11 Engaging Activities To Try Instead Of Escape Rooms

Are you tired of the same old escape room routine? Looking for new and exciting challenges to put your problem solving skills to the test? Well, look no further! We've compiled a list of 11 engaging activities that will provide a unique and thrilling experience for you and your group. From outdoor adventures to virtual reality escapes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Say goodbye to boring escape rooms and hello to a whole new level of excitement!

Geocaching - Outdoors

Geocaching – Outdoors

Are you tired of the typical escape room experience? Want to take your problem solving skills to the great outdoors? Then geocaching might be the adventure you have been looking for.

Geocaching is a modern treasure hunt where participants use GPS devices or mobile phones to hide and seek containers, called geocaches or caches, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. The game is easy and fun, with over 3 million active participants worldwide.

To start your geocaching adventure, all you need is either a GPS device or your smartphone with a geocaching app installed. You can choose to play solo or with your friends and family. Once you have selected your location, you will be provided with coordinates and a clue to help you find the hidden cache. The caches themselves can be anything from tiny magnetic containers to large plastic boxes that hold trinkets left by other geocachers.

Geocaching is a fantastic way to get outdoors, exercise and explore places in your local area that you may have never visited before. You can even travel to new countries and continents to go geocaching, as there are caches hidden all over the world. It’s a great activity for families and groups of friends, as geocaching promotes teamwork and adventure.

One of the most significant benefits of geocaching is that it requires little to no cost to play and is suitable for everyone. There are no age, gender, or physical requirements for geocaching. Anyone can participate and enjoy the game.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a fun and exciting adventure in the great outdoors that is different from the typical escape room experience, geocaching is the perfect activity for you. It’s a great way to explore new places, get some exercise, and solve problems in unique ways. So get your GPS device or smartphone ready and start your geocaching adventure today. Who knows what treasures you’ll discover!

Scavenger Hunt - Indoor or outdoor

If you're looking for a fun activity to do with friends or family, you might want to try a Scavenger Hunt. This activity can be done indoors or outdoors and can provide hours of entertainment and intrigue. Here are some tips on planning a successful scavenger hunt for your next gathering.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

For an indoor scavenger hunt, you'll need to hide clues around the house or apartment. Your clues can be as cryptic or simple as you like, but they should lead the players to the location of the next clue.

One way to make it more challenging is to insert riddles or word games into the clues, so that participants must solve the puzzle to figure out where to go next. You can also make the final prize or treasure an item that's hidden somewhere in the house. This can lead to a more interactive hunt and can make the game all the more exciting.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

For an outdoor scavenger hunt, you'll need a location with plenty of hiding places, such as a park or community center. You can either hide clues around the area or have players search for items on a list. If you want to focus on a particular theme, you can make a list of related items and ask players to find as many as possible.

For a nature-themed scavenger hunt, for example, you can give players a list of plants and animals to look for. You can even create a list of tasks for your players to complete, like taking a photo with a tree or finding a specific rock or insect.

Tips for a Successful Scavenger Hunt

To make your scavenger hunt a success, you might want to consider the following tips:

• Have a clear objective: Whether you're looking for a hidden item or trying to complete a list of tasks, make sure everyone knows what they're trying to accomplish.
• Establish rules: Make sure everyone knows the rules of the game, including how to win and how to play fairly.
• Use technology to enhance the experience: Apps like Scavify can help you create and run a scavenger hunt.
• Give clues or hints: To avoid frustration, offer clues or hints if someone gets stuck.
• Make it fun: Ultimately, the goal of a scavenger hunt is to have fun, so make sure your participants are enjoying the experience.

Planning a scavenger hunt is a great way to break up the monotony of everyday life and have fun with friends or family. Whether you choose to go indoor or outdoor, remember to keep it exciting, challenging, and most importantly, fun.

Mystery Dinner - Indoor

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a unique form of entertainment that challenges participants to solve puzzles and interact with their environment in order to “escape” before time runs out. But what if you’re looking for something similar, but with a little extra flair? Enter the mystery dinner - indoor.

Mystery dinners have been around for decades, and are a great way to engage friends, family, or coworkers in a fun, interactive experience. The concept is simple: everyone gathers together for a delicious meal, but with a twist. Rather than simply dining and chatting, guests are assigned characters to play and are given a mystery to solve together. Everyone must work together to solve the mystery before the end of the meal, giving a sense of urgency and excitement that many other activities simply cannot match.

So why choose a mystery dinner over other activities like escape rooms? For one, it offers a more relaxed environment without sacrificing the thrill of problem-solving. While escape rooms can be high-pressure and intense, mystery dinners provide a more casual atmosphere, perfect for those who want to unwind but still be mentally stimulated. Furthermore, the dinner component of the event adds an extra layer of enjoyment – not only are you working together to solve a mystery, but you’re also enjoying a delicious meal in the process.

Additionally, mystery dinners are highly customizable. They can be tailored to any theme or era, ranging from classic murder-mystery genres to more lighthearted, comedic scenarios. Some hosts even create their own mysteries, adding a personal touch and ensuring that the experience is unique and exciting for all attendees.

So, what can one expect when attending a mystery dinner? For starters, be prepared to get into character. Depending on the host’s preferences, you may be assigned a character beforehand or be given one upon arrival. Costumes and props may also be provided to add to the ambiance. Once the meal begins, clues and information about the mystery will be revealed through interactions with other guests and scripted segments. It’s up to you and your fellow detectives to put the pieces together and solve whodunit before dessert is served!

In summary, if you’re looking for an exciting, intellectual, and delicious activity to do with friends, family, or coworkers, a mystery dinner - indoor is definitely worth considering. With its relaxed environment, thrilling mystery, and delectable cuisine, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Virtual Escape Room - Online

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular over the years as a thrilling and exciting social activity that challenges players to solve puzzles and escape a themed room within a set time limit. However, with the current global pandemic and social distancing measures, in-person escape rooms are not a viable option for many. Fortunately, the rise of virtual escape rooms has made it possible to enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual escape rooms work in the same way as their in-person counterparts, with the added benefit of being online. They are typically run by professional escape game companies and are designed to be just as challenging and fun as the real thing. Players can participate individually or as part of a team, working together to solve puzzles, gather clues, and ultimately escape the virtual room in the allotted time.

One of the advantages of a virtual escape room is that it can be played from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This means that you can get together with friends and family from different parts of the world and still enjoy the experience together. Additionally, the cost of a virtual escape room is typically less than that of an in-person escape room, making it a more affordable option.

Virtual escape rooms can come in a variety of themes, from mysteries and adventures to horror and sci-fi. Often, the rooms are based on popular movies, TV shows, or video games, providing fans with an immersive and exciting experience. The puzzles in a virtual escape room can be just as challenging as those found in real-life escape rooms, with some requiring logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to complete.

One downside to virtual escape rooms is that they lack the physical aspect of in-person rooms. While you can still interact with objects and solve puzzles, you won't be able to physically touch them. Additionally, the social aspect of in-person escape rooms may be missing, as you won't be in the same physical space as your teammates.

In conclusion, virtual escape rooms provide an exciting and thrilling activity that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. They can be played with friends and family from anywhere in the world and are typically more affordable than in-person escape rooms. While they lack the physical aspect of in-person rooms, they still provide a challenging and immersive experience that is sure to be enjoyed by all. So if you're looking for a fun and exciting way to spend an evening, give a virtual escape room a try and see if you and your friends have what it takes to escape the virtual room within the allotted time.

Puzzle Hunt - Indoor or outdoor

Looking for something fun and exciting to do with your friends that's sorta like an escape room, but, you know, different? Try a puzzle hunt! This activity is great for groups and can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference. It's like a scavenger hunt, but instead of just finding items, you solve puzzles along the way to reach your final destination.

Indoor Puzzle Hunt: For an indoor puzzle hunt, you'll need a large space, preferably with multiple rooms or areas to explore. The premise is simple: you're given a set of clues and puzzles that must be solved in order to move on to the next step. These puzzles can range from decoding messages to solving riddles and even physical challenges. The final goal is to reach the end of the puzzle and "escape" from the room or area.

Outdoor Puzzle Hunt: If you're looking for a more adventurous option, an outdoor puzzle hunt might be just the thing. This type of puzzle hunt is perfect for exploring a new city or neighborhood with friends. You will start with a set of clues or riddles that will guide you on your journey. Along the way, you will need to solve various puzzles in order to reach your final destination. These puzzles might include counting objects, deciphering codes, or even finding hidden items.

Benefits of Puzzle Hunts: Puzzle hunts are a great way to exercise your brain power, as they challenge your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They also encourage teamwork, as you and your friends must work together to solve the puzzles and complete the hunt. Plus, they're just plain fun!

So, next time you're looking for something to do with your friends, try a puzzle hunt! Whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor activity, puzzle hunts are sure to offer a unique and exciting experience. Just remember to bring your thinking cap, and get ready for an adventure!

Murder Mystery Party - Indoor

If you're a fan of escape rooms and solving puzzles, then you're in for a treat! Murder Mystery Parties are the perfect way to have fun with your friends, while also solving a mystery. These parties are typically held indoors, and require various clues, riddles, and puzzles to uncover the true killer. Here are some tips on how to host your own murder mystery party and make it a memorable experience:

• Choose a Theme: The first thing you need to decide is the theme of your murder mystery party. You could go for a classic whodunit, a spooky haunted house scenario, or a modern murder investigation. Choose a theme that your guests will find interesting.
• Assign Characters: Once you have chosen a theme, you need to assign characters to your guests. Each guest will need to play a unique character in the story and will need to dress up accordingly. Make sure you give each character a detailed backstory to help them get into character.
• Set the Scene: You will need to set the scene for your murder mystery party. This could involve decorating your home to fit the theme, or creating a specific atmosphere for your guests to immerse themselves in.
• Create Clues and Puzzles: The key to a successful murder mystery party is to create challenging clues and puzzles for your guests to solve. You can use codes, ciphers, and riddles to help your guests uncover the truth about the murder.
• Plan the Reveal: At the end of your party, you will need to reveal the true killer. This is where you need to carefully tie up all the loose ends and reveal the motive behind the murder.

Overall, a murder mystery party is a fun and exciting way to entertain your guests. It requires a lot of planning and preparation, but with the right theme, characters, and puzzles, you're sure to have a great time. So, gather your friends, put your thinking caps on, and get ready to solve a murder!

Trivia Night - Indoor

If you're looking for indoor activities to do with friends and family, trivia nights may be a great option for you. Trivia games are a fun way to test your knowledge, bond with others, and have a great time. Trivia nights have become a popular activity in recent years and there are many venues that now offer them. Here are some tips and tricks for you to host your own trivia night at home.

• Choose a theme. There are endless possibilities you can choose as a theme for your trivia night. You can choose a specific decade, like the 90s, a genre such as movies or music, or you can have a general knowledge trivia night. Choose something that interests you and your guests.
• Create your own questions. To make your trivia night unique, create your own questions or quiz. Start by researching the theme of your trivia night and come up with questions that pose a challenge but are not impossible to answer. You can also find questions online or use trivia books for help.
• Prepare the venue. Make sure you have a room that can accommodate all your participants and that is equipped with tables and chairs. Make sure you also have a space to display the questions and answers and have a way to keep score.
• Promote the event. Invite your guests by sending out invitations, making a social media post, or setting up an online event. Let your guests know the theme of the night as well as the rules and prizes.
• Get the snacks and drinks ready. Having a few snacks and drinks on hand can make the trivia night more enjoyable for your guests. You can serve light appetizers, desserts, or drinks like cocktails or beer.
• Decide on the prizes. Decide if you want to offer a prize or not. You can have a designated gift for the winner or work with a small budget and offer something funny or creative.

Trivia nights can be a fun indoor activity to do with friends and family. It's an opportunity to build on your knowledge while bonding with others. With just a little effort, you can create an exciting and memorable trivia night that everyone will enjoy.

Board Game Cafe - Indoor

When it comes to finding fun indoor activities, escape rooms are always a popular go-to for groups of friends and families. But have you ever considered visiting a board game cafe instead? These cafes offer a variety of tabletop games to play with your friends while enjoying a cozy atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why you should give a board game cafe a try:

Cater to all ages and skill levels: Unlike escape rooms, which can be intense and geared towards adults, board game cafes are designed to cater to all ages and skill levels. There are games that are simple to learn and suitable for children, as well as more complex games that will challenge even the most experienced gamers.

Great for groups: Whether you're planning a get-together with friends or a family outing, a board game cafe is a great place to spend quality time together. Most cafes offer a variety of games for groups of all sizes, and there's always something for everyone to enjoy.

Affordable: Board game cafes are usually more affordable than escape rooms, making them a great option for those looking for budget-friendly indoor activities. Most cafes charge a small fee to play the games, and you can usually stay for as long as you like.

A wide variety of games: Most board game cafes have an extensive selection of games to choose from. Whether you're into strategy games, word games, or party games, you're sure to find something you'll like. Plus, many cafes are happy to teach you how to play the games if you're new to them.

Great food and drink options: Board game cafes often serve food and drinks, making them a great place to hang out and relax with friends. Some cafes offer a full menu, while others focus on snacks and drinks. Either way, it's a fun way to spend an evening.

In conclusion, while escape rooms are still a great indoor activity, it's worth considering a board game cafe for your next get-together. They offer a laid-back, cozy atmosphere, a wide variety of games, and are affordable for all ages and skill levels. So why not gather your friends and family and head to your local board game cafe today? You're sure to have a great time!

Live Action Role Playing - Outdoor

Escape rooms have become popular entertainment for adventure seekers in recent years. They allow players to enjoy an immersive experience, solve puzzles, and work together to escape a challenge. However, have you ever considered taking your adventure quests to the great outdoors? If yes, you should try Live Action Role Playing (LARP) – Outdoor.

LARP is a type of game where players act out their characters and interact with other players in a fictional world. Players can be required to complete missions, solve quests, and tackle challenges to progress. The game can be set in a fantasy realm, historical time, or any other background that suits the participants. In the case of LARP-Outdoor, the game is played outside, making use of the natural landscape and environment around the players.

For those who are new to LARP-Outdoor, the exciting adventure allows players to enter a world where they can act out their wildest fantasies and feel like they're part of a live-action movie. It offers players a refreshing way to stay active, socialize, and experience the great outdoors all at once. The game can be organized by an external provider, or it can be created by the players themselves. Either way, the game requires elaborate props, costumes, and weapons to make it more realistic.

LARP-Outdoor is a thrilling way for adventure seekers to experience the great outdoors. It offers a unique blend of role-playing, action, and adrenaline-fuelled fun. Unlike escape rooms, which are indoors, LARP-Outdoor takes advantage of the natural environment to create an immersive experience. Using outdoor locations can add a new dimension to the game, bringing it to new heights of realism. This can include using natural objects like trees, rocks, and rivers to aid players in their battle against other players or characters within the game.

As LARP-Outdoor is an interactive game, players must use their critical thinking skills to complete missions and quests. This can range from puzzles to combat and survival skills. The game is an excellent way to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. It also provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and face new challenges.

In summary, if you're a fan of escape rooms or enjoy the great outdoors, LARP-Outdoor is a game you should consider. It provides a thrilling way to explore the natural landscapes, develop new skills, and escape into a fantasy world. It is a type of game that allows you to be creative, social, and adventurous all at the same time. So why not gather a group of your friends, create a world of your own, and embark on an epic LARP-Outdoor adventure together?

Museum Scavenger Hunt - Indoor

If you are looking for a unique and engaging activity indoors, a museum scavenger hunt might be just the thing for you. This activity is perfect for individuals or groups who love to solve puzzles, explore new places, and learn about history and art. Here are some tips on how to organize a museum scavenger hunt and make the most of your visit.

First, choose a museum that has a lot of exhibits or a particular theme that suits your interests. Some museums offer official scavenger hunts or self-guided tours that you can download or pick up at the front desk. If not, you can create your own clues and challenges that lead you to different objects or artworks in the museum.

Next, decide on the format of your scavenger hunt. You can have teams compete against each other to complete the tasks the fastest, or have everyone work together to solve a larger puzzle. You can also incorporate elements of role-playing, such as assigning each member a different persona or costume that matches the theme of the museum or exhibit.

Once you have your plans ready, it's time to hit the museum. Make sure everyone is clear on the rules and safety precautions, such as not touching the exhibits or running in the halls. You might want to bring pencils, paper, and a camera or smartphone to document your progress.

As you explore the museum, follow your clues and challenges to different rooms or areas. These might require you to answer trivia questions, find hidden objects, take photos with specific artworks, or solve riddles or puzzles. You can also include bonus challenges that involve interacting with other visitors or staff members, such as asking for recommendations or taking a group photo with a certain landmark.

Along the way, take the time to appreciate the museum's collection and history. Read the plaques and labels, look closely at the artwork, and discuss your impressions with your teammates. You might discover something new or gain a deeper appreciation for an artist or time period that you didn't know before.

When you have completed all the challenges, meet up with your teammates to compare notes and tally your scores. You can decide whether to declare a winner or celebrate your collective achievement. Either way, you will have had a fun and educational experience that you will remember for years to come.

Overall, a museum scavenger hunt is a great alternative to escape rooms or other indoor activities that challenge your mind and creativity. Whether you are a fan of history, art, or puzzles, a museum scavenger hunt can offer something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next museum adventure today!

Outdoor Adventure Challenge- Outdoor

If you're looking for an activity that will get your heart racing and your mind working, then an Outdoor Adventure Challenge might be just the thing for you. Similar to escape rooms, these challenges will test your problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities, but will take place in an outdoor setting, bringing a whole new level of excitement and adventure to the experience.

Here are some things to expect from an Outdoor Adventure Challenge:

• Physical challenges: Unlike escape rooms where the challenges are mostly mental, an Outdoor Adventure Challenge will require some physical activities, such as climbing, crawling, or hiking. These challenges will test your fitness level and physical abilities, but they won't be too extreme for beginner adventurers.
• Time limits: Just like in an escape room, there will be a time limit for completing the challenges. This will add an extra level of pressure and adrenaline to the experience, making it even more thrilling.
• Teamwork: An Outdoor Adventure Challenge is not a solo activity, so you'll need to work in a team to complete the challenges. This will require good communication, coordination, and collaboration, making it a great team-building exercise.
• Outdoor setting: The challenges will take place in an outdoor setting, usually in a natural environment such as a forest, a beach, or a mountain. This will add a sense of excitement and adventure, and will make the experience more immersive and memorable.
• Problem-solving: Just like in an escape room, the challenges will require you to use your problem-solving skills to find clues, solve riddles, and unlock hidden secrets. This will test your creativity, logic, and critical thinking abilities, and will provide a great mental workout.

Overall, an Outdoor Adventure Challenge is a great activity for anyone looking for an escape room-like experience with a twist. It's perfect for groups of friends, families, or coworkers, and will provide a fun and challenging adventure for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions