Are escape rooms a good idea for
10 year old birthday parties?
That's a great question — and one that's worth thinking through carefully. While our escape rooms at Escape Rooms Wellington, can sound exciting for 10-year-olds, there are several reasons they often aren't the best choice for a large group of 10 year olds. Here's a breakdown of the main issues:
Difficulty and Frustration
- •Most escape rooms are designed for adults or teens — with puzzles based on logic, math, language, or abstract reasoning that can go over a 10-year-old's head.
- •Kids may quickly get frustrated or lose interest if they can't contribute meaningfully.
- •Instead of feeling smart and excited, they can end up feeling left out.
Fear Factor
- •Even "family-friendly" rooms can have dim lighting, eerie sound effects, or time pressure that some children find scary.
- •Themes like kidnappings, haunted houses, or apocalyptic scenarios are common in escape rooms — not ideal for sensitive kids or a fun birthday vibe.
Attention Span and Energy
- •Our escape rooms last 60 minutes, requiring sustained focus and teamwork.
- •Ten-year-olds often have shorter attention spans and prefer more physical or fast-paced activities.
- •Once the novelty wears off, some may start goofing around — which can disrupt the experience for everyone.
Cost vs. Engagement
- •It's expensive for a group of kids who may not fully engage or even complete the room without adult help.
Supervision Requirements
- •You probably need one adult per 2/3 kids aged under 12 to try and keep the kids engaged in the game all the way to the end..
- •That means you need extra adults — which changes the "kids' party" dynamic.
Limited Freedom and Interaction
- •Kids like to move, talk, run, and play — escape rooms are structured, time-pressured, and confined.
- •There's less opportunity for spontaneous fun, snacks, or birthday-style celebration during the session.
Sometimes it's better to say no
- •Remember young kids always want to do what the older kids are getting to do. Sometimes it is better to say no.
- •Suggest bringing the kids who really want to do this on an escape room with the rest of the family, rather than with their 10 year old friends. Then they can get to participate in an escape room adventure without them having to solve all of the puzzles.
Alternatives That Work Better
If you like the idea of a puzzle or adventure theme, you could try:
- •DIY escape-style games at home — shorter, easier, and custom-made for kids.
- •Treasure hunts or clue trails around a park or house.
- •Puzzle-themed party with stations for riddles, locks, and crafts.
About Escape Rooms Wellington
Escape Rooms Wellington was established in 2021 with a vision to provide exhilarating escape room adventures in the heart of Wellington City Centre. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences that challenge the mind and foster teamwork. We pride ourselves on our core values: Customer Satisfaction, Teamwork, and Innovation. These principles guide us in delivering exceptional entertainment for friends, families, and corporate groups alike. Join us for an adventure that promises excitement and collaboration, making every visit a memorable one.