Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to plan an Escape Room Party
- Executing the Escape Room Party
- Spicing Up the Party
- Taking Photos
- Final Thoughts: Making an Escape Room at Home
Introduction
The concept of an escape room party is to solve a series of puzzles and riddles within a given timeframe to escape from a room.
But imagine how fun it would be to run your own escape room experience in the comfort of your own home!.
You can create an awesome escape room party at home and have a thrilling evening with your friends and family. In this guide from the Great Escape Game, we run through how to run your own escape room experience at home, so you can have an epic evening to cherish.
How to plan an Escape Room Party
Planning is the most important phase of hosting an escape room party. Here are some essential factors to take into consideration:
Choose a theme
The first step is to pick a theme. Choose a theme that is engaging, fun and appeals to everyone’s taste. For instance, if your friends are into the spookier side of life, why not try to set up a haunted house escape room? Or, if they are more into sci-fi, maybe you could turn that living room into a spaceship? We’ve put together a few recommended theme ideas below that you could try out:
- Horror wedding
- Wild west saloon
- Film Magic
- Gangster Squad
- A Jungle Look
- Home Cooking
- Trouble in Paradise
- Vegas Nights
Setting up the room
Design an escape room that matches the theme’s ambiance. Set up hidden doors, secret compartments and incorporate puzzles that are related to the theme. Use lighting, sounds and decoration to create an immersive experience.
The first step in setting up an escape room is to select a theme or storyline for the game. Once you have decided on the theme, you can start creating clues, puzzles, and challenges that will lead your guests through the room and towards the ultimate goal of escaping. Make sure to set up the room with props and decorations that fit the theme, creating an immersive experience for your guests. It is also important to provide clear instructions and rules for the game, and to have a timer or clock to keep track of the time.
Lastly, don’t forget to have prizes or rewards for the participants who successfully escape within the allotted time. With careful planning and creativity, setting up an escape room at home for a party can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Creating puzzles and riddles
Puzzles and riddles are the soul of an escape room party. Create puzzles that are challenging yet solvable. Incorporate riddles that require a combination of logical thinking and imagination to solve.
Below is a guide on how to create a puzzle:
- Select a design
- Put together your tools
- Choose a backing for your puzzle
- Fasten your image
- Apply finishing touches to your image
- Crop the border
- Create a Grid
- Draw out your template
- Cut your template into pieces
Create ambiance
Ambiance is a critical aspect of creating an escape room party. Make sure the lighting, colour scheme and sounds match the theme to create an immersive experience. For instance, dim lighting and spooky sounds match the haunted mansion theme, while vibrant lights and synth music match the space theme.
Snacks and drinks
Snacks and drinks add to the experience of enjoying the party. Choose delicious and quick snacks that are easy to munch on while participating in the game. Have refreshing drinks on hand to quench your thirst after a long game. Maybe even add some bottles of beer or shots in to make it a bit more interesting? (Adults only, of course).
Inviting guests
Invite your friends and family who love puzzles, mysteries, and challenges. Assemble a team of players who can work together, communicate clearly, and participate enthusiastically.
Executing the Escape Room Party
Now that you have set up the escape room, it’s time to execute the party! Are you ready to take on the challenge and have some fun?
Here are the key points you need to keep in mind:
Introduce the theme
As your guests start to arrive, make sure to set the tone and introduce the theme of your escape room party. Tell them a little about what they can expect and get them excited about the challenge ahead.
Explain the rules
Before you get started with the games, it’s important to explain the rules to your guests. Make sure they understand what they need to do to escape the room and the consequences if they don’t. Keep it light-hearted and fun, but also make sure they take it seriously.
Set a time limit
Time is of the essence in an escape room game, so make sure to set a time limit for your guests to complete the challenge. This will add to the excitement and make the game more challenging.
Let the games begin
The moment has arrived! Let the games begin, and watch your guests work together to solve the puzzles and escape the room. Make sure to pay attention to how things are going and offer assistance if needed.
Remember, the goal of the game is to have fun! Don’t be too strict with the rules and let your guests enjoy the experience. With a bit of planning and preparation, your escape room party is sure to be a success.
Spicing Up the Party
Now that the plan is in place, it’s time to add the spark. Let’s agree – a party without a little pizza is like an escape room without puzzles – BORING! Don’t worry, we have you covered.
Here are a few tips to spice things up and make your party a big hit:
Adding Props
Props are like spices – they add flavour to any dish and turn it from basic to fabulous. Use props related to the theme of the party to add a more authentic touch. You can use anything from lanterns, treasure maps to handcuffs (no, not real ones). It can help your guests feel more involved and create an immersive environment.
Incorporating Technology
Why not take things to the next level by incorporating technology? You do not have to be a tech geek to do this. You can use a QR code for clues, objects that glow in the dark, or even a virtual assistant like Alexa for the final clue. Use your imagination here.
Playing Background Music
Music can be a magic ingredient to make things more interesting. Play it soft or loud, slow or fast, depending on the game. Ominous music can set the stage of a haunted mansion, while playful music can be used for a game targeted for kids.
Include Surprise Elements
One thing that people love the most about escape rooms is the surprise and adrenaline rush they get when they solve a puzzle. You can do the same at your party too! Add physical challenges like mini-obstacle courses, a scavenger hunt, a simple quiz or trivia games in between the puzzles.
By adding props, technology, background music, and surprise elements, you can make your ordinary escape room party extraordinary. Give your guests a good time, and they will want to come back for more.
Taking Photos
No party is complete without capturing memories. After all, you’ll want to look back on the fun you had.
Taking photos is a timeless option. Pose with your friends in front of the clues you solved, or snap candids of each other mid-game. You can also create a makeshift photo booth by setting up a cool backdrop and providing props for your guests to use.
Final Thoughts: Making an Escape Room at Home
Wrapping up your escape room party doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Reflect on the thrilling experience and celebrate the successes and challenges with your fellow escapees. Share stories of the most memorable moments, and pride yourselves on the teamwork and problem-solving skills you showcased.
Don’t forget to thank your guests for being a part of the adventure and for contributing to the success of the party. Ask them for feedback on their favourite aspects, so you can keep improving the experience for next time.
Creating an awesome escape room party at home takes effort and planning, but the memories you create with loved ones are priceless. So why not try it out for yourself and see what thrilling and hilarious adventures await you in the comfort of your own home?
How The Great Escape Game can Help
If you’ve managed to set up your home escape room, why not come try out the real thing for your next party? At the Great Escape Game, we offer a wide range of escape room experiences, perfect for all ages. Get in touch with us today and get your experience booked in!
