Thinking about adding a bit of adventure to your trip to Dunkirk? The Escape Game Magic Team offers a unique outdoor experience that combines puzzle-solving, city exploration, and a dash of mystery. While it’s not your typical walk-through attraction, it might be exactly what you’re looking for if you enjoy interactive challenges and want to see Dunkirk from a different angle.
What really stands out is the flexibility—you can play on the day and time that suits you without prior booking, making it easy to slot into a busy itinerary. Plus, the game’s design includes digital features like photos and videos that get saved directly to your phone, giving you a nice souvenir of your adventure. However, some reviews point out that the puzzles may not be for everyone and that the game might feel disconnected from the authentic city vibe.
This experience could be a hit if you’re traveling with a group that enjoys puzzles, outdoor activities, or just a fun challenge with friends or family. It’s especially appealing if you’re after something flexible, interactive, and different from traditional sightseeing. Just keep in mind that it’s more of a scavenger hunt meets puzzle game than a deep dive into Dunkirk’s history or scenery.
This experience made our article of Discover 4 Great Tours In Dunkirk.
Key Points
- Flexible scheduling: Play whenever you want on the day of your trip, no prior reservation needed.
- Digital integration: Photos and videos are saved to your smartphone for easy sharing.
- Time-sensitive challenge: You have 2 hours to solve puzzles and gather clues before the game ends.
- City exploration: Starts at Place Jean Bart, encouraging you to discover parts of Dunkirk while searching for clues.
- Group size: Designed for groups of up to 6 people, making it suitable for friends, families, or small teams.
- Mixed reviews: While some find it fun, others feel the puzzles don’t connect well to Dunkirk or are too challenging or easy for children.
The Experience Breakdown
The Concept and Setup
This outdoor escape game is designed as a quest to save Dunkirk from an evil spell cast by a condemned man who controls access to a secret underground passage. The storyline is simple but engaging: it’s up to your team to break the spell by retrieving four code words from various families scattered around the city’s historic center. Each code unlocks clues that lead to the final goal: locating the underground platform before it’s gone forever in two hours.
Starting Point and End
You meet at Place Jean Bart, right in the heart of Dunkirk—an ideal central spot that lets you start exploring immediately. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, so it’s straightforward to plan your day around it.
How It Works
Once you download the free app, you receive a unique game code for your group. This code guides you through the city, prompting you to visit different “families” on your phone. These characters will give you puzzles or clues, and you’ll need to connect the dots to find the secret platform.
The Puzzle Element
You’ll solve puzzles that are designed to be suitable for a family outing but may not always hit the mark for everyone. One reviewer mentioned that the puzzles felt “null, incomprehensible,” and not really related to Dunkirk, which can be a disappointment if you’re expecting a more city-centric game. Others, however, appreciated the challenge and the fun of hunting clues around the city streets.
Pace and Duration
The game is timed—two hours to be exact. It creates a sense of urgency, making it a lively activity that keeps everyone engaged. But remember, the platform will be inaccessible after that window, so it’s a race against the clock.
What’s Included and Not
You get the app, instructions, and a game scenario. Your smartphone is essential since the game runs through your device, but you won’t have a physical guide. Note that good mobile reception (3G/4G/5G) is needed for smooth gameplay. The price is $83.07 per group of up to 6, which, when split, makes it a reasonable deal for a fun two-hour activity.
Reviews Insights
The main critique from one traveler was that the game “has nothing to do with the city of Dunkirk,” with streets that felt uninteresting and puzzles that didn’t seem connected to the city’s actual features. They also found the puzzle difficulty mismatched for children and families. In contrast, some groups might enjoy the challenge, especially if they’re into puzzle hunts and outdoor exploration.
Planning more time in Dunkirk? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you love interactive outdoor activities, this escape game can be a fun way to see parts of Dunkirk while solving riddles with friends or family. It’s flexible, not overly expensive, and gives a sense of adventure. But don’t expect a deep historical tour or city guide—this is primarily a puzzle adventure with some city sightseeing thrown in.
The lack of a physical guide means you’ll need your phone and a reliable network connection. The game’s challenge level varies, so it might be frustrating if puzzles feel disconnected or too complex. Also, because it’s a timed game, you’re racing against the clock, which could add some thrill or stress, depending on your group.
In short, if you’re after a casual, flexible activity that blends exploration with puzzle-solving, this can be a neat addition. But if you’re seeking an educational or city-focused experience, you might want to look elsewhere.
Who Should Consider This?
This activity is best suited for small groups looking for a quick, lively challenge. It works well for friends, couples, or small families who enjoy puzzles and outdoor exploration. If you’re traveling with younger kids, be prepared—they might find some puzzles too tricky or not relevant to the city’s scenery.
Travelers who appreciate digital experiences and don’t mind relying on their smartphones will find this straightforward. However, if you prefer guided tours with a physical guide or a more city-centric story, this might not satisfy those needs.
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
The puzzles are designed to be family-friendly, but some reviews mention that puzzles might be too complicated or not suitable for children. It depends on your kids’ ages and puzzle-solving patience.
Do I need a reservation in advance?
No, you can play on the same day without prior reservation, which is part of the appeal for spontaneous planning.
What’s the price per group?
It costs about $83.07 for up to six people, making it quite affordable for a group activity split among friends or family.
Is there a physical guide or staff involved?
No, there’s no physical guide or staff. The activity is self-guided, using the app and your smartphone.
How long does the game last?
The game is approximately 2 hours. It’s timed, so you’ll need to be mindful of the clock.
Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at Place Jean Bart and ends back at the same location, making logistics simple.
What about network connectivity?
A stable 3G, 4G, or 5G connection is necessary for the app to work smoothly. Poor reception could hinder your progress.
Is this activity accessible for people with service animals or those near public transportation?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the starting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
Escape Game Magic Team in Dunkirk
“Escape game that has nothing to do with the city of Dunkirk… Apart from us walking down uninteresting streets… The puzzles are null, incomprehe…”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a fun, flexible activity that combines scavenger hunt elements with puzzle-solving and city exploration, this outdoor escape game in Dunkirk can be a good pick. It offers a different way to experience the city beyond traditional sightseeing, especially if you enjoy interactive challenges that keep you moving.
However, keep your expectations in check—some puzzles may not connect deeply with the city’s history or scenery, and the game’s success depends heavily on mobile reception and puzzle compatibility with your group’s preferences. It’s a playful, casual activity best suited for groups looking for a bit of adventure without the fuss of reservations or guided tours.
All in all, this activity can add a layer of fun and challenge to your Dunkirk visit, especially if you’re flexible and open to a digital scavenger hunt that’s more about the experience than historical immersion.


