Organizing an escape game for a birthday party is an original idea that promises unforgettable moments. This type of game, which combines mystery, problem-solving, and teamwork, is becoming increasingly popular with families and event planners. However, to ensure the success of this activity and provide a memorable experience for all participants, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them to make your escape game birthday party a unique event.
1. Not Considering the Age of the Participants
One of the most frequent mistakes when organizing an escape game for a birthday party is not adapting the puzzles and storyline to the children’s age. If the puzzles are too complex, younger children may feel frustrated and lose interest quickly. Conversely, if the challenges are too simple, older kids might get bored.
Tip: Choose an escape game that suits the age range of the guests. If you’re designing the escape game yourself, offer diverse puzzles and adjust the difficulty level according to the group. The goal is to maintain a balance so that all participants have fun while being challenged.
2. Misjudging the Group Size
Another common pitfall is misjudging the size of the group. If the team is too large, some children may feel left out. They might not get the chance to participate fully in the game, which can reduce the overall engagement and excitement.
Tip: Limit the team size to a maximum of 5-6 children. If there are more guests, you can create multiple teams and run simultaneous or consecutive sessions. This ensures that everyone fully enjoys the experience.
3. Not Having a Clear and Structured Storyline
An escape game without a well-defined storyline can quickly become confusing for the participants. If the flow is not smooth or if the instructions are too vague, the children can become lost and disoriented.
Tip: Prepare a clear and structured storyline with a specific goal from the start of the game. You can choose a theme that captivates the children, such as a treasure hunt, a police investigation, or a magical adventure. A compelling story will engage participants in the game’s universe from the very beginning.
4. Underestimating the Importance of Timing
Timing is a crucial element when organizing an escape game. If the game is too short, the children may be left wanting more, while if it’s too long, they could lose interest. Additionally, it’s essential to manage the overall timing of the party to ensure other activities aren’t cut short.
Tip: Plan a game that lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, which is the ideal timeframe to maintain children’s attention without them becoming bored. Also, ensure you have backup activities for those who finish the game earlier than expected.
5. Forgetting the Rewards
While solving puzzles and successfully escaping the game is rewarding in itself, children love receiving prizes, especially at a birthday party. Forgetting to prepare a small surprise to mark the end of the game can leave the guests feeling less festive.
Tip: Plan small gifts or souvenirs for each participant. This could be a participation certificate, treats, or small toys. The idea is to thank each child for participating and to extend the festive atmosphere of the day.
6. Overlooking Safety
With the excitement of the game, it’s easy to focus only on the fun aspect and overlook important safety details. This might include unsecured objects or cluttered spaces where children could injure themselves while running or handling game props.
Tip: Before the game begins, ensure the space is safe for children. Avoid using fragile or potentially dangerous objects. Check that the children can move freely and safely around the room.
Organizing an escape game for a birthday party can be a fantastic experience, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes to ensure the event runs smoothly. By adapting the puzzles to the participants’ age, planning a well-structured activity, and prioritizing safety, you’ll ensure the children have an unforgettable time. A well-organized escape game is not only fun, but it also creates shared memories between friends, making the birthday even more special.
Written by Lucie
