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Why an Escape Room is the Ultimate Kids’ Birthday Party Experience

Posted on by Aalex Miller

Planning the perfect birthday party for your child can feel overwhelming. You want something fun, unique, and engaging – something that won’t just be another pizza and bowling or laser quest afternoon. That’s where escape room birthday parties come in. 

At Trapped in Fiction, we specialise in immersive, story-driven escape rooms that transport kids into magical worlds filled with puzzles, adventure, and excitement. If you’re looking for a birthday celebration that’s interactive, exciting, and will engage them for a solid 1 hour, here’s why our escape rooms are the perfect choice.

What Makes an Escape Room Party Special?

1. A Unique and Engaging Experience

Forget the usual party venues—escape rooms offer a completely immersive adventure. Instead of sitting and watching a show or running around a play area, kids become part of the story, solving puzzles, working as a team, and racing against the clock to complete their mission. 

At Trapped in Fiction, we offer two themed escape rooms designed for kids

  • Peter Pan – Travel to Neverland and help rescue the Lost Boys from Captain Hook!

  • The Forbidden Room of Fun – Solve puzzles inspired by classic childhood games and escape from the clutches of your fun-hating aunt and uncle!

Both experiences are designed for kids aged 6 and above, and recommended for ages 9/10 and above, with a beginner-friendly difficulty level available to ensure everyone has fun, no matter their experience level.

2. A Party for Small or Large Groups

One of the biggest challenges of birthday party planning is finding an activity that works for different group sizes. With our escape rooms, you can: 

  • Book a single room for a small, close-knit group of 6-8 players. With the potential to squeeze in 1 extra in each room.

  • Book both rooms simultaneously to accommodate up to 16 kids at once.

  • Plus get a 15% discount when you book both rooms together!

This flexibility makes Trapped in Fiction perfect for birthdays, whether you’re hosting a small celebration or a larger party. 

3. Stress-Free for Parents

We know parents want to make their child’s birthday special without spending weeks planning. That’s why an escape room party at Trapped in Fiction is a hassle-free option:

  • We handle the entertainment – Our games hosts will guide everyone through their adventure, ensuring they have an amazing time.

  • No mess, no cleanup – Unlike at-home parties, there’s no post-party disaster to deal with!

  • A waiting room for cake and celebrations – You’re welcome to bring a cake and decorations and use our waiting area for up to 30 minutes before or after the game to celebrate.

You don’t need to worry about organizing activities—just book, show up, and let us take care of the fun!

4. Encourages Teamwork and Problem-Solving

Escape rooms are more than just fun—they also help kids develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Instead of mindlessly playing on screens, kids are actively:

  • Solving puzzles

  • Using logic and creativity 

  • Working together

  • Boosting their confidence

They’ll leave the experience feeling accomplished, energized, and already talking about their next adventure! 

They’ll leave the experience feeling accomplished, energized, and already talking about their next adventure! 

How Does an Escape Room Birthday Party Work?

1️ Choose Your Escape Room

  • Pick between the Peter Pan and Forbidden Room of Fun experiences based on your child’s interests.

2️ Book Online

  • You can book directly through our website, and if you’re looking to book both rooms, contact us for availability.

3 Arrive On Time

  • Our games hosts will welcome your group, explain the rules, and set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

4️ Let the Fun Begin!

  • Kids have 60 minutes to work together, solve puzzles, and complete their mission before time runs out.

5️ Celebrate Afterwards

  • After escaping (or getting as far as they can!), we take a group photo with themed props, so you’ll have a keepsake of the day. You can also bring cake and snacks for a small post-game celebration in our waiting area.

How Does an Escape Room Birthday Party Work?

“We had so much fun at your escape room today. Took five 11-year-olds who all loved it! Going to go back again as a family—we enjoyed it that much! Highly recommend to anyone.” – Tasha

“Great kids’ party, amazingly welcoming staff. The young lady that assisted us on the day was great! 10/10.”

With five-star reviews from happy parents and kids alike, Trapped in Fiction is quickly becoming the go-to choice for unforgettable birthday parties in Basingstoke.

Book Your Child’s Escape Room Birthday Party Today!

Whether your child dreams of flying to Neverland or unlocking the Forbidden Room of Fun, an escape room party is the perfect way to create a birthday they’ll never forget. 

Ready to plan an epic birthday adventure?

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Escape Rooms for Team Building

Posted on by Aalex Miller

Escape rooms are not just about fun and games — they can be a useful tool to for team building, problem-solving, and improving communication among your colleagues. Not only that, but they are a great fun activity to do for a work event such as a Christmas party or a fun away day. At Trapped In Fiction, we have games which can fit up to 14 people at once, and can run back to back sessions to get all of your team in to enjoy our experiences.

So if you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to boost your team’s collaboration, booking an escape room experience could be just what you need. This guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right escape room for your corporate team building event, while offering expert advice on what to consider when planning your next corporate outing.

Why Choose an Escape Room for a work event?

Escape rooms provide an environment that challenges groups to think critically, communicate effectively, and work together to solve puzzles under pressure. As you work through the puzzles, your team will be able to improve a range of skills, such as:

  • Fun: The most important thing for a work event is that everyone enjoys themselves, and escape rooms are great at providing an environment where everyone can have a good time, and let their hair down.

  • Communication: Quick and clear communication is the key to solving puzzles. You will need to share ideas, and listen to each other to ensure everyone is on the same page.

  • Problem-Solving: Escape rooms have a range of challenging puzzles which need creative thinking, and so will test your team’s ability to come up with solutions under time constraints.

  • Time Management: Most escape rooms are timed, usually 60 mins to solve all the puzzles, making it necessary to stay organised and prioritise tasks to maximise efficiency.

Escape rooms also offer a break from the typical office environment, encouraging employees to work together in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most popular corporate team-building activities.

Step 1: Choose the Right Escape Room Theme

When booking an escape room for your team, choosing the right theme is important consideration. You want a theme that encourages collaboration, promotes creativity, and isn’t too intimidating for employees who may be new to escape rooms. Consider whether your team would thrive in an environment with a more playful, light-hearted atmosphere or if they would prefer something more challenging.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a theme:

  • Difficulty Level: If your team has a mix of experienced and first-time players, choose a room that’s not too difficult to avoid frustration. Some escape rooms offer difficulty levels for various experience levels, and Trapped In Fiction offers this option. – Storyline: The theme and storyline should be engaging but not too complex. A compelling narrative helps immerse the team and keeps them focused.

  • Team Size: Some escape rooms accommodate large groups while others are designed for smaller teams. Be sure to check the capacity before making your booking. At Trapped In Fiction we have of the largest capacities in the area, as we have a room which can take up to 8 people at once. Most escape rooms tend to have a limit of 6.

Step 2: Considering the Location

Location is key when booking an escape room. Ideally, it should be easily accessible for all your employees. Choose a venue that’s close to your office or a central location to make it convenient for everyone to attend. For example, Trapped in Fiction in Basingstoke offer team building experiences in a convenient location close the all the bars and restaurants in the town centre, perfect for local businesses.

You’ll also want to check parking availability or transportation options, as this will make it easier for your team to arrive. Many escape room venues outside of town centres offer dedicated parking, while those in town centres tend to be located near paid for car parks.

Step 3: Look for Corporate-Friendly Packages

Many escape rooms offer special corporate packages tailored to team-building groups. These may not be immediately clear from the website and contacting the escape rooms directly may unlock hidden offers. There may be discounted rates, event coordinators, and customizable experiences. For example, we at Trapped in Fiction offer bespoke timings to get all your group in one after another, and reduced prices on request for large groups.

When looking for a corporate-friendly package, here are a few things to consider:

  • Group Discounts: Many escape rooms offer discounts for large groups or corporate bookings. Be sure to inquire about group rates.

  • Team-Building Add-ons: Look for options like facilitators or icebreaker activities to enhance the experience. Some venues offer debriefing sessions, where a facilitator helps the team discuss communication styles, leadership, and problem-solving strategies that came up during the game.

Step 4: Check Reviews and Testimonials

Before committing to an escape room for your corporate event, it’s a good idea to check out online reviews and testimonials. Websites like Google Reviews or TripAdvisor can provide valuable information from past corporate teams to help you make your decision.

At Trapped in Fiction, for example, we are known for our immersive and unique experiences, with reviews highlighting our creative puzzle design and engaging themes.

Step 5: Plan Ahead and Book Early

Escape rooms can get busy, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays. To ensure your preferred date and time, it’s best to book in advance. Most escape rooms have online booking systems, making it easy to get your preferred spot. If you have extra needs its a good idea to contact the venue directly to discuss these and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Step 6: Focus on Team Debrief and Takeaways

The fun doesn’t end when the last puzzle is solved. One of the most valuable parts of a corporate escape room experience is talking about it afterwards. We would suggest going for a drink or dinner afterwards to chat about the game, and we are happy to talk to you after your session too. Talking about your experience helps reinforce the team-building lessons learned and is a fun way to share how you completed tasks.

Step 7: Follow Up With a Fun Celebration

After the excitement of the escape room, why not go to a local bar or restaurant to continue the fun. We are happy to recommend local places if needed. Its a great opportunity to bond further and celebrate your team’s success (if you manage to escape in time!).

Final Thoughts

Booking an escape room for your next corporate team-building event is a great way to engage your team, improve communication, and boost morale. By choosing the right theme, looking for corporate-friendly packages, and reading reviews from past customers, you’ll ensure that your event is a success.

Remember, Trapped in Fiction offers immersive, narrative-driven experiences perfect for team building events. With unique rooms and a choice of difficulty options, it’s a great choice for teams looking to improve communication, problem-solving, and teamwork in a fun and challenging environment.

Contact Us to start planning your next team-building experience today!

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Top 5 Escape Rooms for Children’s Parties in the UK

Posted on by Aalex Miller

Escape rooms are becoming more and more popular for children’s parties. They offer immersive experiences that combine fun, education, and teamwork, and should keep the whole party entertained for a solid hour. Here is the top five escape rooms in the UK suitable for children’s parties.

1. Trapped in Fiction – Basingstoke

Trapped in Fiction offers two unique story-driven escape rooms, that immerse you in fun adventures based on fictional stories. Both the Forbidden Room of Fun and Peter Pan escape rooms are designed to suit children starting at the age of 6+, making them perfect for family and birthday celebrations. The puzzles are designed to be engaging, and provide fun while getting you to use your head.

They have one of the largest capcities in the area, as their Forbidden Room of Fun game can take up to 8 people at once. Whereas most escape rooms tend to have a limit of 6.

The Forbidden Room of Fun – This game is full of childhood games such as shooting Nerf guns, Jenga, and Monopoly, and offers a mix of physical and mental puzzles.
Peter Pan – Go on a magical journey from the Darling children’s bedroom to Neverland, and help rescue the Lost Boys from Captain Hook.

If you’re looking for a unique engaging experience with a lot of excitement, then Trapped In Fiction is the perfect choice for your child’s birthday activity.

Website: (http://www.trappedinfiction.com)

2. ClueQuest – London

ClueQuest has a number of spy-themed escape rooms which are both fun and engaging. You will go on missions like PLAN52 and Operation BlackSheep and they have some fun character based storylines to offer something a bit different to the average escape room. With rooms that allow kids to feel like secret agents, ClueQuest provides an action-packed experience suitable for children’s parties.

Website: (https://cluequest.co.uk)

3. Escape London – London

Escape London offers a large number of escape rooms, and recommend 3 of their escape rooms specifically for children in mind. The themes of the 3 rooms are Escape the Seven Seas, Witchcraft & Wizardry, and Taken 2. And they also provide trained Game Masters to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. With rooms designed to captivate young minds, Escape London is a great choice for children’s parties.

Website: (https://www.escape-london.co.uk/escape-rooms-kids)

4. Enigma Quests – London

Enigma Quests offers immersive escape rooms with themes like The Heist, Magic School, and Submarine Infiltration. These rooms are designed for teens and pre-teens, providing engaging puzzles and multi-room layouts. The experiences are built on captivating stories, offering an incredible adventure for children’s parties.

Website: (https://enigmaquests.london/escape-rooms/for-teenagers)

5. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience – London

Based on the TV programme which was recently revised, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience offers thrilling team-based challenges across 4 themed zones, Futuristic, Aztec, Industrial, and Medieval. Suitable for children aged 13 and up, it provides an exciting and memorable experience for children’s parties.

Website: (https://www.thecrystalmaze.com)

Booking and Availability

It’s advisable to visit the websites provided to check current availability, booking options, and any age-specific recommendations or restrictions for each escape room. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure a smooth experience for your children’s party

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The Story of Trapped In Fiction

Posted on by admin_trappedinfiction

Hello! I’m the creator of Trapped in Fiction Escape Rooms, Alex Miller.

Many years ago I tried by first escape room and I got the bug. A couple of years later I decided I wanted to create my own. I came up with the concept for an escape room in which people become characters within a novel and they follow the path of the story solving puzzles along the way to advance.

I started looking for a venue but struggled to find anywhere. While looking for a venue I got my hair cut in Burghfield Barbers and ended up creating an award winning escape room in the back of a barber shop, Escape The Chop.

After creating a success with Escape The Chop, I turned towards reviving my dream of a fictional story based escape room, and started searching for a venue again.

The town of Basingstoke in Hampshire was the place which was landed upon, and the 1st Floor above Northwood’s estate agent was the unlikely destination.

The process of becoming one of the Basingstoke Escape Rooms had begun. The process of designing and building the first escape room was next.

The Forbidden Room Of Fun was based on nostalgia for all the games that I had played when I was a child, and that the main aim of my escape room would be that the players have fun!

To create an escape room with more than one room is a staple of escape rooms, so to contrast the room that would hold all the fun games, a room that was based around a dull living room with no fun was the starting point.

The story emerged naturally that children would be locked in the living room and want to gain access to the second room to have fun!

The puzzles in the first room were then based around the hobbies of the children’s captors, and the puzzles in the second room were based on childhood games.

The design process was quite quick and I can’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil any of the puzzles. But then the long process of building the room began. And after 4 months of hard work, the escape room was finally ready to open!

To have a go for yourself book now!

About

Trapped in Fiction is a 5 star escape room in Basingstoke. Designed to challenge and excite all ages, perfect for families, groups, couples and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

FAQs

Opening Hours

  • Monday - Sunday       9:30 am – 9:00 pm

Get in touch

Contact Us

Or call us:

07772 986 678

Call us: 07772 986 678

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37a Winchester Street,

Basingstoke,

Hampshire,

RG21 7EF

Contact Us
FAQs

Call us: 07772 986 678

37a Winchester Street,

Basingstoke,

Hampshire,

RG21 7EF

Facebook-f Instagram

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