My kids could hardly wait to visit the amazing Tick Tock Escape Games right here in Johnson County, Kansas. Tick Tock is conveniently located 1 mile west of the Overland Park Convention Center on College Blvd. Tick Tock was custom-made by Roger and Robin Wagy, a Kansas City area couple, who designed each of the interactive individual clues in the games.
If you have never experienced a live escape game, the concept is simple: gather clues, solve puzzles, and open locks to "escape" a themed-room in sixty minutes or less. Tick Tock currently has two different themed games. Beasley’s Billions is a search for clues at the home of a billionaire for the reading of his will where the team is vying for a stake of his fortune. Pyramid Paradox features a mystery deep in the Egyptian pyramids where traditionally only archeologists unlock secrets to ancient tombs in a hidden world.
We chose the Pyramid Paradox.
The first thing we noticed upon entering the room was the authentic decor. It set the mood perfectly.
It took us a while to get in the mindset of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and deciphering codes. I think we pressed the white button on the wall and asked for a hint pretty quickly. But once we got going, the game moved pretty quickly. Of course as a mom there is always the fear that the kids will start fighting over who gets to push buttons, hold stuff, etc. Besides for the pure difficulty of the puzzles, this is another point to consider when deciding who should be in your group. You will need to use your parenting judgment on bringing kids younger than 12. My 13 and 11 year old kids are now smarter than me and I would have still been trapped in the room if it wasn't for them LOL.
So What Sets Tick Tock Escape Games Apart from Other Live Games?
* The level of technology was amazing. There is unique computer engineering integrated into the puzzles, clues, and tests for a fun twist. I don't want to give anything away but lasers, voice recordings, music, lights, smoke...it was all so cool! There is also some classic humor intertwined that adults will appreciate.
It took us a while to get in the mindset of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and deciphering codes. I think we pressed the white button on the wall and asked for a hint pretty quickly. But once we got going, the game moved pretty quickly. Of course as a mom there is always the fear that the kids will start fighting over who gets to push buttons, hold stuff, etc. Besides for the pure difficulty of the puzzles, this is another point to consider when deciding who should be in your group. You will need to use your parenting judgment on bringing kids younger than 12. My 13 and 11 year old kids are now smarter than me and I would have still been trapped in the room if it wasn't for them LOL.
So What Sets Tick Tock Escape Games Apart from Other Live Games?
* The level of technology was amazing. There is unique computer engineering integrated into the puzzles, clues, and tests for a fun twist. I don't want to give anything away but lasers, voice recordings, music, lights, smoke...it was all so cool! There is also some classic humor intertwined that adults will appreciate.
* You can leave the room. We have played other games where opening the door voids the game. I find this very unsettling for kids. Tick Tock allows you to leave the room for a restroom or water fountain emergency, but your game clock still runs. I doubt we would ever need to leave the room, but it definitely provides peace of mind for parents.
* There is pen and paper. Yes, trying to remember combination lock numbers and clues in your head while your teammates are talking to you is hard! We definitely took advantage of jotting notes and numbers down. There was even calculators to help with sequencing and pattern puzzles.
* You get three free hints and can ask for more. I don't think there is any possible way to solve an escape room without some clues. Tick Tock has a customer-friendly system. Press the hint button on the wall and a hint appears on the monitor. We definitely took advantage of asking for all three hints. Additional hints will cost you time off your clock.
* There is pen and paper. Yes, trying to remember combination lock numbers and clues in your head while your teammates are talking to you is hard! We definitely took advantage of jotting notes and numbers down. There was even calculators to help with sequencing and pattern puzzles.
* You get three free hints and can ask for more. I don't think there is any possible way to solve an escape room without some clues. Tick Tock has a customer-friendly system. Press the hint button on the wall and a hint appears on the monitor. We definitely took advantage of asking for all three hints. Additional hints will cost you time off your clock.
* You can play past 60 minutes. If you don't "escape" in 60 minutes your group can leave the timer running and continue the game. My kids really liked this. We have played other escape games and lost. It is fine. Losing is part of it and the games are supposed to be challenging, typically with success rates around 25-35%. I must say, just playing the game is enough entertainment but solving the mystery brings even more joy to everyone's face!
* You can compete against another team. The locally-owned company’s escape rooms offer customers the opportunity to race against the clock AND race against another team in an identical room next door if they want. We did not choose this option but can imagine how fun it would be to compete against another family.
Two thumbs up! Our family had a blast. Unanimous vote by all four of us. Because of our visit, all MacKid readers can get 10% for a limited time. Use code "MKID" when you book. To schedule a room, visit www.ticktockescapegames.com or call 913-396- 9144.
* You can compete against another team. The locally-owned company’s escape rooms offer customers the opportunity to race against the clock AND race against another team in an identical room next door if they want. We did not choose this option but can imagine how fun it would be to compete against another family.
Two thumbs up! Our family had a blast. Unanimous vote by all four of us. Because of our visit, all MacKid readers can get 10% for a limited time. Use code "MKID" when you book. To schedule a room, visit www.ticktockescapegames.com or call 913-396- 9144.
Tick Tock Escape Games is located just east of College and Metcalf at 6398 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS, 66211.
Disclaimer: We were provided with complimentary tickets to play at Tick Tock Escape Games. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
Disclaimer: We were provided with complimentary tickets to play at Tick Tock Escape Games. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
