Puzzle rooms—also commonly called escape rooms and adventure rooms—have become a phenomenon in Austin, with nearly a dozen such businesses opening in recent years. Learn more about what choices are available in North Austin using this non-comprehensive guide. *Age restrictions may vary based on situation

11th Hour Escape11th Hour Escape

Critical thinking and communication are required to solve team-building challenges. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 2-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 2-8 p.m. Cost: $23/person • 2-10 people/group (age 10 and older) Reservations: online, same-day What makes us different: “11th Hour Escape offers a choice of difficulty levels: easy, medium and difficult for those who are expert escape-roomers.” News/announcements: Two new rooms, “Anti-Gravity” and “Submarine Scheme,” are currently in beta testing mode. 2600 McHale Court, Ste. 151 512-838-1601 • www.11thhourescape.com

15 Locks15 Locks

Technical elements, such as custom electronics and gadgets, are used to add depth to storylines. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 4-10 p.m., Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 2-10 p.m. Cost: $25/person • 2-14 people/group (age 10 and older*) Reservations: online, phone, same-day What makes us different?: “[We] incorporate things like surround sound, video characters and hint systems into all of our rooms.” News/announcements: A fourth, sci-fi-themed room is scheduled to open in the spring. 2113 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 4300 512-669-5370 • www.15locks.com

Mystery RoomMystery Room

Escape or solve the mystery at this family-friendly attraction made up of two types of themed rooms. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Cost: $18-$20/person • 2-10 people/group (age 14 and older*) Reservations: online, phone, same-day What makes us different?: “I feel like our rooms are much more simple, yet you can still have one of the best times here.” News/announcements: The other four Mystery Room locations are based in the eastern United States. The first opened in Atlanta. 3220 Feathergrass Court, Ste. 128 512-264-9229 • www.mysteryroom.com

PerplexiumPerplexium

Participants work as a team to solve an immersive, real-life puzzle challenge. Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Cost: $28/person, $230/10-person group • 2-10 people/group (age 13 and older) Reservations: online, phone, same-day What makes us different?: “All of our puzzles are designed to fit the scenario—no padlocks or combination locks. ... We also pride ourselves on our custom-built, high-tech room elements.” News/announcements: In addition to the “The Spy” room, “Rogue A.I.” opens in January. 8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 704 512-640-6330 • www.perplexiumlive.com

Puzzle Room AustinPuzzle Room Austin

Find clues and solve puzzles in two rooms: “Super Villain’s Hideout” and “Wizard School Exams.” Hours: Thu. 6-8 p.m., Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m. Cost: $20/person • 2-10 people/group (age 13 and older) Reservations: online, same-day What makes us different?: “Each game has a facilitator, which lowers the frustration level for new players.” News/announcements: A third puzzle room, “Wild West Riddle Round Up,” will open at the end of January. 111 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. E320 512-461-2332 • www.puzzleroomaustin.com

The Seventh RoomThe Seventh Room

Escape, choose your own adventure or solve real-life puzzles in this theatrical experience. Hours: Tue. 9 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-9 p.m. Cost: $22/person • 2-8 people/group (age 13 and older) Reservations: online What makes us different?: “Our players visit a number of different rooms in every visit and try to complete all given tasks within each.” News/announcements: The puzzle master can change missions at any time, enabling returning participants to take on new tasks each visit. 911 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 116 512-643-3945 • www.theseventhroom.com