Gotta Try It: Crack the Code Escape Room in Tinley Park

Escape the ordinary, and try something new at Crack the Code in Tinley Park. 

Posh waiting area.
Photo Courtesy:
Crack the Code

Escape Rooms are a hot craze right now. They are popping up everywhere. Escape rooms are great for families (or friends) looking for new and exciting ways to spend time together. (For other family fun ideas, check out my article in Chicago Parent.) Emmy has been BEGGING to Escape! So we finally gave one a try. . .

There are several escape rooms in the Chicagoland area. We chose Crack the Code in Tinley Park. Don’t let the spa-like atmosphere fool you. Your brain will get a full workout. It’s only been open about a month, but owner and escape room enthusiast, Laura Reis, has two intriguing, imaginative and one-of-a-kind escape rooms designed to keep you guessing: Garden of Chaos (mythical garden) and Trapped (elevator theme). A third room is currently in development and will open in a few months.

For our outing, we opted for the Garden. But Trapped sounds interesting too. In Trapped you are, well, "trapped" in an elevator high up on the 96th floor. Players race the clock to open the elevator doors before all four wires snap. The room has a lighted control panel and sound effects to add to the experience. Don't worry if you are claustrophobic. The room looks like an elevator but is much roomier inside.

Our Escape

Emmy loves mythology, so the Garden was her escape of choice. The Garden of Chaos is a seemingly tranquil garden. Beware! It is under a curse by Eris, the goddess of chaos.To escape, we had 60 minutes to lift the curse and restore the balance of nature. As we walked into the room we were immersed in a mystic realm, surrounded by vines, flowers, and trees. Soft, soothing, nature sounds (birds singing and crickets chirping) filled the room. The dim lighting gave the feel of twilight. We worked together to solve a variety of puzzles, riddles, brain teasers and scavenger hunts. That’s all I can really say as I don’t want to spoil the challenge. We did “escape” the room with time to spare. But I must admit, it was quite tricky.

What to expect

Great location on Oak Park Avenue
in Tinley Park.
Photo courtesy: Crack the Code

Being our first time in an escape room, we were not sure what to expect. Laura, our Game Master,  explained everything. A Game Master helps players throughout the 60-minute challenge. Crack the Code prides itself on attentiveness, so each room has one dedicated game master watching over the escape. Laura answered questions, helped us get started and was the keeper of the coveted clues. (You get three free clues, so use them wisely.) Your Game Master can see and hear everything going on in the room through a security system. Don't be surprised if you hear a strange voice in the room. That's just your game master, probably offering some advice or guidance.

Before you enter the room, players store their belongings in lockers (you are strongly discouraged from bringing devices, purses, etc. into the room). Everything you need to escape is in the room. Each room even has a writing station so you can keep notes. Next, you watch two short videos. The first explains the rules. The second describes the room and the story. Each group receives a walkie-talkie, which is a direct line to your Game Master. You are then escorted into the room; the door is closed, and the clock starts. You have 60 minutes to “escape”.

NOTE: For safety, you are not really “locked” into the room. You can walk out anytime you want.

Newbie Tips:

• Make a reservation. Walk-ins are accepted, but not encouraged. Scheduling in advance guarantees your group will play together. It also lets you pick a date and time that's convenient for you.
• Check the number of players. Each room can accommodate a specific number of players. If you have less or more than the maximum, you may be playing with people you don’t know. Making new friends is always a plus, right? If you do want the room all to your self, you can book private sessions too. Ask about pricing and room capacity.
• Reading aids. The dim lighting in the garden made it a little difficult for me to read some of the clues. If you are far-sighted (like me) small words in dark lighting are indecipherable. If your group doesn’t have at least one pair of healthy eyes, ask your game master if they have accommodations for far-sighted folks. Luckily, Emmy and Evie have excellent eyes, so they did all the reading.
• Travel light. You are not allowed to bring purses, smartphones, etc. into the room. Small, free lockers are available, but it may be easier to just leave bulky belongings at home. Everything you need to escape is inside the rooms. 
• Call in clues. Don’t be afraid to use your clues or ask questions if something is unclear. Laura was extremely helpful!

We are planning to get Trapped (the elevator room) sometime soon. Crack the Code is available for parties, and private events too. Contact Laura for details.

Open Wednesday  - Sunday and by appointment / www.crackthecodeinc.com / 17208 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park Illinois / 708-860-6930