Trying an escape room for the first time is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. These live-action puzzle adventures are designed to challenge your mind, encourage teamwork, and create shared memories with your friends, family, or co-workers. Whether you’re looking for new birthday ideas, planning team building activities, or just want a fun activity to try with a group of people, escape rooms are an excellent choice.
Calgary escape rooms in particular have grown in popularity because they combine problem solving skills with immersive themes and plenty of challenge. If you’ve never stepped into one before, don’t worry—this guide covers everything you need to know, along with practical escape room tips that will help you feel confident during your first adventure.
Escape Room Tips – What to Do
Every escape room experience is built around puzzles, hidden clues, and a race against the clock. While every theme and location will be different, the strategies below will help you get the most out of your first visit.
Listen to the game briefing
Before the game starts, you’ll get a briefing from the staff. Pay close attention to the story, the rules, and any safety instructions. Sometimes important details are hidden in the briefing, and even if they aren’t, knowing how the game works makes your group more effective.
Keep an eye on the clock
Most escape rooms give you a set amount of time—usually around 60 minutes—to solve the puzzles and escape. Time can pass quickly when you’re focused, so it’s helpful for at least one person to keep track of the countdown. Knowing how much time is left helps your team manage its pace.
Search everything carefully
Don’t assume anything in the room is unimportant. Look under objects, flip through books, and check every drawer or cabinet. Escape rooms are designed to reward curiosity, so if something looks suspicious, it probably has a clue.
Say what you find out loud
Communication is key. If you find a key, code, or strange object, announce it so everyone knows what’s been discovered. Clear communication avoids duplicate effort and keeps everyone on the same page.
Work as a team and split up
When a group of people clusters around the same puzzle, time is wasted. Instead, split up to cover more ground. Assign smaller teams to different areas or types of puzzles so that everyone contributes and the game keeps moving.
Stay organized with clues
It’s easy for escape room clues to pile up. Set up a clear area where found items and solved puzzles are placed so nothing gets lost or reused by accident. Staying organized is a simple way to improve efficiency.
Watch for patterns and numbers
Many puzzles involve numbers, letters, or repeating patterns. Pay attention to these details—they often connect to locks or codes somewhere else in the room.
Try combos more than once
Sometimes you’ll have the right answer but enter it incorrectly. If a lock doesn’t open on the first try, don’t give up right away. Double-check the code, try again, and make sure the numbers are lined up properly.
Don’t overthink it
The puzzles are meant to be challenging, but they’re not impossible. If you’re stuck, take a step back and think simply. Often the solution is more straightforward than you think.
Ask for hints if you’re stuck
Every escape room experience gives you the option of asking for hints. Don’t be afraid to use them if your group size is struggling. A well-timed hint keeps the game fun and prevents frustration.
Have fun
The most important tip of all is to enjoy yourself. Escape rooms are designed as fun games that encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and creativity. Winning is great, but the shared experience of solving puzzles together is what makes it memorable.
Why Escape Rooms Are Great Group Activities
Escape rooms are one of the most versatile group activities available. They work for small groups of friends, large group events, and even corporate team building exercises. Unlike cooking classes, board games, or the marshmallow challenge, escape rooms provide an immersive setting where every participant plays an active role.
Because of the variety of puzzles, every team member contributes something unique. Some players are great at spotting patterns, others excel at problem solving skills, and some keep track of time and keep everyone focused. This mix of abilities encourages participants to rely on one another, which naturally builds trust and improves communication.
That’s why escape rooms are often used in team building events. They highlight team dynamics, encourage teamwork, and strengthen bonds in ways that few other activities can match. For companies, they are not just a fun activity but a practical team building exercise with lasting benefits.
Escape Rooms as Birthday Ideas
Planning a birthday party for adults or teens can be a challenge. You want something that feels special, encourages everyone to participate, and avoids the awkwardness of people just sitting around. Escape rooms make excellent birthday ideas because they bring a group of people together around a shared challenge.
Instead of passively watching a movie or competing in individual games, everyone is engaged at the same time. That level of involvement creates lasting memories and gives guests a sense of accomplishment when they escape. Many people now include escape rooms in their list of favourite group activities because they combine entertainment, friendly competition, and a unique setting.
What to Expect at Escape60
If you’re ready to try Calgary escape rooms, Escape60 offers some of the city’s most immersive experiences. With themes like space adventures and dinosaur discoveries, there’s a challenge to suit every group size and interest. Whether you’re planning team building activities with co-workers or looking for exciting birthday ideas, Escape60 provides the perfect setting.
More than just escape rooms, Escape60 also offers a bar and lounge space where groups can relax and celebrate after their game. This makes it easy to turn your escape room experience into a full outing, combining the thrill of problem solving with time to connect and enjoy each other’s company. For anyone looking for fun games, engaging group activities, or memorable team building events, Escape60 is the place where teamwork and fun come together.