As anyone familiar with escape rooms knows, they’re all about fun, teamwork, and solving puzzles. But hey, what’s life without a bit of mischievous humor? Let’s explore some surefire ways to throw an escape room game – all in jest, of course!
*Disclaimer: This post is meant purely for humor. Please do not attempt these at an actual escape room, unless you fancy being banned for life.
Pretend the Game Master is Invisible
Consider this as an alternative strategy: Ignore your Game Master completely. They’ll likely drop hints and important instructions, but who needs those, right?
The “Do Not Touch” Magnet
Nothing attracts human curiosity like a “Do Not Touch” sticker. You could respect the sign, or you could give in to the temptation, adding an extra layer of chaos to the game.
Demolition Expert
Take on the role of an unsolicited interior decorator. Move furniture, rearrange artifacts, and create an all-new setup. The real challenge? Putting everything back again before you’re found out!
Phone: Your Best Distraction
Escape rooms are for puzzles, but why let that stop you from checking your phone every two minutes? You’ll undoubtedly miss important clues, but hey, you’ll keep up with your social media feed!
Pocket the Clue
Next level prank: hide a clue in your pocket and watch your friends desperately look for it. Just remember, the more important the clue, the more panic you’ll cause!
Lone Ranger Tactics
Remember, teamwork is for those who want to win. But if you’re here for the chaos, grab all the puzzles and try to solve them alone. Your friends might not appreciate it, but who said this was about them?
The Tunnel Vision
Lead your team to fixate on one minor puzzle while ignoring everything else. The result? A hilarious derailment from the goal and a whole lot of head-scratching!
Ignite a Debate
Use the valuable ticking minutes to spark a heated debate about anything but the escape room. The more unrelated and controversial the topic, the better!
Play the Spoiler
Research the escape room beforehand and act like a know-it-all. You might blow your cover when you know too much too soon, but it’ll be worth the laughs!
Remember, escape rooms are all about fun, cooperation, and challenge. So let’s leave these mischief-making strategies as fun hypotheticals and focus on the real goal – escaping the room!
If you’re curious about why escape room games could be a brilliant choice for your next team-building activity, keep reading!
June, 30 2023
7 min read
Shake Things Up: Team Building with Escape Rooms!
Typical corporate team-building exercises often involve outdoor activities or answering familiar ice-breaker questions in the office setting. While these approaches were once highly effective, they’ve become predictable and somewhat uninspiring over time.
Managing a professional team isn’t a cakewalk, considering the stress they face daily. It may even seem like they aren’t working in sync with each other. A sure way to solve this problem and get to know your team better is to set up a team-building event in an escape room.
Escape room games demand more than your average team-building activity. They push participants to think ahead and work collaboratively to meet a shared objective: escape. If you’re curious about why choosing escape rooms as your next team-building activity is a wise move, stay tuned!
1. Won’t Break the Bank
Planning a full-scale corporate retreat can be a financial nightmare. Booking a venue, arranging meals, and potentially even accommodations can tally up a hefty bill. But escape rooms? They’re a much more budget-friendly option, and all you need is an hour or two. So, not only will you save money, but you also save on time. A win-win for everyone!
2. Exciting Themes To Chose From
Each escape room is an adventure of its own. From space exploration to historical mysteries, there’s a theme for every group. This means you can choose a room that aligns with your team’s interests, adding an extra layer of excitement. The more interested the team, the more engaged they will be in the activity.
3. Escape Room Team Building Shows A Team Dynamics
Escape rooms are like a window into your team’s dynamics. In an environment completely different from the office, you can observe how people react, adapt, and solve problems. You might discover hidden talents in the quietest member or uncover leadership potential in the most unexpected people.
4. Boosts Communication Within Your Team
When locked in an escape room, there’s no choice but to communicate. Whether it’s sharing ideas, explaining a point of view, or simply listening to someone else, every interaction counts. This can help improve communication within your team and even uncover new ways of effective collaboration.
5. Sharpens Problem-Solving Skills
Every step in an escape room is an unexpected puzzle. Without any forewarning or preparation, your team’s problem-solving skills are put to the test. This pressure can be a great exercise, helping your team think fast, adapt quicker, and perform better, not just in the game but in real-life work situations too.
6. Improves Time Management Skills
With an hour ticking away, every second in the escape room matters. The team quickly learns to prioritize tasks, divide and conquer, and make decisions swiftly. These improved time management skills can then transfer into your everyday work, making your team more efficient.
7. Leadership Skills Shine
Escape rooms naturally bring out the leaders in your team. When puzzles need solving and time is running out, someone often steps up to coordinate the effort. Spotting these potential leaders in the escape room can help you nurture leadership skills back in the workplace.
8. Creative Thinking Is Manifested
In an escape room, creativity is key. The challenges are unique, and often the solutions are just as unconventional. This encourages your team to think outside the box and can lead to innovative problem-solving strategies that could be applied to your business.
9. Boosts Confidence
Escape rooms can help build confidence as team members contribute to the team’s success by solving problems and overcoming challenges. This boost can carry over into the workplace, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
10. Encourages Healthy Competition
Splitting your team into smaller groups for escape room challenges adds an element of fun competition. It becomes a thrilling race to see who escapes first, and this friendly rivalry can drive everyone to give their best. Not only does it make the activity more engaging, but it can also inspire better performance back in the workplace.
11. Fosters Adaptability
Escape rooms throw a variety of unexpected challenges, forcing team members to adapt quickly. This helps improve their flexibility and adaptability skills, which are crucial in the ever-changing business environment.
12. Natural Team Spirit Amplifier
Whether your team escapes the room or not, they’re bound to have fun. Shared experiences, especially those filled with excitement and suspense, are great for bonding. The camaraderie built in the escape room will likely carry over to the office, boosting morale and team spirit.
So, ready to make your next team building exercise a hit? An escape room session could be just the ticket. With all the fun and challenges they offer, your team will be buzzing with excitement and camaraderie.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel and a symbol of San Francisco. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride across the bridge for breathtaking views of the city and the bay. Don’t forget to a layer and your camera for memorable photos!
Alcatraz Island: Explore the history and mystery of Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. Take a guided tour of the prison cells, learn about the famous escape attempts, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
EscapeSF: After you explore the famous Alcatraz prison, challenge yourself at EscapeSF—an exciting escape room experience. In the most popular room, “Escape from Alcatraz,” you and your team have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape. It’s a fun and immersive activity where you can unleash your inner escape artist and create your own Alcatraz escape story.
Chinatown Dim Sum: San Francisco’s Chinatown is renowned for its delectable dim sum offerings. Head to well-known dim sum restaurants such as Great Eastern Restaurant or City View Restaurant for a delightful feast of bite-sized dumplings, steamed buns, and other traditional Cantonese dishes.
DIM SUM SUN FRANCISCO
Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively waterfront district filled with attractions, shops, and delicious seafood. Enjoy fresh Dungeness crab, visit the famous Ghirardelli Square for chocolate treats, and take a boat tour to see sea lions lounging at Pier 39. There’s always something exciting happening here!
Ferry Building Marketplace: Indulge in a culinary adventure at the Ferry Building Marketplace, where you’ll find a wide array of local and artisanal food vendors. Sample gourmet cheeses, freshly baked bread, artisan chocolates, and more. Don’t miss the famous Blue Bottle Coffee for a delicious cup of java.
Golden Gate Park: Escape the urban bustle and take a Segway tour in nature at Golden Gate Park. Explore the serene Japanese Tea Garden, visit the California Academy of Sciences for interactive exhibits, or rent a paddleboat at Stow Lake. With gardens, museums, and recreational areas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
San Francisco Cable Cars: Hop on a historic cable car and experience a thrilling ride through the city’s steep hills. Enjoy the iconic views as the cable car travels along its tracks. It’s a classic San Francisco experience that transports you back in time!
The Painted Ladies: Admire the iconic Victorian houses, famously known as the “Painted Ladies,” at Alamo Square. Snap pictures of these beautifully restored homes against the backdrop of the city skyline. Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the park nearby. Alamo Square
Bi-Rite Creamery Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Bi-Rite Creamery. Known for their irresistible ice cream flavors made with locally sourced ingredients, Bi-Rite offers unique creations like salted caramel, honey lavender, and balsamic strawberry. Be prepared for long lines, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Explore the extensive collection of modern and contemporary art at SFMOMA. From iconic masterpieces to thought-provoking installations, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the rooftop sculpture garden for stunning city views.
Mission Burritos: Experience the legendary Mission-style burritos that San Francisco is famous for. Head to the Mission District and try popular taquerias like La Taqueria or El Farolito. These burritos are packed with flavorful fillings, including marinated meats, rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole.
Haight-Ashbury: Step back in time and explore the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Discover vintage clothing stores, eclectic shops, and colorful murals. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe and learn about its historic significance.
Swan Oyster Depot: Step into this classic seafood institution and savor some of the freshest seafood in San Francisco. Enjoy their famous clam chowder, oysters on the half shell, crab Louie, and other seafood delicacies. It’s a no-frills dining experience that seafood lovers shouldn’t miss. Opened there in 1903 It’s one of the longest continuous businesses and dining establishments in the United States.
Coit Tower: Ascend to the top of Coit Tower for panoramic views of San Francisco’s skyline and the Bay Area. The tower, with its distinctive Art Deco design, offers a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks. Explore the murals inside the tower, depicting scenes from San Francisco’s history.
Ghirardelli Square: Treat yourself to decadent chocolate creations at Ghirardelli Square. Visit the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop and indulge in their famous hot fudge sundaes, chocolate drinks, and delicious chocolate treats. Don’t forget to take home some Ghirardelli chocolate as souvenirs.
Lands End: Embark on a picturesque hike along the coastal trails of Lands End. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths, a historic bathhouse complex, and visit the Lands End Lookout for interpretive exhibits.
I’m Andre, a room escape game creator with over a decade of experience under my belt. It’s been a wild ride watching groups of friends, families, corporate team outings, and even some brave solo explorers tackling my rooms.
Over the years, I’ve picked up some nifty insights on what it takes to come out victorious in this race against time. So, get ready for a dose of wisdom, delivered with a pinch of humor, of course, sans any personal observations.
All for One and One for All In an escape room, teamwork isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A group of adventurers working together is like a well-conducted orchestra: when everyone plays their part, magic happens. So remember, escape rooms are no place for solo solos.
A Place for Everything, and Everything in Its Place Managing clues in an escape room can be like herding cats if you’re not organized. No one wants to lose a vital key in a flurry of frantic searching, do they? Remember, treating your clues like the pieces of a well-ordered puzzle can save you a world of trouble.
A Dash of Creativity Never underestimate the power of creative thinking in an escape room. It’s a bit like making a sandwich at midnight—you might be surprised at what strange combinations can actually work. That framed photo of a cat might just hold the secret to your escape.
Don’t Overthink: Keep it Simple It’s easy to tumble down the rabbit hole of overthinking in an escape room. If you find yourself pondering if the striped wallpaper is a barcode, it might be time to take a step back. Sometimes, a key is just a key, and wallpaper is just, well, decorative.
Hints: The Unsung Heroes Hints in an escape room are like condiments at a barbecue—they can turn a good experience into a great one. Don’t shy away from using them. After all, even superheroes occasionally need a little help.
Time is of the Essence Successfully navigating an escape room is a bit like baking a soufflé. Rush it, and you’ll end up with a mess. Take too long, and it won’t rise. Keep a keen eye on the clock, pace yourself, and remember – haste often makes waste.
Keep Calm and Escape On Finally, keep your cool. An escape room might feel like a high-stakes spy mission, but it’s all in good fun. Treat it like a zen meditation with puzzles, and you’ll find yourself thinking clearer and making better decisions.
At the end of the day, remember the golden rule of escape rooms: have fun. Whether you’re stopping a fictitious asteroid from wiping out civilization or unmasking a ghost in a haunted manor, the journey is the destination. Happy escaping!
