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Are Escape Rooms suitable for childern?
Children are very energetic and curious and they love to play games. They are also very creative and eager to learn and they thrive on positive reinforcement.
All these characteristics are very useful when it comes to solving puzzles and riddles, meaning that Escape Rooms are in fact excellent for children, provided they are designed in the appropriate way.
Whether it’s just a fun family outing, a birthday party or any other kind of celebration, Escape Rooms provide an excellent alternative to the usual options (cinema, bowling, etc) and will not just be a fun and memorable experience but also a challenge and a playful way for children to test their abilities.
Which Escape Room is the most suitable for these occasions depends on the age of the children who are taking part in the game and whether adults will be playing as well, or just supervising.
Teenagers are certainly capable of playing alongside adults in an Escape Room that is a bit more challenging, as they have already gained a deeper understanding of the game dynamics and can solve more advanced puzzles. Younger children will likely get bored very quickly if they don’t understand the game or any of the challenges, so it makes more sense for them to play an Escape Room specifically designed for children.
An adult should always be present to make sure the children stay focussed, prevent or mediate possible arguments and to make sure they behave appropriately.
Keeping all this in mind, children can be excellent companions for playing Escape Rooms, because they think and behave so differently from adults. They are great at recognizing patterns, finding hidden objects and solving number and word puzzles and they have a very creative and open mind.
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Some Tips for playing Escape Rooms with children
2.1. Do some research
It’s important to do some research before you book the Escape Room, to ensure everyone has a good time and in order to prepare yourself and your team for the game.
Make sure the theme of the Escape Room is age-appropriate. Many Escape Rooms have rather dark and suspenseful themes which can be frightening for children of a certain age. Another thing to consider is the difficulty of the Escape Room. Find something that won’t have too many abstract riddles or a complicated storyline, so that the children don’t lose focus or get bored with the game.
Finally, choose a theme that is fun for everyone taking part in the game, to make sure it will be a great and memorable experience.
You can achieve all this by either searching online and checking out our website at planb-escape.de or by calling us directly and asking for advice.
2.2. Preparation
It’s important to make sure that the children in your group understand what an Escape Room is. Explain to them how an Escape Room works, tell them what’s important to get through the game and answer any questions they might have about it. Sometimes children are a bit scared of trying something new, so you have to reassure them that there is nothing to be frightened about and make them feel safe during the game. If your child needs some convincing to take part in such a game, a great incentive could also be to invite some friends or other family members to go along.
Another way to prepare for the game is to practice solving some puzzles and riddles that are similar to those in an Escape Room.
In addition to this, there will be a guide at the Escape Room location who will explain how everything works and talk about rules and safety measures before the game starts. This person will also be supervising the game, giving useful hints when they are needed and answering any questions that might arise.
2.3. Keep the children focussed on the game
Children are easily distracted, especially in a new and exciting environment like an Escape Room. In addition to the preparation that is recommended before booking an Escape Room, it is important to have at least one adult present during the game to supervise the children and make sure they stay focussed on solving the puzzles and riddles.
2.4. Make sure the children can handle the game
During the game, especially if it’s not specifically designed for children, make sure each child is working on a puzzle or riddle that they can actually solve. The point of an Escape Room is to have fun and build confidence, after all. If you see them struggling, don’t just solve the game for them, but try to help them find a solution, so they still feel like they accomplished something. This can also work the other way around. If you are struggling with a task, ask the child or children to help you with it. It’s all about team work!
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Conclusions
Escape Rooms are an excellent game for children, provided you choose the right theme and level of difficulty, prepare them for what is coming and make sure they are safe and supported during the game.
Taking your children with you to an Escape Room will certainly liven up the game and give you an opportunity to get in touch with your inner child as well, which is more important than ever in these trying times!
Lastly, the most important thing to remember is that Escape Rooms are all about having fun, which, let’s face it, children are so much better at than adults. So let the children lead the way!