When my husband said he wanted to go to Mindtrix Escape Rooms for his birthday, with our kids, I took a deep breath and faked enthusiasm for the idea. Internally, I was thinking the experience would be like a video game, but worse (I unfortunately don’t enjoy video games), because we would literally be letting strangers lock us in a room. For fun.
Spoiler alert: I had more fun than anyone.
If you are an escape room skeptic, get ready to be converted. Here are all the ways the experience surprised me, for the better:
We were definitely not locked in the room. At Mindtrix and other family-friendly escape experiences, participants solve clues that open doors to more rooms, which feels much less claustrophobic than what I was imagining.
The clues are so fun to solve. I’m the only non-gamer in my family of four. I don’t like timers, I don’t like pressure, and I’d much rather read a book or solve a crossword. To my surprise and delight, my mom-powered finding skills were a huge asset in solving puzzles. All those years of knowing the exact location of all my family’s belongings finally paid off.
The kids were able to contribute. If your kid is old enough to enjoy the Harry Potter books, they’re old enough to enjoy the escape rooms at Mindtrix. Every room has something tricky enough to require an adult, and easy enough for a child to discover, though they are designed with teens and adults in mind. Our teen and tween solved as many of the puzzles as we did, but if your kids are too young to solve, they could be the ones who get to unlock, open, press buttons, etc. Younger children could also choose your team name.
Nothing is scary. At Mindtrix, the goal is to “challenge your mind, not your phobias.” I hate to be frightened, so this was a relief.
You can always employ deus ex machina. Completely stuck and need a hint? You can literally ask for help and in true god-like fashion, the room fills with the voice of Mike, the owner, directing you to the next clue (or, in our case, replacing a recently discovered key, because a child misplaced it and could not find it).
The team is incredibly flexible. The staff members at Mindtrix are dedicated to making the escape experience perfect for each guest. Sensory issues? They can turn down the music. Can’t stand for an hour? They provide a small chair on wheels. Will your kids be scared of the goblin in the School of Magic room? They’ll turn it off. Seriously, just ask for what you need.
Portland-Area Escape Rooms
An escape room experience is a splurge for sure, perfect for birthdays or special events. Ask about weekday or second attempt discounts, and always be sure to double-check age recommendations, as they are subject to change as new puzzles and features are added to the rooms.
Mindtrix Escape
We spent my husband’s birthday in Mindtrix’s “School of Magic” room, and recently we were invited back to try “Tesla’s Mystery,” for PDX Parent. We loved both! Most kids will probably like the wizarding room best, but our children couldn’t choose a favorite. Cost is $35 per person, and Mindtrix is located in Clackamas Town Center. There’s a children’s play area right outside in the mall corridor, if you need a place to keep toddlers occupied while older children escape.
Portland Escape Rooms
One of our writers had a spectacular time at Portland Escape Rooms, located in Portland and Beaverton. They offer rooms for ages 8 or 10 and up, including “Genie’s Lamp,” “Steampunk Airship,” the “Arcade” (with working games!), and “Snakebite Saloon.” My family tried the “Candy Cane Conundrum” room at the Portland location, and it was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. (Spoiler alert, if you solve enough puzzles you unlock a SLIDE!) You may ask for as many hints as you need, and you’re never locked in. There are slightly scarier rooms available, if your older teens like to be spooked. Prices vary depending on the size of your party (Saturdays require a 4-person minimum), starting at $33.33/person, with $20 discounts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You’ll probably pay around $40/person.
Escape Games PDX
At Escape Games PDX, there are six rooms to choose from. We are very interested in saving Santa in their Christmas-themed room, or fleeing the landlord when rent is due in the “Portlandia” room. Prices are $40-$45/player. Children ages 8+ are considered playing members of a team. In their FAQ section, they enthusiastically welcome children, and this spot is next on our list to try.
Escapism Portland
Escapism Portland also has a wizard themed room, for those who can’t get enough magic. This experience also does not include jump-scares, though the themed environments may have a creepy feel. There’s an exception: Malice Manor is their haunted room, and it is meant to be scary. They recommend ages 10+ for the most fun. The prices vary, but are about $45 per person. They have multiple locations, in southwest, northwest and northeast Portland.
NW Escape Experience
Located in Vancouver, NW Escape Experience’s “Jurassic Tours” room is perfect for young paleontologists! They offer three PG-rated rooms: “Jurassic Tours,” “Atomic Cafe,” and “Operation: DB Cooper.” Cost is around $40 per person.
Stumptown Escape Games
This escape room in Tigard features rooms with local themes: “The Pirates of Fanno Creek,” and “The Oregon Files,” among others. They have a firm age minimum of 12 years. Everything in the rooms is 3D printed on site, and their puzzles have even stumped Intel employees! The rooms are priced at $38.99 per person, with a minimum of two people required.
Hour to Midnight Room Escape Games
Hour to Midnight is located in Northeast Portland, and it features four rooms, including . Age recommendations are listed for each game, from 11+ to 13+. You will be locked in these escape rooms, but there is an emergency exit button that will unlock the door. Prices start at about $40 per person. Costumes encouraged!
Escapely
Looking for an escape experience that’s outdoors? In the Downtown Portland version of Escapely, you receive a clue box (with QR codes to scan) and begin your adventure near Central Library. There’s no time limit, and you may use as many hints as you like. This is a fun way to explore the city with family members of all ages. The price of an Escapely box is $49.99, making it the most affordable escape experience on our list.
The Shaky Grounds Cafe Escape Room
This escape room is located in a trailer, but don’t let that fool you! It’s the tiny-house version of your favorite escape experiences. The trailer can come to you if you’re feeling spendy, or you can play at any of their pop-up events, including their home base at Oaks Amusement Park. The game is recommended for ages 10+, and the cost is usually $52/person.
In Search of an Exit
The rooms at In Search of an Exit are considered PG experiences, and the games are set in the 1980s. This Northeast Portland venue has two games, “Lombino’s Casino,” and “Operation Gryaznayvoda” in the basement. The cost is $40/person.
Glowing Greens’s Mental Trap Escape Room is for ages 16+, so it didn’t make our list, but if you have older teens, check it out!
Find even more family-friendly things to do in Portland right here.
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