Escape rooms are becoming more and more popular forms of entertainment for families, friends, and team-building. These immersive experiences allow participants to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape a themed room within a certain amount of time. While they may seem like a fun way to spend an hour with friends, escape rooms can also teach valuable lessons that can apply to both personal and professional life.
Lesson #1: Communication is Key
One of the most important lessons that escape rooms teach is the importance of communication. In order to solve the puzzles and escape the room, participants must work together and communicate effectively. This means actively listening to each other, sharing ideas, and asking for help when needed. In the real world, effective communication is essential in both personal and professional relationships. By practicing communication skills in an escape room, participants can apply these skills to real-life situations.
Lesson #2: Attention to Detail is Critical
Escape rooms are designed to be challenging, and often require participants to pay close attention to details in order to solve the puzzles. This means looking for clues in unexpected places, examining objects closely, and thinking outside the box. In real life, attention to detail is also critical. Whether it’s noticing a typo on a report, or catching an error in a financial statement, paying attention to the small details can make a big difference.
Lesson #3: Collaboration Leads to Success
Escape rooms require a great amount of teamwork. While individuals may solve puzzles on their own, the overall success depends on the ability of the group to work together. This means playing to each other’s strengths, sharing information, and supporting each other throughout the process. In the real world, collaboration is also essential. Whether it’s working on a team project at work or volunteering with a community organization, success often depends on the ability of the group to work together towards a common goal.
Lesson #4: Perseverance Pays Off
Escape rooms can be frustrating, especially when participants get stuck on a particular puzzle. However, those who persevere and keep trying are often the ones who succeed in the end. This means staying focused, not giving up, and trying new approaches when old ones aren’t working. In the real world, perseverance is also important. Whether it’s pursuing a difficult goal, overcoming a setback, or simply pushing through a challenging project, perseverance can lead to success.
Lesson #5: Creative Thinking is Key
Escape rooms challenge participants to think creatively and come up with unique solutions to problems. This means thinking outside the box, trying new approaches, and not being afraid to take risks. In the real world, creative thinking is also essential. Whether it’s coming up with a new business idea, solving a difficult problem at work, or simply finding a new way to approach a project, creative thinking can lead to innovative solutions.
Life is an Escape Room
We recently had the opportunity to meet the authors of a great book, Life is an Escape Room, Christina and Jeff Eanes, and they invited us to be on their new podcast. Our episode, “What to do when emotions are high”, was released today! If you’re interested in more about how escape rooms can teach life lessons, check out their book, and the podcast.
Escape rooms have become a popular activity for people of all ages, and it’s no surprise that kids love them too. Escape rooms are a great way to challenge your children’s problem-solving skills, and they can be a fun family activity. However, escape rooms can be challenging for kids, especially if they have never done one before. Here are some tips to help your kids in escape rooms.
Check the escape room’s policy on kids
At Trapped, we love kids! We have designed our rooms to be player friendly, give clear rules, and offer gentle corrections. But many escape room companies will not allow children at all, even with a parent. If you’re looking for a place to bring your children, research the facility and find out their age limit. No one wants to arrive and get turned away. You also want to make sure the themes are kid-friendly, and note any variables like live actors or rooms described as creepy or scary. You know your kid the best, and even if they are allowed in the room, they may not want to stay in it (I know this from experience, unfortunately).
Start with an easy room
Escape rooms can be overwhelming for kids, especially if they are difficult. Some places (like our friends at Urban Escape Games in the ATL area) have a kids escape room that young children can play alone (with an in room game master) while the parents play their own game! But most escape rooms don’t have rooms that are specifically for kids.
But most escape rooms have a beginner game with a lower level of difficulty. While they may still need the help of a parent or older teen, these rooms have puzzles and challenges that are easier to solve, and the themes are usually kid-friendly. Our beginner room is a hit with kids of all ages.
Work together
Escape rooms are all about teamwork, and it’s important to work together to solve the puzzles. Encourage your kids to work with each other, and help them if they get stuck. You can also divide the room into different areas and assign tasks to each member of the family. We give our kids puzzles we don’t like as much that are easier to solve, like jigsaw puzzles, mazes, or other physical tasks.
We also try to include them when possible in what we are doing, although sometimes they don’t quite understand the logic. As they do more rooms, they will learn more, and don’t underestimate the ability of an 8 year old to see something the adults totally missed!
Use hints
Escape rooms usually give you hints when you are stuck on a puzzle, and it’s important to use them. If your kids are struggling, ask for a hint. This will help them progress through the room and build their confidence. It’s also an important life lesson that it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. Your pride can lead to failure (in this case, no escape).
Stay positive
Escape rooms can be challenging, and it’s important to stay positive. If your kids get stuck on a puzzle, encourage them to keep trying. If they start to feel frustrated, take a break and come back to the puzzle later. I’ll admit, this has been hard sometimes, especially when our daughter is breaking down crying because she randomly gets scared for no reason. But we find it helps to have a pep talk before the game and go in together as a team with a plan.
Have fun
Escape rooms are supposed to be fun, so make sure your kids are enjoying themselves. Don’t put too much pressure on them to solve the puzzles, and remember that it’s not about winning or losing. Escape rooms are immersive experiences just as much as they are games. Enjoy this device-free time with your family as you travel to a different time and place. The hour will go by faster than you think!
In conclusion, escape rooms are a great family activity that can help your kids develop problem-solving skills. By starting with an easy room or a special kids escape room, working together, using hints, staying positive, and having fun, your kids will have a great time in escape rooms.
Wondering how to save money on escape rooms? If you’ve ever booked and paid for an escape room, you know how expensive it is. It’s not a cheap hobby to get involved with (but so worth it!). Escape rooms are also astoundingly expensive to build. The price variability in escape room creation is wide, but our rooms cost approximately $15-25K to build and install (not including our own labor of love).
Those escape rooms that look like movie sets? Those can cost up to a quarter of a million dollars to build! So the prices you pay an immersive experience are derived from the astronomical expenses of not only building them, but staffing them, and keeping them looking fresh each day by maintaining them. It’s not a cheap hobby, but it’s also not a cheap business venture.
That all being said, there are some things you can do to save money while getting out there and playing as many games as you can. It may just mean you have to visit in ways that benefit the business, rather than what’s most convenient.
Bring more players with you
The easiest way to save money on escape rooms is to bring more friends and family! For the majority of escape rooms in the US, the price per player decreases as more players are added. For example, our 2 player price is currently $41.99 per player while our 5 player rate is $30.99 per player. Why is that?
Well, the cost to run the room is the same whether you have 2 players or 8. But the revenue difference is $83 vs. $242. So it’s easier for us to give a discount for a big group because we can still turn a profit. It actually COSTS us money to have a full day of 2 player bookings due to having staff there to run all of the games. We have this pricing structure so we can continue to offer private bookings where you only play with your team.
Choose your timing for public games
Speaking of private games, not all escape rooms are private. Especially more elaborate (i.e. expensive) games in tourist areas. They have solved the dilemma of 2 person bookings by allowing FOUR 2 person bookings to play ONE 8 player game at once.
But if you’re like us, you have no interest in playing with strangers that may or may not be: rude, drunk, anxious, children, etc. The only problem is, to make the room private you have to spend a pretty penny. Anywhere from $250-400, just for 2 people to play alone.
Our trick is to go at obscure days or times (Tuesday at 10am anyone?), wait to book until the last minute to make sure no one else has booked, and then secure the booking 5-10 minutes before start time. You may have to call or walk-in to book this last minute but it’s worth it. It helps out the facility too. They want to book every game but can’t allow 2 people to take it off the schedule when a team of 8 or 10 may want it. So your last minute booking assures they don’t miss out on the income. It’s a win-win!
Be patient, follow social media, and sign up for emails
Every escape room has a slow season (or slow days/times), and it’s during those times you’re most likely to get an email offer or see a social media post with a discount code. The escape room slow season is typically the first half of the year and you’re more likely to see coupons at that time. During the Summer and Holiday season, escape rooms are slammed, so you’ll probably only see coupons for certain events like Black Friday.
If you follow your favorite companies on social media, and make sure you’re signed up for their email lists, you won’t miss out on any specials or promotions.
Look out for beta testing opportunities
Before new rooms open, we test them to make sure the puzzles make sense, the props work, etc. We call this beta testing and different companies vary on how much beta testing they do before making a room live. Again, you’ll want to sign up for emails and social media because those are the places you will find beta testing opportunities.
Beta testers often will be able to play the room for free. But keep in mind the room will be new, and will likely have a few kinks. This is what beta testing is for. So if you are lucky enough to be a beta tester, your experience will probably not be that smooth. Things may not work properly, the decor may not be completely finished, puzzles won’t flow as well. You’re sacrificing a little of the experience to get the game for free.
Also keep in mind that you’re not just playing to enjoy the experience. You’re playing in exchange for honest feedback and opinions. The creators ask you a series of questions and you’re must think about this feedback the whole time you’re playing. It is a big responsibility to test new escape games so you need to prepare yourself!
Suggest escape room teambuilding to your boss as a team-building activity
Ok, it may seem a little selfish, BUT many employers are really stress over finding great team-building activities that people actually enjoy. You might casually tell a story about how you and your friends had a real challenge at an escape room once but you came together and were able to talk about your unique contributions over dinner afterward.
Just a subtle “hint”, if you will. 😉
But if your boss needs more convincing, I’ve written a whole post about escape room team-building here. You and your co-workers get to play a fun game together and YOU got to do it on your boss’s company credit card. Another win-win for everyone!
Accept you have an expensive hobby and cut costs elsewhere
Sometimes you really just have to suck it up and cut costs elsewhere to fund your addiction hobby. We have done this especially on vacation where there are so many options for activities. Yes, we may have to skip out on other things we wanted to do because it doesn’t all fit the budget, but we knew that when we started playing escape rooms that they cost more than other activities.
It may also mean spacing out your games and not doing marathons. Spacing out games and doing them for special occasions means you can budget for them, and it also means you don’t run out of games in your area as quickly. The waiting may be tough, but if that’s what fits into your lifestyle, then that’s how it is.
These are just a few ways you can save money on escape rooms while still enjoying an exciting, challenging, and stimulating hobby with your family and friends. Share any other tips in the comment section and happy escaping!
Do you want to be a part of an immersive adventure experience with your family and friends? Do you want to challenge your mind while experiencing excitement and mystery?
If your answer is “Who doesn’t?” then escape rooms are the perfect activity for you. Since they came to the U.S. in 2012, escape room games have become more and more popular among friend groups, corporate team-builders, and families. There are so many applications for these games.
But have you ever wondered about the psychology behind these kinds of experiences? What makes them work? What makes them predictable? And more importantly, what can we learn from them?
Well, as your resident psychotherapist-gone-escape room owner, I’m here to de-mystify that very topic. You see, there is quite a bit that goes on underneath the surface when a group is playing an escape room game. While this list isn’t all-inclusive (because what is, really?), it does offer a little bit of insight into the gameplay, and maybe a little insight into life. 😊
When people can’t figure out what to do next, they seek more and more information to the point of confusion.
This one is my personal favorite. According to the theory of information bias, when we are trying to make a decision, we generally seek data on which to rationally base the choice. Where this goes wrong, is when we assume that ALL information is useful, and that ‘more is better’. Sometimes, extra information adds no significant value and just leads to confusion. This is especially true in the world of escape room games.
I can’t tell you the number of times players have everything they need to solve a puzzle (even multiple puzzles) but they continue to search for additional information. This is one reason we do not allow flashlights in our games. They tend to be a distraction from what the players really need. Players might hyper focus on a dust bunny in the corner (for SHAME gamemasters), thinking it’s some sort of clue. They don’t notice the big obvious sign in the middle of the room that does not require a flashlight to be seen that indicates what to do next.
When you’re not sure where to go next, revisit what you have and what you haven’t used yet…or maybe even ask for help!
People tend to work on things they feel competent to do and ignore tasks they feel are too difficult.
According to cognitive evaluation theory, when looking at task, we evaluate it in terms of how it will or will not make us feel competent and in control. If we think we can accurately complete the task, we will be more motivated to complete it, requiring no further external motivation.
We see this often in escape room players. There is a particular puzzle in one of our rooms that involves colored boards (I won’t give it way) that seems far more complicated than it is. At the point in which these boards are discovered, it is very apparent that the players have all the required parts for the next clue, yet it seems to take them forever to start working on the puzzle.
A common test taking technique is to skip questions that require more complication and come back to them later, so your brain doesn’t get so scrambled that it errs on easier questions. In linear escape rooms this is impossible to do. To progress in the game, you must solve one puzzle before you are physically able to do the next.
The best way around this is to have someone with that skill set work on that particular puzzle. If you don’t have a player with that forte in your team, just remember that most puzzles are based on logic and try the simplest answer first.
Players want to feel like they are progressing through the game.
Endowed progress effect posits that when people feel they have made some progress towards a goal, they will become more likely to continue working towards achieving the goal. To clarify, they don’t have to make progress. They just must believe they are making progress. The corollary is that people who feel they are not making progress will be more likely to abandon efforts.
This effect is painfully obvious when players are working through their escape room. There comes a point in time where all the players are standing still and just staring at each other or around the room in silence. Sometimes, if there’s a chair in the room, they will simply sit down. It’s clear to see that people are giving up. They feel hopeless and lost.
Then the glorious sound of the gamemaster hint comes across the screen, gives a clue, and everyone is back up and moving again. The easiest way to avoid the Endowed Progress Effect is to use your gamemaster. We are here to assure you don’t give up. Let us help you feel progressive again!
The minority opinion in a team can convert the majority.
I wrote an article about the type of players that can derail an escape room team, and one of those players was “Debbie Distractor”. This player comes up with some convoluted logic and completely convinces the team to stop solving the puzzle they are working on to do something totally nonsensical. This can be attributed to what is known as conversion theory, which states that the minority can have a disproportionate effect, converting many ‘majority’ members to their own cause.
Why does this happen? Usually it is because the majority members do not fully believe in what they are doing (their “cause”) or because it is just easier to go with the minority in that moment. In an escape room, no one is always sure that they are on the right track, so it is relatively easy to convince them to go in a different direction, even if it makes no rational sense.
While it’s usually a good idea to get input from all players, it’s also important not to get too distracted before the idea you are currently trying has been fully vetted. Of course, you can also ask your gamemaster if you’re on track.
People try to solve new puzzles in the same ways they solved previous ones.
There is something called the representativeness heuristic that says that we judge the probability of an event by finding a ‘comparable known’ event and assuming that the probabilities will be similar. In short, we need to classify things. If we encounter something new or different that doesn’t fit into our current knowledge, we go with the closest thing we do know. In escape rooms, this is seen when a puzzle is solved around a certain item (like a photo), and then when another puzzle including that item is encountered, players assume that they will solve it the same way as the first, even though there is no indication that will be the case.
While there is some consistency in types of escape room puzzles, a good player will approach each puzzle or task as its own separate event, rather than assuming anything from prior events, no matter how similar.
These psychological theories and phenomena are not only for escape rooms, but for how the human brain makes sense of things in general. Knowing them will not only make you a better player, but it will help you understand the world and the people around you. And when you’re ready to put your team to the test, be sure to book a room with us and see what psychological effects you notice!
If you are looking for an epic birthday party in the Greenville, SC area, you’ve come to the right place! We know birthday parties can be stressful, so we have collected a number of awesome event venues with different options and packages to choose from, so your next party will be one to remember. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor Summer party or an indoor event, we’ve searched far and low to give you all the best options.
To help, we have narrowed down the options by category:
For a unique and exciting party for all age groups, check out our unique escape rooms at Trapped in the Upstate. We have 6 different themes and private party packages that also include food and drinks so you only have to show up! First time? No problem! We have multiple difficulty levels as well! Book your experience today!
The Greenville Zoo provides fun, engaging, and unique party packages for up to 20 people. Party packages include admission to the zoo, animal themed cupcakes from a local bakery, and paper products. Also included are giant backyard games like Jenga, corn-hole, and a photo booth complete with signs and birthday banners. The coolest part is an animal encounter with one animal during the party time!
Greenville county offers three different waterpark options for your Summer birthday parties. Otter Creek is located in Greenville and features 3 big water slides and 1 mini kids slide. Discovery Island in Simpsonville has 2 big water slides, a lazy river, a 4 tier splash and play structure, and a FlowRider wave simulator. Seventh Inning Splash is in Piedmont, SC and features 2 water slides, a giant funnel slide, a traditional lap pool, and a splash pad. Party packages are offered for a minimum of 10 people and include pizza, drinks, cake, and a party hut rental.
Shipwreck Cove is located in Duncan, SC less than 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. Family owned and operated, this fun location has affordable (and very tasty) food and beverages, a lazy river, 2 water slides, and private cabanas available for rent. The private cabanas come with patio furniture, a safe for belongings, and curtains that close for privacy. They also offer huts and shelters to host parties and have packages to include (yummy) food an beverages.
Kids Planet opened last year and features cutting-edge playgrounds with wood structures and shelter areas. They have a small zipline for kids, and even a slide to ride down to the lower level parking lot. This playground has become very popular since opening, so be prepared for it to be busy over the Summer months! Kids Planet offers shelter rentals in 2-hour increments to host your party or event. The cost for Greer residents is $20-30 and the cost for non-residents is $30-40, making this a cost-effective option.
Located in Fountain Inn, SC, the unicorn farm offers party packages that include unlimited unicorn riding, bounce houses, animal feed, and a party tent. They also offer food and drinks as part of their packages with add-ons like ice cream treats and goodie bags. This is a truly unique birthday offering in the upstate area!
Big Air is located off Woodruff Rd and features a climbing wall, foam pit, ninja course and a mechanical SHARK just for the Summer! They have a private party room and multiple packages with different amounts of jump time. Food and drink options are available and customizable to include add-ons, and they offer setup and clean-up so you just have to show up! Over 55 attractions for one price makes this a big bang for your buck.
DEFY isn’t your ordinary trampoline park! There is so much to explore here, from battle beams, to stunt falls, aerial silks and more, DEFY will wear out both kids AND adults! They also have a kid jump for ages 6 and under. This facility also hasdifferent levels of packages that include pizza, drinks, and decorations, and different amounts of jump time. Celebrate in a private party room after your jump.
Sky Zone is located off Laurens Rd and offers some fun jump experiences such as battle beams, the warped wall, ninja course, and the sky ladder. This park has several party packages, including a black light party and a package for younger children aged 5 and under. They also offer food and drinks and party supplies, as well as a t-shirt for the birthday child. Their packages hold up to 10 players with add-on players available.
Urban Air offers many of the same types of attractions of the other trampoline parks, but they also offer 360 bumper cars that spin and flip, go-karts, and the Sky Rider–a zip-line like experience. In addition, they have virtual reality experience and a tumble track runway. Birthday parties here offer a lot to choose from, and they have a classic as well as a glow theme. Customized birthdays can include a few or as many of their multiple attractions and their suites include HDTVs and food.
Trapped in the Upstate is located in Greer, SC off Wade Hampton Blvd, less than 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. We offer 6 unique and immersive escape room experiences for all ages. We cater to first time escapers and families with children.
Our facility has several games that are appropriate for kids, including The Master Illusionist’s Parlor, Saving Santa, and Camp Survival (our 45 minute mini game). For older kids, we have some creepier, more challenging options, such as the Legend of Lizzie, Voodoo Shack, and Asylum.
Keep in mind that many escape room games are geared for more sophisticated minds, so younger children (under 12) should be accompanied by an adult or older teen if they have never played escape rooms. For the first timers, never fear, at Trapped we always offer unlimited clues and hints, so we won’t let you get too stuck!
We offer a private party room as well that holds up to 18 guests. Party packages are available and would love to give your child or teen the birthday of a lifetime! Our Basic Escape Package includes 1 hour of game play and 1 hour of party room with basic decorations so you can bring your own food and drinks, while our Deluxe Escape Package also include pizza, drinks, and escape room party favors for all children!
Located near downtown Greenville, Breakout is a national franchise escape room business that offers a variety of different themes such as Runaway Train, Mystery Mansion, and Submarine Survival. Their rooms hold up to 8 players and most of them are family friendly and not scary for younger players. They do not have a private party room option but all escape rooms are private.
Escape Artist produces high-quality, original escape room games that are great for older teens and adults. They are also located near downtown Greenville off Stone Ave and they feature live actors in many of their games. A family friendly birthday option for larger groups is their super hero themed “Zero to Hero” which allows two teams of players to compete head to head for The Hero’s Cup! They do not have a private party room option, but all escape rooms are private.
While mostly geared towards the arcade and bowling, Spare Time does have 4 different escape room experiences to choose from and they recently started offering birthday party packages. Birthday parties can accommodate up to 10 players and also include food and drink options. Players can stop an Zombie Outbreak or explore Area 51, among other adventures.
The Color Clay Café is located on East North Street and is a fun party idea for the artsy kids. Their packages offer 2 hours in a private room and they have a variety of options for painting. Guests can paint a tile, small figurines like animals, cars, or mermaids, ice cream bowls, or canvases. While they do not provide food packages, guests are free to bring in food of their own. The best part is that the kids will have their very own party favors to take home (keep in mind it takes about 2 weeks to complete the pieces so you’ll have to come back to pick them up).
For those with teens, The Speed Factory boasts the fastest go-karts in SC and has locations in both Greenville and Spartanburg. They have everything you need for a day of racing and adrenaline, and those 16 and over with a valid driver’s license can participate (under 18 needs parent permission). This option is great for older teens, as they have a private party space with pool table and cornhole, along with catering options.
Spare Time is a fun option for kids of all ages, and there is truly something for everyone. This facility has a full restaurant and bar, a sizeable arcade, and bowling (we recommend booking reservations in advance, as they fill up on the weekends). Servers can even bring your food to your bowling alley! They also offer 4 escape room experiences as mentioned earlier and they offer party packages for all your birthday needs.
Pump It Up is a great party location for elementary aged child that includes a private party room offering food and beverages as well. They offer gigantic inflatables for the kids to enjoy as well as rock climbing wall. Their price point at $10 per child makes this option cost-friendly for larger parties and groups.
For the tech savvy kids, or those interest in the video games, Code Ninjas in Greenville offers birthday party packages that allow children to code and play their own video games. They offer party packages complete with decorations, favors, and food/refreshments as well. Packages can be customized and themed to your desire as well! They advertise their services for ages 5-14.
The Little Gym offers different levels of party packages for ages 1-12 and is great for those who love to move and shake and explore their physical space. Their instructors will assure that your little ones are engaged, and on the move, and the offer customized options as well.
If your child is wanting a pool party in the colder months (or Summer months), the Kroc Center has an indoor pool and offers a variety of packages for birthday parties. Their packages include 60 minutes of time in bounce houses or in the pool, along with a private party room that accommodates up to 25 people. They have different levels of packages to suit all budgets.
Rolling Video Games offers a TON of options for birthday parties and they will come to you! Their mobile gaming theater holds 15-20 kids with stadium seating for video games (complete with a host that will assure everyone has a safe time). They also have games like backyard laser tag and other interactive games. In addition, they offer a big inflatable movie screen for backyard or poolside movies. Turn your own space into a party your child won’t soon forget!
The Children’s Museum has locations in Greenville and Spartanburg and offers 3 floors of immersive, interactive exhibits, including pretend play areas, mini-golf, water play, and art studios. Their party packages include ALL DAY play for party guests (play before and after the party), cupcakes for all children, and a private party room. Younger children are sure to have an amazing time at this venue.
The Model Trains Station in Greer, SC is right outside of Greenville and offers a multi-scale display of some of the best model trains in the Southeast. But it’s not just about looking at trains! They offer hands-on tables and themed railroad tracks. Model Trains offers a private party room for birthdays and events. You get access to their children’s play area featuring wooden toy trains, basketball arcade, beanbag toss, and more.
There is SO MUCH to explore in the Greenville, SC area this Summer with your little ones. We are grateful to be a part of the upstate community and we wish you all a safe and happy season!
Summertime is here in the Upstate and school is OUT!
If you’re struggling to find activities in the Greenville, SC area to keep your kiddos entertained and stimulated this Summer, look no further! We have created a list of some great Summer activities that will have your little ones asking for more (and completely worn out!).
To help, we have narrowed down the options by category:
For an awesome indoor activity that can help you beat the SC heat this summer, check out our unique escape rooms at Trapped in the Upstate. We have 6 different themes with multiple family friendly rooms to choose from! First time? No problem! We have multiple difficulty levels as well! Book your experience today!
Located in Traveler’s Rest, SC, Blueberry Hill allows you and your family to spend the day picking your own blueberries. They feature berries that haven’t been sprayed with harmful chemicals. Visit their website for their hours and days open as they may vary.
Located off Laurens Rd, Flying Rabbit Adventures is an outdoor ropes course that challenges climbers to navigate obstacles designed for all skill levels. They even have a course designed just for children! They are part of the Holland Park Development, so food and drinks are available on site as well.
The Greenville Zoo is a fun activity for kids (maybe on a not-so-hot day) that will teach them all about wildlife while allowing them to interact with a variety of different animals. Safari Adventure Packs can be picked up at admissions that will allow kids to enjoy different games and activities as they explore the zoo!
Greenville county offers three different waterpark options for the Summer months. Otter Creek is located in Greenville and features 3 big water slides and 1 mini kids slide. Discovery Island in Simpsonville has 2 big water slides, a lazy river, a 4 tier splash and play structure, and a FlowRider wave simulator. Seventh Inning Splash is in Piedmont, SC and features 2 water slides, a giant funnel slide, a traditional lap pool, and a splash pad. All parks have available concessions.
Shipwreck Cove is located in Duncan, SC less than 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. Family owned and operated, this fun location has affordable (and very tasty) food and beverages, a lazy river, 2 water slides, and private cabanas available for rent. Purchase season passes so your family can enjoy their facility all Summer long! They also have a host of special evening events offered throughout the Summer weekends.
Kids Planet opened last year and features cutting-edge playgrounds with wood structures and shelter areas. They have a small zipline for kids, and even a slide to ride down to the lower level parking lot. This playground has become very popular since opening, so be prepared for it to be busy over the Summer months!
Big Air is located off Woodruff Rd and offers fun activities for active kids of all ages. This park features a climbing wall, foam pit, ninja course and a mechanical SHARK just for the Summer! They have a private party room and offer packages as well. Over 55 attractions for one price makes this a big bang for your buck.
DEFY isn’t your ordinary trampoline park! There is so much to explore here, from battle beams, to stunt falls, aerial silks and more, DEFY will wear out both kids AND adults! They also have a kid jump for ages 6 and under.
Sky Zone is located off Laurens Rd and offers some fun jump experiences such as battle beams, the warped wall, ninja course, and the sky ladder. One of the fun things Sky Zone does is their laser/black light show from 7-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. For the littles, Saturday and Sunday mornings are reserved for children under the age of 5. They also offer party packages.
Urban Air offers many of the same types of attractions of the other trampoline parks, but they also offer 360 bumper cars that spin and flip, go-karts, and the Sky Rider–a zip-line like experience. In addition, they have virtual reality experience and a tumble track runway. They have space for birthday parties and team-building as well.
The Children’s Museum has locations in Greenville and Spartanburg and is a blast for your younger children. They offer 3 floors of immersive, interactive exhibits, including pretend play areas, mini-golf, water play, and art studios. There is a café on site for snacks and a private room for parties if you’re looking for place to host your next birthday!
The Greer Heritage Museum in downtown Greer, SC is a great place for kids and families to learn about the significant people, places, and businesses in the area, and to be transported to another time and place. Your kids will love learning about the history of our small town as they see what life was like in the earlier pioneer days. Don’t miss out on the ghost tours over the fall months as well!
The Model Trains Station in Greer, SC is right outside of Greenville and offers a multi-scale display of some of the best model trains in the Southeast. But it’s not just about looking at trains! They offer hands-on tables and themed railroad tracks that allow your family to “get their hands dirty” working on the railroad. In addition, they offer a private party room for birthdays and events.
The Pixel Experience is a selfie-museum located where you can book a 1-hour experience taking unique selfies with their variety of backdrops. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and sessions are by appointment only, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your visit.
The Upcountry History Museum is located on Buncombe Rd in Greenville and has a variety of exhibits that are perfect for inquiring minds. This museum features permanent exhibits as well as changing exhibits (this year there is one on Dinosaurs!). They offer low-sensory nights, family fun days, and toddler time as well, so it’s the perfect outing for children of all ages.
Trapped in the Upstate is located in Greer, SC off Wade Hampton Blvd, less than 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. We offer 6 unique and immersive escape room experiences for all ages. We cater to first time escapers and families with children.
Our facility has several games that are appropriate for kids, including The Master Illusionist’s Parlor, Saving Santa, and Camp Survival (our 45 minute mini game). For older kids, we have some creepier, more challenging options, such as the Legend of Lizzie, Voodoo Shack, and Asylum.
Keep in mind that many escape room games are geared for more sophisticated minds, so younger children (12 and under) should be accompanied by an adult. This is a great activity to do as a family and get your kids off their devices for an hour!
We offer a private party room as well that holds up to 18 guests. Party packages are available and would love to give your child or teen the birthday of a lifetime!
Located near downtown Greenville, Breakout is a national franchise escape room business that offers a variety of different themes such as Runaway Train, Mystery Mansion, and Submarine Survival. Their rooms hold up to 8 players and most of them are family friendly and not scary for younger players.
Escape Artist produces high-quality, original escape room games that are great for older teens and adults. They are also located near downtown Greenville off Stone Ave and they feature live actors in many of their games. A family friendly option is their super hero themed “Zero to Hero” which allows two teams of players to compete head to head for The Hero’s Cup! Another option is their “Yuletide Magic” room which is a fun Christmas theme appropriate for families.
While mostly geared towards the arcade and bowling, Spare Time does have 4 different escape room experiences to choose from. Players can stop an Zombie Outbreak or explore Area 51, among other adventures. Spare Time is also offering birthday party packages at this time.
The Color Clay Café is located on East North Street and is a fun activity that families can do together. Choose a piece of clay art and demonstrate your skills with a variety of paints to make it your own. They have smaller figurines for kids and beautiful pieces of pottery and décor that adults can paint.
Located in downtown Greer, Plate 108 is an awesome location that offers public and private cooking classes for adults and children. They also have half-day Summer camp options. The chefs there are kind and patient and your family can enjoy creating some truly tasty dishes together. They have fun themes like Harry Potter, cupcake wars, and Disney!
The Roper Mountain Science Center brings science to life for kids and adults alike with a large display of exhibits to explore. There is so much for your family to see here, including a butterfly garden, a living history farm, and a dinosaur trail. This Summer they also have a new exhibit, Mystery of the Mayan Medallion which allows guests to learn as they solve puzzles and collect clues (like an escape room!).
For those with teens, The Speed Factory boasts the fastest go-karts in SC and has locations in both Greenville and Spartanburg. They have everything you need for a day of racing and adrenaline, and those 16 and over with a valid driver’s license can participate (under 18 needs parent permission). Also available is a private party space with pool table and cornhole, along with catering options.
Spare Time is a fun option for kids of all ages, and there is truly something for everyone. This facility has a full restaurant and bar, a sizeable arcade, and bowling (we recommend booking reservations in advance, as they fill up on the weekends). Servers can even bring your food to your bowling alley! They also offer 4 escape room experiences as mentioned earlier and they offer party packages for all your birthday needs.
There is SO MUCH to explore in the Greenville, SC area this Summer with your little ones. We are grateful to be a part of the upstate community and we wish you all a safe and happy season!
We’ve written about escape room tips and tricks to help you be successful when playing escape room games. But this post is about what NOT to do in an escape room. After watching different teams with different types of players, we compiled a list of the type of players that make a team LESS likely to escape. If you end up on a team with these guys, don’t let them throw you off course! And please, for the love of all things holy, don’t BE these players!
1. Debbie Distractor
Debbie Distractor is the player who takes players who are on track, and re-directs them to a completely illogical and/or irrelevant direction. She will do things like: suggest the team work on anything other than what the gamemaster JUST gave a clue about, draw attention to puzzles that you clearly don’t have all the pieces to, or tell everyone to abandon their entire logic because one number is off on a code.
2. Nora Non-Communicator
Nora Non-Communicator saunters around the room without speaking. She may quietly solve puzzles, leaving the rest of the team wondering how they got that key or clue. Nora may notice a vital detail, needed to solve the next part of the game, but fail to mention it until someone else finally wastes 5 minutes figuring it out. Inevitably, you’ll hear her say “I saw that, I just didn’t say anything.” You can’t be a lone ranger in escape rooms if you want to actually escape.
3. Panicking Penny
There always seems to be one player who becomes more and more anxious as time ticks away. Panicking Penny is HYPERAWARE of the time elapsed and makes it her mission to make sure all other players are as on edge as she is. Penny may start yelling at everyone during the final puzzle, or when the group opens a new room with only 3 minutes left on the clock. Remember, Penny, you’re not actually locked in. And you probably want to still have friends when you leave. Stay calm.
4. Olivia the Overthinker
Let’s be honest…Olivia is probably the smartest person on the team. You brought her because she could be a brain surgeon tomorrow if she had the desire. She’s going to be your saving grace because she graduated summa cum laude, right? Wrong. Escape rooms aren’t about how smart you are, they’re about logic, communication, and teamwork. Olivia is the player who will walk right past a clue in plain sight but be convinced that a small crack in a piece of wood must be a very important clue.
She comes up with logic that would make our games impossible if they were actually designed that way.
5. Statue Stan
As a gamemaster, I’m never really sure if Statue Stan actually wants to be there. Stan spends 90% of the hour standing in one place, staring around the room. He does not move. He does not speak. He simply is. Statue Stan gradually becomes a fixture in the room, as players maneuver around him for 60 minutes. Every once in a while, Stan will show up to do some menial task the other players don’t want to mess with. And he usually has at least 1 game-changing revelation that keeps his family and friends bringing him along. Is he having fun? We may never know.
6. Guessing Gilbert
Guessing Gilbert is that player that just randomly, with no logic or reason, starts trying to guess all of the lock combinations without having to actually play the game or solve any puzzles. Gilbert has envisioned himself as a master lock picker and yes, although there are literally 10,000 different potential combinations for that four digit lock, he is certain that he can crack the code, if he tries hard and believes in himself.
While Gilbert may eventually be able to guess a combination by trial and error, it kind of takes the fun out of the game, no? You and Gilbert will probably have a little more fun if you know why the code was 4903, even if it costs you a couple extra minutes and a possible clue from your gamemaster.
6. Stubborn Steven
Player: “It’s been 20 minutes since we solved anything, maybe we should ask for a clue?”
Stubborn Steven: “No, just a little longer.”
Gamemaster: Please ask for a clue before you get further down this rabbit hole. Please.
Stubborn Steven is the player who REFUSES to ask for clues, even when the logic starts to get further and further away from…well…actual logic. Hey, we get it, we like to use clues sparingly too, but not asking for a clue will oftentimes get your group more and more confused as you try to make sense of something that isn’t making sense. At Trapped our clues are unlimited, so just ask if you’re on the right track. Unless, of course, solving the puzzles on your own is more important than completing the room, which is totally fine too. If you don’t finish, you can always come back and try again!
How to Be a Helpful Player
If you want to be an asset to your team members, don’t be these guys!
Stay on track, remember what you have, listen to your gamemaster–if they give you a clue, it is 100% what you should be working on next
Communicate constantly with the team–say what you find, what you see, and what you think, even if you’re unsure of your logic
Stay calm and steady–panic leads to frustration, and frustration leads to mistakes
Remember Occam’s Razor–the simplest explanation is usually the best one, so don’t overthink
Move around, look around, examine everything–if it moves it’s supposed to, and clues are waiting to be discovered
You won’t need to guess any codes or locks–everything you need is provided, so think through it
Remember your gamemaster is there to help–don’t be afraid to ask for it, especially if you’ve been stuck for more than 5 minutes
Above all, HAVE FUN! Escape rooms are supposed to be fun, no matter what kind of player you are. Happy escaping!
Team building activities are on the to-do list of almost every organization. Company culture and employee morale are essential to productivity, staff retention, and consumer satisfaction. Unfortunately, many employees squirm when they hear the words “team building”. These activities are often forced, boring, and feel like a waste of time and money. At the same time, effective team building creates strong bonds and a more efficient workforce. Luckily, escape rooms deliver a solution to this decades old problem.
What is an escape room?
An escape room is a game, played by a team of people, that involves solving various types of puzzles to play out a story or mission. Escape rooms feature different themes and storylines, and can accommodate different group sizes. Typically, players are given 60 minutes to complete a series of tasks leading to an “escape”. No outside knowledge is required, and at our facility, no one is every really locked in.
For more information on the specifics of escape rooms, you can view our post here.
Why are escape rooms useful for team building?
A good team building exercise will have the following qualities:
It creates appreciation for different employee strengths
Employees will recognize their own strengths are and how they relate to others
Communication between employees is improved
The experience is engaging and entertaining
Escape rooms require everyone in the team to work together to complete a mission. Every player in an escape room team possesses unique strengths and talents that play together to move the team forward. Escape rooms include puzzles of logic, tasks to complete, linguistic riddles and games, and communication.
In addition, employees can really see how important their talents are. Figuring out a puzzle or riddle that had top performers stumped can make the underdog feel valuable and needed. It can improve their level of self-efficacy and confidence in a novel way.
Communication is key in escape rooms, and many puzzles cannot be completed without multiple players involved. Escape rooms make communication fun and exciting and force players to “think outside the box” when trying to communicate a thought or idea.
Lastly, escape rooms are exciting and fun! The immersive experience allows your team to take a much-needed break from reality and enter a whole new world. The diversion from the day to day workplace stressors will be the self-care your staff desperately needs.
Email us at [email protected] today to book your team adventure! We can also provide a party room to set up your team lunch. This is one team building activity they will be talking about later!
While escape room games may seem intimidating to some due to their secretive nature, at the end of the day, they are games–and games can be won. The first escape room I ever played was very difficult for me because I didn’t know what to expect or what to look for right away. This left me with a lot of wasted time and energy when I could have been more strategic in my approach. So we have decided to share some escape room tips with our readers and customers!
Today’s post compiles some of the lessons that we’ve learned while playing many escape rooms across the East coast. Some simple advice may help you use your 60 minutes wisely during your next escape adventure!
1. A little pre-planning goes a long way.
If you are a new player, you may not know what to expect when you gather your team together to tackle an escape room. But veteran players will advise you to make some decisions before you even walk in the room. Delegation can save time and energy and can be the most effective way to use everyone’s talents. Escape room “jobs” can include:
Searcher–looks for physical items under things, on walls, behind things, etc.
Organizer–keeps clues together and reminds everyone what has and has not been used.
Physical puzzle solver–works on physical puzzles like mazes, putting pieces of an actual puzzle together, etc.
Reader–reads any letters/journals/signs out loud for the group.
Writer–writes down clues or information as it is discovered.
In addition, you’ll probably learn over time that some people are naturally better at some tasks and puzzles than others. I happen to have a really good memory, so I can remember things from a previous room or something I’ve seen before when we need to use it later. Mark is good at schematics and diagrams, even when they don’t make any sense to me. Ben and Lily are good at noticing things on walls or in pictures that seem out of place. Think about these skills in advance and how you can best use them all effectively.
2. Look EVERYWHERE.
One of the biggest mistakes that we make while playing rooms (and we kick ourselves every time) is not doing enough physical searching. It’s easy to overlook a key that’s right in front of your face. Pay special attention to complicated fixtures such as chains, fancy light fixtures, removable objects on the walls, etc. In addition, make sure you check the walls high and low. We’ve missed light switches and buttons that were hiding in plain sight because we thought they were outlet covers or other fixtures that were off limits.
Most escape rooms will have a clear indicator of what items are not to be touched. If you’re unsure, just ask your gamemaster if you are allowed to touch or move an object.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
When you go to play an escape room, your game master will likely remind you to communicate with your teammates. Whether there are 2 or 10 people on your team matters less than how effectively you communicate with one another. In an escape room, you want to think “out loud”. Verbalize any thoughts, ideas, observations, and talk about what you see. For example, “I see a 5 digit letter lock,” or “There is a tiny lock on this cabinet over here,” will go a long way when your teammates find a clue.
In addition, some rooms feature puzzles where players have to be in two different places at once to solve it. Calling out observations from room to room will assure that your team doesn’t miss a puzzle or clue.
4. Pay attention to colors and patterns.
The first clue I missed as a rookie player was not knowing to pay attention to patterns and colors. If you see different colors in one place (for example, bottles that are each a different color), pay attention to where you see those colors in another part of the room. Numbers are also important in escape rooms. If the numbers are 1-4 or 1-5, it likely means the puzzle is giving you an order to do things. If they are higher numbers, like 5-9, it probably indicates the code to a lock or keypad.
5. Remember, you will not need any outside knowledge for most games.
Fear of looking stupid is one of the reasons people cite for avoiding escape rooms. Believing you have to be super smart to solve an escape room is a major misconception. The vast majority of escape room games do not require outside or prior knowledge, and it’s easy to forget that when you run across a chess board, riddle, switchboard, or Morse Code machine. Don’t waste your time trying to figure out a puzzle like this if you don’t have a key or diagram. If you don’t have it yet, it’s probably coming later in the game. It’s tempting to try to dig in the depths of your brain to remember where the rook goes on a chess board, but it’s not necessary. Don’t fret if you don’t have all of the information right away. In fact, that leads into the next tip…
6. Don’t waste too much time on something that doesn’t make sense.
I will admit it. This tip is for me. I am ALWAYS the one who will freak out over a puzzle that doesn’t have all the pieces yet. I am also the one who gets thrown off on red herrings (hence, why we don’t use them in our games). Rule of thumb…if it’s really not making any sense to you, put it down and come back to it. It is possible you don’t have everything you need to solve this puzzle. It is only when you are totally stumped with all of your clues that you might want to go back and revisit it (or ask your handy gamemaster for a hint!).
On another note, don’t be afraid to “pass the baton” to someone else on your team. There are naturally puzzles that I am good at, and there are others Mark is good at. Some of them are more easily solved by Ben and Lily (10 and 8 years old). Different minds process clues and puzzles differently. Don’t be afraid to use your unique gifts!
7. Divide and conquer.
This one comes with a learning curve. It is VERY easy to gather around one person solving a clue and forget to spread out around the room and continue to look. It’s also ok to try something that someone else has already tried. We once wasted a good 10-15 minutes in a room because Mark had assumed that I tried something on a puzzle because I had talked about it, when in fact I had tried something else (we’re looking at you, Backstage Escape Rooms). If a puzzle doesn’t actually require two or more people to solve it, you should be out looking for other puzzles and items in the room.
Remind any kids of this in the group too. Ben and Lily are notorious for crowding around us just watching!
8. Keep your objects organized.
In most (not all) escape room games, you’re only going to use an object one time. Items are also usually always there for a reason. If you have an object or clue that you have not used, don’t forget about it! You probably want to carry it between rooms and you want to check back with it regularly. On the same note, you’ll want to make a discard pile for items that you’ve already used. It’s easy to leave things around the room for someone else to pick up and think “have we used this yet?” Being organized and keeping used objects away from unused objects can save you a lot of time in the long run.
9. Know what to ignore.
Just like knowing that most objects serve a purpose, it is just important to know what objects probably do NOT need to be messed with. Those items include things like ceiling tiles and power outlets. This can be tricky, as there are also items like vent grates, light switches, and plug in fans that we’ve seen used as clues. The main thing to remember is that you will NOT need to disassemble the room. Most gamemasters will explain not to use excessive force (more than a 5 year old’s strength) in the room, but just remember that most escape room owners want to reduce liability and don’t want to risk a customer getting electrocuted or falling from a ladder or ceiling. So we aren’t putting clues there!
Stay safe, and don’t break our stuff!
10. Have fun!
Remember, escape rooms are games and they are meant to be fun, not frustrating! As a very competitive couple, Mark and I have gotten frustrated with the game and with each other on more than one escape room date nights. We now have a conversation before each game with reminders for the game and also reminders to each other that it’s just a game. While we want everyone to have a good time, it’s important to remember that a timed game with a bit of mental pressure can cause stress, so be gentle with one another. Whether you beat the clock or not matters far less than connecting with your team and celebrating the successes that you DID have during the experience.
Enjoy your game and a chance to journey to a new world for 60 minutes!
Escape room games can be a great idea for a date night, whether it’s the first date or the 500th. Since the COVID pandemic, many people have been searching desperately for something that is safe and fun, and escape rooms have answered the call.
There are many reasons why we love to do escape rooms together as a couple, but here are a few of our top reasons.
They are great ice-breakers
A first date can be intimidating to anyone, and you may worry about what you’re going to talk about. Nothing can destroy a date like a night of staring at each other awkwardly with nothing to say. An escape room will give you an opportunity to work on something together to promote conversation (and maybe a little flirting!).
They are way more exciting than dinner and a movie
Escape rooms are a memorable experience that will stay at the front of your memories for years to come. If you want a date to remember, an escape room will serve that purpose. You’ll even get to take a photo after your game to remember this special experience. After all, why would you want to watch a movie when you can feel like the star of one?
An escape room date will give you the opportunity to work with your partner in a novel and fun way. To complete the game and escape the room, you’ll need to communicate with one another, get help from one another, and use your brains. This will give you a chance to appreciate how you complement one another, as different puzzles require different type of knowledge and skills. And don’t worry about feeling stupid, the puzzles require no outside knowledge, and your gamemaster will be there for you if you get stuck!
They allow you to escape reality
Relationships are difficult sometimes, especially with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Playing an escape room on date night will allow you the opportunity to relax and “escape” together, as you are immersed in a whole other world. Take off the hat of parent, employee, caretaker, etc. and put on the disguise of a magician or detective. An escape game will be a genuine diversion from your worries and will allow you to connect as a couple.
Things to remember if you choose an escape room for your date night:
It is just a game! Don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the experience together. Winning the game isn’t nearly as important as having a great time.
Communication is key. Remember to share all of your thoughts and ideas as you are playing so nothing is overlooked.
Remember that some games are easier when played with a larger group. Your room may be more challenging with only two players. If you have questions about what room is right for you, contact us!
Photos are not allowed inside the rooms but make sure you snap a pic after your game. Post on social media and cherish for years to come.
We would love to host you for date night at Trapped in the Upstate. If you’d like to know more about our rooms, give us a visit at www.trappedupstate.com. Happy dating!
