To escape boredom go to an escape room

It’s getting to be Christmas, and friends and family come together to spend time together. However, with it being so cold outside, it’s sometimes hard to find stuff to do with your entire family. A great family bonding idea would be to go to an escape room. If you are unfamiliar with an escape room, it is basically a mental adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms.

Some common themes and storylines that are often found in escape rooms include zombies, haunted houses, science laboratories, prisons, pirates, treasure hunting, hostage, and kidnappings. Some of the puzzles escape rooms usually include are: hidden objects, team communication, light, counting, noticing something obvious in the room, using something in an unusual way, symbol substitution with a key, searching for objects in images, assembly of a physical object, algebra and other mathematics, pattern identification, riddles, ciphers and others.

“It was very challenging, but fun. I did a kidnapping one, and they blindfolded and handcuffed me. We followed different clues, but sadly we did not escape the room. You really have to think about each clue and how it can affect the mission as a whole and lead to the next clue” said Senior Katie Fisher about her experience at an escape room in Cincinnati.

The closest escape room to Aurora is in Kent called Cracked. Cracked changes up their room themes every few weeks. As of right now, their themes are “Under The Big Tent” and “Ghost Tavern.” Each theme has their own story and mission in which you and your group have to figure out each task at hand in order to achieve your mission. Cracked’s Escape Director will be monitoring your progress throughout the game. At any point, your team can communicate with the Director to ask for clues.

“The overall experience of the escape room was very enjoyable. The workers were completely invested in the story of the room which made the experience even better. The room itself was set up realistically which made escaping challenging and fun. Overall, it was really fun working together and trying to escape with my friends,” said Senior Sarah Nemeth about her time at Cracked.

Each room is designed to accommodate 4-8 players. It is 28 dollars per player at Cracked. Cracked recommends all players be ages 16 and up. Players under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. All escape room reservations must be made in advance through Cracked’s online booking page.