Amateur sleuths and codebreakers can refine their detective skills at one of these family-friendly escape rooms in the Des Moines area. Getting locked inside a room with your kiddos to solve a murder mystery or foil a cyber-attack adds a fun twist to family time and can be a cool alternative to other indoor fun zones, like arcades and trampoline parks.
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Many escape rooms are suitable for children ages 8 and up, but some are geared toward older kids and teens. Be sure to check age minimums before booking. Themes vary from CIA agents to island escapes and murder mysteries, so be sure to check the venue’s website to find an age-appropriate experience for your child.
In most cases, your group has one hour to find clues hidden throughout the room to solve your mission. Hidden clues can be colors or numbers embedded in pictures or room decor; they can be in code or they can be locked away, requiring a riddle to solve. A game master monitors all the action on a video screen and can offer hints upon request. Most require reservations, so call ahead or book online.
Here’s where you can find an Escape Room in the Des Moines area:
Breakout Games – Urbandale
Breakout Games welcomes kids of all ages. However, kids under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. And anyone under 18 playing without a parent will need a waiver signed. We’ve made it out of the “Mystery Mansion” and “Island Escape” rooms as a family and lived to tell the stories! In all, six escape room experiences are offered.
Escape Chambers – Des Moines
Kids ages 10+ are welcome to try one of Escape Chamber’s nine escape rooms. A parent or guardian will need to accompany any child under the age of 18. Pretend you’re a secret agent as you attempt to take part in the final selection for a “Blacklist” division of the CIA in “The Recruit” or try one of their other intriguing options.
No Escape Iowa – Ames
Located in downtown Ames, No Escape Iowa offers five escape room options. “The Teacher’s Pet” room is a uniquely all-ages experience and very suitable for a kid’s birthday party. In addition to their escape rooms, they have other activities scattered about their facility to amuse and entertain including a puzzle room, workshops, and classes.
