How about an Escape Room for a First Date?
Locked in a room with someone you just met? Sounds risky. But maybe kind of genius...
An escape room may sound like a bold choice of activity for a first date, but they say love, like fortune, favours the bold!
It turns out the excitement and pressure of an escape room offers an unbeatably brilliant way to break the ice, create a memorable shared experience, and even test compatibility with a prospective partner.
Trust us, it beats attempting tepid small talk over the clichéd cup of coffee. Here’s why…
Why Escape Rooms Make for a Perfect First Date
Instant Bonding
There’s something about sharing an intense, adrenaline-inducing experience that’s proven to fast-track the bonding process, even with someone you’ve just met!
Escape rooms throw you in at the deep-end, break the ice fast! They’re fun, slightly stressful situations in which you have to work together. That sense of “us vs. the room” sparks a quick connection by releasing a combination of dopamine, serotonin and even oxytocin – all important brain chemicals for attraction and bonding. Think of it like relationship rocket fuel!
No Awkward Silences
Nothing kills a new relationship’s chances faster than the dreaded awkward silence. Worried about running out of things to say? There’s little danger of that in an escape room as there’s always something weird, puzzling, or hilarious to discuss. From clues to codes to what may or may not be about to emerge through that spooky door…
See Their True Personality
While a typical date might reveal how they like their latte, escape rooms reveal far deeper traits... They can reveal patience, creativity, communication skills, and how your date handles themselves under pressure.
Do they listen well? (a good sign!) Do they support your weird theories? (could be good or bad to be honest!) Or do they dominate and try to solve everything solo like a rogue detective with an attitude problem?
Escape rooms offer a quick sneak peek into what the future relationship may have in store. Oh, and if you’re worried that your date may be receiving all the same insights about you... just be yourself??
Unique & Memorable
A trip to Costa or Nando’s is hardly going to earn a place in the “greatest dates ever” hall of fame. Being trapped in the basement study of a 19th Century Anatomist, or uncovering a lost fortune of Edinburgh’s favourite villain, however, now that’s sure to stick in the memory!
You’ll score points for the originality of your venue choice. And whether it turns out to be a one-time thing, or the start of happily-ever-after, you’re sure to leave with a great story to tell.
Plus, you can always go to Nando’s afterwards…
First Date Escape Room Tips
Hopefully we’ve managed to convince you that escape rooms are a great choice for a first date. To give you both the best chance of “escaping” the single life for good, here are a few tips to consider when planning your next escape room date….
Prep Lightly
Be sure to mention the plan ahead of time, don’t spring an escape room on them as a surprise. Not everyone wants to be Sherlock Holmes in heels so a little heads-up keeps it chill and considerate. Plus if it’s their first escape room, they may want to read up on what to expect in advance.
Teamwork Over Ego
This isn’t a competition or a game show and the only “prize” here is the prospect of a second date. So, resist the urge to continuously show off your genius code-breaking abilities. Value your date’s ideas and focus on working well together as a team. After all, everyone prefers cooperation to domination… am I right??
Debrief Afterward
Don’t just wave goodbye amidst that post-escape room high. Grab a drink and chat about the room afterwards. What stumped you, what was fun, and who saved the day? It’s a natural, low-pressure way to extend the date and with all that shared experience to relive, the conversation is sure to flow!
What if We Fail?
With any luck, you and your new-found companion will escape into the sunset, but it’s possible that you won’t and that’s fine too!
Not escaping doesn’t say anything about your relationship’s longer-term prospects, and so long as you both had fun then you’ve already won! In fact, failing the room can give you both a reason to laugh, help you bond over the shared confusion, and best of all, it’s the perfect excuse for a second date!
Ready to try an escape room as a date?
If you’re looking for a date idea that’s fun, memorable, and actually tells you something about the other person, an escape room might be just the thing.
At Escape the Past, all of our rooms are suitable for couples and we pitch our difficulty level so as to provide a moderate level of challenge - perfect for making first impressions and lasting memories.
Book your escape room first date today. Just remember: there’s no pressure to impress, just collaborate, laugh, and enjoy the ride!
