Outdoor Escape Room in Chicago – Fulton Market

Thinking about adding a little adventure to your Chicago trip? This outdoor escape room tucked into Fulton Market might just be what you’re after. Not your typical tourist experience, it combines puzzle-solving, city exploration, and a dash of mystery—all in one neat package. Whether you’re a puzzle fanatic or just want a fresh way to see the city, this tour offers a different perspective on Chicago’s trendy neighborhood.

What we really like about this experience is how it turns the city into your game board, letting you explore neighborhoods you might not wander into on your own. Plus, the flexibility of the puzzle difficulty and the fact that you only need one ticket for up to 6 people makes it a budget-friendly, social outing. On the flip side, it’s worth mentioning that the experience does involve some walking and puzzle solving, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy being active and mentally engaged. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a more traditional sightseeing tour, it’s probably not the best fit. But for anyone wanting a mix of adventure and urban exploration, this could be a highlight.

Key Points

• Interactive urban experience that combines a scavenger hunt, escape room, and city exploration.
• Flexible difficulty levels allow you to choose hints or go full detective.
• Unique discovery of Fulton Market, including murals, landmarks, and local shops.
• Two-hour duration makes it an engaging but manageable activity.
• Booking in advance offers the option of mail-delivered kits, with last-minute bookings available for pickup.
• Private group experience for up to 6 people, making it perfect for friends or small families.

What You Can Expect from the Outdoor Escape Room

This experience is designed as a clue-solving adventure around Fulton Market. Think of it as a hybrid between a scavenger hunt, an escape room, and an urban walk. Instead of being confined indoors, you’re out in the city, following a storyline that involves investigating a mysterious murder with six suspects. The idea is to gather clues, eliminate suspects, and piece together motives, all while discovering the vibrant neighborhood.

You only need to purchase one ticket for your group, which can be up to six people. That makes it economical and also sets the scene for some good teamwork. The game is set up with a physical box and clues hidden throughout Fulton Market, with the entire experience managed via an app. After finding each clue, you enter solutions into your phone to determine your next move—think of it as a game with a real-world twist.

The journey begins on North Morgan Street & West Lake Street, where you’ll kick off the investigation. As you follow clues, you’ll explore murals, statues, landmarks, and even some local shops and bars, which adds a fun, neighborhood vibe. The clues can be anywhere—so get ready for some walking and sharp eyes. The game wraps up back at your starting point, making it a convenient activity that doesn’t require transportation to or from a different location.

The Puzzles and Storyline

The core of this adventure is solving a murder mystery, which adds a layer of intrigue and purpose to your explorations. It’s a straightforward storyline that guides your clues, but it’s also flexible enough that you can choose how much to rely on hints. According to reviews, the difficulty level is adjustable, meaning you can opt to be challenged or keep it light.

One reviewer mentioned that exploring parts of Chicago they wouldn’t have otherwise visited was a highlight: “It was fun to explore a part of Chicago we may not have ever thought to go to.” This underlines how the game encourages you to look beyond typical tourist spots and engage with the neighborhood’s murals and statues, which can be quite Instagram-worthy.

From the reviews, it seems the experience is quite immersive for a city-based game. You’ll be searching for clues in real-world locations, solving puzzles, and entering answers into your phone. This blend of physical activity and mental challenge makes it a good option for those who enjoy problem-solving and discovery.

Practical Details: What It’s Like

The tour lasts about two hours, which is perfect for a casual afternoon activity or a fun way to break up a day of sightseeing. The exact start point is easy to find, and the activity ends right back at the same spot, avoiding the hassle of arranging transportation afterward.

Booking is straightforward—most people book about 13 days in advance, which is pretty typical for popular urban experiences. If you plan ahead, you’ll also have the option of receiving your kit by mail; last-minute bookers will need to pick up on the day, but the exact pickup spot will be sent after booking. This flexibility is convenient and shows that the company is trying to make the experience accessible for different schedules.

The price is $75 per group, which is quite reasonable considering it can accommodate up to six people. Spread across friends or family, that’s a pretty good deal for two hours of interactive entertainment. Plus, the private nature of the tour means you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers—ideal for friends, couples, or small groups.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating is stellar—5 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews, with 96% of participants recommending it. Reviewers appreciate how it encourages exploration of parts of Chicago they wouldn’t normally visit. For example, a reviewer noted, “The experience also brings you into different shops and bars,” hinting that the activity can lead to some spontaneous discoveries.

However, one reviewer pointed out a potential downside: “It has you open the box and start the mystery on an intersection,” which suggests that some of the stops may involve minor detours or open areas. Also, while the activity is mostly suitable for most travelers, it involves walking and puzzle-solving, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues or those who prefer seated or less active pursuits.

The difficulty level seems adaptable, and hints are available, making it accessible for casual puzzlers or more serious detectives. The reviews highlight the fun of exploring the neighborhood and the satisfaction of cracking the case as some of the best parts of the experience.

Suitability and Recommendations

This outdoor escape room is well-suited for small groups, friends, couples, or even small families who enjoy a bit of mystery and adventure. It’s perfect if you want to see Fulton Market in a different light and enjoy some active exploration. If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that some clues and locations might be more suitable for older children or teens, as the experience involves some walking and puzzle-solving.

It’s also a good pick for those who want a flexible, private activity that isn’t a traditional tour. Since it involves some detective work, it’s best for curious minds and those comfortable with a bit of walking and puzzle-solving, rather than someone expecting a passive sightseeing experience.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, this outdoor escape room offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and city discovery. It’s perfect for groups who want to do something different and enjoy a bit of a challenge, all while uncovering local murals, landmarks, and hidden spots. The two-hour duration makes it manageable and engaging, without taking up the entire day.

The flexible difficulty, private group setup, and option for mail delivery add to its appeal. It’s a great alternative to typical sightseeing tours, especially for those who enjoy solving mysteries or simply want a more active way to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.

While it’s not designed specifically for children or those less comfortable with walking, most travelers looking for an adventure that combines urban exploration with problem-solving will find this a worthwhile choice. If you’re craving a different perspective on Chicago and love a good mystery, this outdoor escape room could be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Since the activity involves puzzles, clues, and some walking, it’s generally better suited for older kids or teens who can enjoy the problem-solving aspect. It’s not explicitly family-focused, but small, curious groups can still have fun.

How long does the tour last?
Plan on about two hours for the entire activity, depending on how quickly you solve puzzles and how much time you spend exploring.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, if you book less than a week in advance, you’ll need to pick up your kit at the start point on the day of your adventure.

What does the price include?
For $75 per group, you get a physical kit with clues, access to the app to enter solutions, and a guided storyline. It’s designed for private groups of up to six people.

Is it easy to find the starting point?
Yes, the meeting point is at North Morgan Street & West Lake Street, which is accessible and near public transportation.

Are hints available during the game?
Yes, the difficulty level is adjustable, and you can choose to receive hints if you’re stuck.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring your phone charged to enter solutions and receive hints. Arrive ready for some light urban exploration.

Is there a refund if I cancel?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so plan accordingly.

If you’re looking to add a little mystery and adventure to your Chicago trip, this outdoor escape room in Fulton Market offers a fun, engaging way to explore the city’s vibrant arts scene and hidden corners. Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just want an active, memorable outing, it’s worth considering.