The hottest new way to escape the cold-weather blues
Parents, if the thought of an impending Chicago winter—with kids going stir-crazy for months—makes you want to cry into your hot cocoa, we’ve got some news that might brighten your day: There’s a new indoor adventure in town that’s ideal for families and groups of friends.
Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room is opening its doors this month in our exclusive space in Northbrook Court Mall. Oh, and did we mention it’s the only escape room in the Chicago area specifically designed for kids?
More and more people have tried out escape rooms as their popularity has surged in the U.S. in the past five years. But most games are created for adult or teen players. They often involve tasks that could frustrate or confuse the average 7-year-old, and some children might dislike the suggestion that they are “locked” in a room (which some escape rooms claim in order to create suspense).
Kid-friendly challenges
Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room challenges are designed specifically for children, and there are no locked doors. An adult does need to be present during the game. The experience is designed to be ideal for ages 5-10 years, although all ages are welcome! Check out our FAQ for details about how different ages can enjoy the escape room.
Once kids are in the room, it’s about fun, teamwork and creative thinking—the kind of collaborative problem-solving skills we promote in all Noggin Builders programs. Players work together in a group of up to 10 to solve brain-teasing challenges within 30 minutes, using cool science concepts along the way.
For example, in Chapter 1: The Lab, they’ll help the absentminded Professor Quarkenstein, who has carefully created a formula but now must reverse its effects, in his quest to achieve his goal.
Kids will also have the chance to earn collectible pins when they play, including special pins for solving the complete room, having super speed, or finding one of the hidden secrets.. When a new game is introduced, there will be a new set of pins to match the challenge.
Although Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room is new, the concept isn’t new to Noggin Builders. We’ve designed and run many escape room activities over the years in our classes, summer camps and special events. Not only do kids have a blast, but they practice the art of figuring things out themselves. That’s a core skill needed to develop into successful teens and adults.
How to get in the door
You’ll need a reservation to visit Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room, which you can book online.
If your group is smaller than eight people, you might play with other participants, although the room can also be reserved for private groups or parties. Email or call us to ask about private events.
The cost is $16 per participant (and yes, adults participate). The minimum number of participants in a game is four—so if you have fewer than four, and only your group signs up for that game, you’ll pay for the minimum of four slots.
The room opens November 23 and will run games every weekend—Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. Additional hours may be available for private parties.
You’ll find Noggin Builders Escape Room behind Northbrook Play, on the second floor of Northbrook Court Mall, between AMC Theatre and the glass elevator.
We can’t wait to see you there!
