Ever sat through a horror or thriller film and found yourself wondering whether you could do better than the characters in said movie? Let’s look at two of the most popular options to test your adrenaline—escape rooms and haunted houses. We’ll also share some tips for first-time adventurers.
Explaining Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are time-limited (60 minutes in most cases) challenges where you must work as a team to achieve a stated objective. Movie-like game room design and special effects set up the game atmosphere, while clues hidden behind puzzles and mini-games add a spirit of thrill and challenge to the experience.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features that make escape rooms stand out as prime options for adventure lovers and mystery enthusiasts:
- Thematic Diversity: Escape room themes vary from ancient Egyptian (think tombs and mummies) to steampunk (airships and cog-filled control panels), and contemporary (think bank heists). Whatever your preferred genre, you can find an escape room based on it.
- Interactive Elements: Components like touch-screen puzzles, physical locks, and hidden compartments make escape adventures engaging. They deepen the immersion, as the game environment seems to “react” to your moves, helping the storyline unfold.
- Live Actors: Some escape rooms include live actors as real-life characters in the game. They engage directly with players, creating unpredictable scenarios that add depth to the storyline. This can introduce new challenges, clues, and plot twists, making the experience more immersive and dynamic.
Taking an example from Toms River
Check out this escape room Toms River has, and note the diversity of themes from Egyptian tombs to futuristic space missions. They weave through different time periods – from ancient Egyptian to the Prohibition era and contemporary times.
The Allure of Haunted Houses
A haunted house is similar to an escape room in that it’s a simulated real-life adventure. However, its very name limits the theme and setting somewhat (for example, you wouldn’t have a fun-themed “Alice in Wonderland” experience in a haunted house). Plus, the main attraction of haunted houses is fear—The escape room challenge of clues and puzzles takes a back seat.
Key Features
Key features that add the “wow” factor to haunted houses are:
- Jump Scares: Sudden, unexpected frights that make your heart race and keep you on edge.
- Creepy Ambiance: Dark, eerie settings with unsettling background noises to heighten the tension.
- Animatronics: Lifelike, robotic creatures that move and scream, adding to the terror.
- Maze-like Layouts: Confusing paths that disorient you and increase the sense of dread.
A haunted house in NYC
Explore any haunted house NYC offers for unforgettable frights with intense special effects and lifelike sets. Experience spine-tingling scenes and interactive scares enhanced by skilled actors. They are a great option for an evening out with friends or for team-building with coworkers.
Tips for First-Time Adventurers
Here are some simple tips to make your debut escape room or haunted house adventure great:
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- Dress Comfortably: Wear casual clothes with closed-toe shoes to move and reach out freely and safely.
- Book in Advance: Escape rooms and haunted houses are growing increasingly popular. Fail to book early and you could be met with a “sold out” notice on your preferred date.
- Depend on your Team: Don’t hold back from depending on your team. Ask them for help and/or support if you feel afraid.
- Ask the Host for Help: Both escape rooms and haunted houses typically have a game host (called “game master” and “scaracter” respectively) who will help you out.
- Make use of available light: Here’s a truly pro tip – Make the best possible use of any available light. It’ll make navigating the experience a little easier.
FAQ
How safe are escape rooms and haunted houses?
Both escape rooms and haunted houses prioritize safety with rigorous protocols and measures. This includes emergency exit arrangements, staff monitoring you throughout the experience and following other government safety measures.
What is the best time to visit these attractions?
If you prefer to avoid crowds, visit during off-peak hours. Try and avoid weekends and evenings.
Can children participate in escape rooms and haunted houses?
Many escape rooms are child and family-friendly. Some even adapt their games for children on request (removing unsuitable decor and special effects, for example). Check their website for options.
On the other hand, haunted houses have to really lean into the scare factor (as they don’t include puzzles and mini-games to create a sense of challenge). So, most haunted houses aren’t all that suitable for younger children.
Start Your Adventure
Dive into the thrilling world of escape rooms and haunted houses for an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek puzzles or scares, these attractions promise excitement and adventure at every turn.
