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Escape Room (DIY)

💰 £80-£200 ⏱ 1 Evening 📊 Advanced

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What is it?

Hosting a DIY escape room is a fun and challenging fundraising event where you create puzzles and clues for participants to solve within a set time. It's perfect for teens because it combines creativity, teamwork, and entertainment, making it appealing to friends, family, and community members. Plus, it’s a unique way to raise funds for your adventure trip while having a great time.

Why does it work?

Escape rooms tap into people's love for puzzles, competition, and immersive experiences, encouraging them to pay an entry fee for a memorable challenge. The social and interactive nature motivates groups to participate together, increasing ticket sales and word-of-mouth promotion. Also, hosting it for an evening keeps costs low while maximising attendance.

What you'll need

  • A suitable room or space to host the escape room (e.g., living room, community centre room)
  • Printed puzzles, clues, and props (locks, envelopes, code sheets)
  • Basic craft supplies (paper, pens, scissors, tape, glue)
  • Timing device (stopwatch, phone timer)
  • Entry fee collection method (cash float or online payment setup)
  • Helpers or volunteers to guide participants and reset the room
  • Decorations to create atmosphere (optional but recommended)

Step-by-step plan

1
Choose a theme for your escape room that suits your audience (e.g., detective mystery, adventure quest, haunted house). Keep it simple but engaging.
2
Design 5-7 puzzles or challenges that participants must solve in sequence to 'escape.' Use a mix of word puzzles, riddles, physical tasks, and hidden clues.
3
Gather and prepare all materials and props needed for the puzzles. Print clues, prepare locks if using, and set up the room layout to match your theme.
4
Set an entry fee, typically between £5-£10 per person or £15-£25 per group, to cover costs and raise funds. Promote group bookings for friends and families.
5
Recruit 1-2 helpers to run the event night. They will explain the rules, start and time each group, provide hints if needed, and reset the room between groups.
6
Advertise your escape room locally and online (see advertising section). Book groups in advance to manage your schedule efficiently.
7
On the event night, welcome participants, explain the rules clearly, time their attempts, and encourage friendly competition. Collect payments and keep the atmosphere fun and engaging.
8
After the event, thank everyone, share your fundraising goals, and invite feedback. Count your takings and celebrate your success!

How to advertise it

  • Create eye-catching posters and put them up in local shops, libraries, and community centres.
  • Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat to invite friends and local groups.
  • Ask your school or youth club to share the event in newsletters or on noticeboards.
  • Set up an event on Facebook or Eventbrite to manage bookings and spread the word.
  • Tell family, friends, and neighbours personally and encourage them to bring others.

Realistic earnings

Most teens hosting a DIY escape room can expect to raise between £80 and £200 in one evening, depending on the size of their audience and how well they promote the event.

Top tips

✅ Test-run your escape room with a few friends before the event to spot any confusing clues or timing issues.
✅ Keep puzzles varied and not too difficult to maintain momentum and fun.
✅ Offer small prizes or certificates for the fastest teams to boost excitement and word-of-mouth.
✅ Make sure to clearly explain the rules and time limits to avoid frustration.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Making puzzles too hard or too easy, which can discourage participants or make the game boring.
⚠️ Underestimating the time needed to reset the room between groups, causing delays.
⚠️ Not promoting the event enough in advance, resulting in low attendance.
💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising

Buy your craft supplies and props through easyfundraising partners like Amazon or Hobbycraft to earn free cashback for your fundraising pot while preparing your escape room.

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