With a passion for puzzles, Laura Creekmore and Nate Woods created pop-up Escape Moab games in their backyard for friends and family.
They were often asked to design more games, so they acquired a business license and began hosting escape rooms at the Helipad, Club Rio and the Grand County Public Library.
A year later the business partners have moved into a permanent space at 90 W. Center St., for which they have created a new escape game based on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Escape Moab is currently undergoing a “soft opening” at its new place.
“This game is exciting. We’ve been working on it for over a year,” Creekmore said. “Each person has a character to play. Imagine a live-action video game where you’re playing with others. You’re interacting with others in the room solving clues and puzzles to escape the room.”
The games are timed. There is always an unlocked door and participants are free to leave at any time.
Creekmore and Woods created an escape game for the general public last year at the library based on author Phillip Pullman’s “Dark Materials” trilogy series. The event drew 80 participants.
“The library said it was the biggest turnout they’d had for a weekend event,” Creekmore said. “Our whole premise is to create alternative activities (to extreme sports). This can be indoors, and it’s for all abilities. It’s very family-friendly; it’s interactive for all ages.”
Ron Thomas, 46, has played three different Escape Moab games. The first time was with his co-workers.
“We had a great time,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. It’s really interesting.”
He has since played the games with his wife Annie, their four children and his in-laws.
“My 16-year-old daughter and her friends have had a really great time playing the escape game,” Thomas said.
After his younger daughters, 11 and 12, return home from a trip, he said he plans to bring the whole gang to play Escape Moab’s new game “The Quest for Camelot.”
The game is designed for six players, Creekmore said.
“My daughters are really into reading and puzzles, so they’re really able to contribute,” Thomas said.
Escape Moab is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Game times start at 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m. Players under age 18 must have an adult signature to play. Players younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must book a private event.
Solve clues and puzzles at Escape Moab
“Our whole premise is to create alternative activities (to extreme sports). This can be indoors, and it’s for all abilities. It’s very family-friendly, it’s interactive for all ages.”
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 90 W. Center St.
Cost: $29 plus tax per person; or $169 for a private room for up to eight players
Info: Call 435-259-GAME, visit www.escapemoab.com or email info@escapemoab.com
