Can You Bring a Baby to an Escape Room?

The escape room experience has become a wildly popular activity, known for testing participants' problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to think under pressure. These games are generally designed for older audiences, with puzzles that cater to adult minds.  However, the game's design does not necessarily mean that children cannot be included. 

At Breakout Games, we welcome parents to bring their infants to their escape room experience. But it's also important for parents to consider whether the game's design will be beneficial for them and their children. In this post, we'll help you decide whether or not to bring your baby along to your next escape room adventure. 

Before we jump into the do's and don'ts, it's essential to understand the escape room dynamic. Traditionally, escape rooms are recommended for people aged 10 and over, mainly due to the complexity of the puzzles and the suspenseful nature of the games. With that being said, an infant in the room changes the game considerably but not in a way that's necessarily prohibitive.

If you're a new parent and the idea of an escape room piques your interest, here are some things to consider:

Choosing the Right Room: Selecting the escape room is crucial. Look for rooms with themes that could engage the older members of your party but aren't too scary or intense for a baby. The goal is a room where the puzzles can be solved even with the periodic demands of an infant. 

Safety and Comfort: Check if the room provides a safe space for the child, free from any potential hazards. The presence of a game master who can provide clues without entering the room can also be reassuring for parents.

Flexibility Is Key: Opt for escape rooms where a baby's feeding or changing schedule can be accommodated. Family-centric spaces are often more understanding and willing to work around your needs.

Temperament Check: Be honest about your baby's temperament. If they are loud criers or fussy during unfamiliar activities, it might be better to wait until they're a bit older. No one wants to be the cause of derailing someone else's experience.

If you decide to take your baby with you, here are some considerations that can enhance your experience.

Inclusivity: Game masters are typically understanding of family groups. Arriving prepared with a baby carrier or sling can make it easier to incorporate your little one without them getting in the way of the game.

Team Effort: Escape rooms are all about teamwork, a principle that extends to family groups. If everyone is willing to pitch in and tend to the baby when needed, the experience will be a lot more seamless and fun. 

Preparation is the key to success, especially when you bring a baby into the mix:

Baby's Gear: Don't forget the essentials – diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets, and pacifiers. Also, remember to have some familiar toys or comforting items for the baby that can help keep them content.

Timing Is Everything: Plan your escape room visit around the baby's schedule. Try to choose a time when your child is likely to be in a good mood and less prone to meltdowns, which could disrupt the game. Or choose a time when they'll likely be asleep. We've had plenty of groups where babies sleep through the whole game. 

So, can you bring a baby to an escape room? The short answer is yes, but the level of enjoyment and practicality will depend on your baby's behavior, the room's design, and the flexibility of the establishment. It's a unique experience that might just be the escape your family needs from the ordinary routine.

Before you rush to book a room, call ahead and ask questions to make sure the escape room is a good fit for your family. With a little research and preparation, even the newest member of your family can partake in the excitement of escaping ordinary – because isn’t that the very thrill we seek in escape rooms, anyway?

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