for a hint, though you should use it sparingly, as there is a limit on clues. But if you need one because you really can’t figure out what to do next and you’re running out of time, don’t be afraid to use a hint – that’s what they’re there for. 

When I went, we were stuck until we used a hint to start an unlocking spree; there’s no shame in asking for help. Though I would recommend at least trying a little bit first, since that’s what you came for.

At the end of your escape room, they let you take pictures with a couple of props saying that you escaped (or if you didn’t, you get to use the “So close” prop; either way, you get a cool picture). At least, this was what they did at the escape room I went to, but I do believe they do this at most escape rooms.

So, next time you’re planning a fun get-together with friends and family (or a date), I’d recommend trying an escape room. It can really help pull a group together (or apart), and they are really a lot of fun and stimulating for the brain.