When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Great Escape
Why The Great Escape is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Great Escape, located in Queensbury, New York, is a renowned amusement and water park that offers an ideal setting for friends and family to gather and create lasting memories. Established originally as Storytown USA in 1954, it has evolved into a destination featuring seven roller coasters, including the historic wooden coaster, The Comet, celebrated as one of North America's finest. Visitors can enjoy diverse themed areas such as the Ghost Town, making the experience exciting and varied. The adjoining Hurricane Harbor water park adds another layer of fun, providing a refreshing escape during warmer months. Its proximity to the Adirondack Mountains adds scenic beauty and an inviting atmosphere for social meetups, making it perfect for seasonal events like Spring Fest. The park's Adirondack-themed lodge with indoor water park and family activities across the street provides a convenient, immersive environment to extend stays and socialize beyond the park experience. With a 4.5 rating from 35 reviews, The Great Escape stands out as a vibrant and well-loved destination that combines thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and natural charm, making it an exceptional spot for gatherings.
Here's what people think of The Great Escape
As of recent, The Great Escape holds a 4.5-star rating based on 35 reviews.
Users widely appreciate The Great Escape for its exhilarating rides, clean facilities, and friendly staff. Positive reviews often highlight the thrilling roller coasters like The Comet and Steamin' Demon, and the variety of attractions suitable for all ages, making it an inclusive and enjoyable environment for groups of friends. Many guests commend the park’s immersive themed areas and the combination of amusement and water parks, providing diverse entertainment options that keep visitors engaged. The on-site Adirondack-themed lodge also receives praise for convenient accommodations that allow for extended stays and group activities. However, some negative reviews mention occasional long lines during peak times and higher food prices inside the park, which can impact the overall experience. A few visitors have noted that some attractions may feel dated compared to newer parks. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, emphasizing the park’s family-friendly vibe, the thrilling roller coaster experiences, and the scenic, relaxed ambiance that make The Great Escape a popular destination to meet up with friends. Overall, the favorable mix of adventurous rides and comfortable amenities continues to attract returning visitors and group outings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Darrin Pachman
Cigars, coffee and games in one place...yes! The cigar selection is small but nice, they are more of a convenience selection, but nice. It's a cute place very nicely done and a comfortable to chill. Everyone was nice.
Melissa Matos
This is a very nice relaxed cigar bar/gameroom. BYOB and smoking. It's still fairly new and has had some technical difficulties. But they are working thew then and I would totally go back. Just be patient.
Christina Sanders
Very casual and great vibes along with smiling faces....good coffee and amusement of many choices along with The Only Sweep3 gaming that is sure to keep you coming back
Grace
Very good costumer service
Jennifer Powell
Doesn't have the wheel go off for the community spin it didn't go off the whole time I was there. I was there for several hours and didn't go off.
Darrin Pachman
Cigars, coffee and games in one place...yes! The cigar selection is small but nice, they are more of a convenience selection, but nice. It's a cute place very nicely done and a comfortable to chill. Everyone was nice.
Melissa Matos
This is a very nice relaxed cigar bar/gameroom. BYOB and smoking. It's still fairly new and has had some technical difficulties. But they are working thew then and I would totally go back. Just be patient.
Christina Sanders
Very casual and great vibes along with smiling faces....good coffee and amusement of many choices along with The Only Sweep3 gaming that is sure to keep you coming back
Grace
Very good costumer service
Jennifer Powell
Doesn't have the wheel go off for the community spin it didn't go off the whole time I was there. I was there for several hours and didn't go off.
How to reach The Great Escape
None
Website: None
Why rally at The Great Escape with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Great Escape offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, teamwork, and pure fun in a unique setting. The Great Escape is not just a venue; it is the birthplace of the immersive escape room craze, launched back in 2015 as a family venture that revolutionized real-life puzzle-solving games. When you enter The Great Escape, you and your friends are transported into a fully immersive immersive world where your collective wit, creativity, and communication skills will be tested. The thrill comes from being locked in a themed room, tasked with cracking clever codes, uncovering clues, and solving engaging puzzles within a set time frame—typically 60 to 120 minutes. This shared challenge naturally fosters camaraderie and laughter, making it ideal for reconnecting or creating new memories. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a dynamic outing, the excitement and mental workout offered here create a perfect backdrop for bonding. The carefully designed puzzles ensure that everyone’s role is meaningful, keeping all participants actively engaged throughout the experience, which is essential for group dynamics and enjoyment. Simply put, The Great Escape is an exhilarating and refreshing way to enjoy quality time with friends and family.
What activities are available at The Great Escape?
The core attraction at The Great Escape is its varied and meticulously designed escape rooms, each offering a distinct theme and challenge level. Groups enter a themed room where they work collaboratively to solve a series of challenges, riddles, and puzzles using lateral thinking and teamwork to "escape" before time runs out. These rooms use innovative three-dimensional clues and immersive audiovisual elements to create a compelling environment that feels like stepping into another reality. Beyond the puzzles, many rooms are designed to keep larger groups entertained simultaneously, ensuring no participant is left idle—a crucial feature for group meetups. The Great Escape also continually develops new rooms and themes to keep experiences fresh and to accommodate a wide range of interests and skill levels. Besides the main escape rooms, some locations affiliated with The Great Escape brand (such as The Great Escape Lakeside) offer additional activities like board game-inspired mysteries, theater experiences, and even outdoor adventures including canoeing and kayaking, enriching the overall outing. These diverse options provide groups with flexibility—whether your team seeks intense problem-solving, casual fun, or a mix of both. This variety makes The Great Escape adaptable for different group sizes, interests, and event types, including birthday parties, corporate team-building, or family get-togethers.
Why is The Great Escape perfect for a group meetup?
The Great Escape’s thoughtful design prioritizes the group experience, making it a prime destination for hosting meetups with friends or family. Firstly, each escape room employs puzzles that require collaboration, communication, and shared problem-solving, naturally drawing people together and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can contribute. The sizing of the rooms and challenges are optimized for larger parties, which means groups as large as a dozen or more can be accommodated without anyone feeling left out or bored. Additionally, the venue's environment is designed specifically to encourage team bonding through fun—a mix of suspense, excitement, and humor keeps the mood lively and positive. The Great Escape’s location in downtown Akron offers easy access and parking options, enhancing convenience for group arrivals. Furthermore, the venue is versatile enough to host a variety of occasions—from casual outings and birthday celebrations to corporate events—thanks to the flexibility in scheduling and room themes. The family-owned nature of the business is reflected in their genuine commitment to customer enjoyment, exemplified by attentive staff and continuous improvements in puzzles and experiences. For groups who value a blend of mental challenge and shared entertainment in a safe, welcoming environment, The Great Escape is an ideal choice.
What kind of puzzles and themes can you expect inside The Great Escape?
Inside The Great Escape, expect a clever collection of puzzles that combine visual, auditory, and tactile clues with narrative depth to keep participants on their toes. The puzzles often include deciphering codes, searching for hidden objects, manipulating mechanical devices, and recognizing patterns, all of which demand varying types of thinking—from creative lateral approaches to logical deduction. The thematic elements are well developed; each room tells a story or sets a particular mood that enhances immersion. Past themes have ranged from mystery-solving akin to a live board game, to adventure quests demanding teamwork under pressure, all embedded with layers of hidden clues and interactive elements. The design team’s emphasis on creating three-dimensional, multi-sensory environments means that clues don’t just lie on paper but may be hidden behind movable walls, under objects, or revealed only through teamwork and communication. This readiness to innovate and update rooms means repeat visits remain exciting and challenging. Moreover, the puzzles are structured so that different skills can come into play, ensuring a fair share of involvement from all participants. This variety not only sustains engagement but also cultivates a shared sense of accomplishment when the team ultimately escapes the room.
How does The Great Escape support team-building and social interaction?
The collaborative nature of the escape room challenges at The Great Escape inherently supports team-building by encouraging participants to pool their skills and communicate effectively. Each puzzle requires input from multiple team members, reinforcing the value of diverse perspectives and strengths. Trust and patience naturally develop as teams navigate the puzzles together, sometimes needing to split tasks or share discoveries to progress. This form of constructive interaction is ideal for groups looking to deepen relationships, whether among colleagues, friends, or family members. The sense of urgency and excitement created by the ticking clock adds an adrenaline boost that intensifies teamwork without hostility, promoting a fun and productive atmosphere. After completing the challenge, participants often experience a shared sense of success and bonding that lasts beyond the game itself. The Great Escape further enhances social dynamics through its welcoming venue layout, which allows groups space to discuss strategies and enjoy pre- or post-game gatherings, making it a holistic social experience rather than just a game. The business's commitment to creating an environment where collaboration meets fun distinguishes it as a premier destination for meaningful social engagement.
What amenities and logistic conveniences does The Great Escape provide?
Located in downtown Akron, The Great Escape offers convenient urban access with nearby public parking options including street meters and surface lots, easing arrival for groups. The venue’s hours accommodate flexible scheduling, opening afternoons through evenings seven days a week, allowing teams to book slots that fit their plans, whether midday or night. Online booking systems streamline reservations, making it straightforward to organize events or group visits without hassle. Facilities are designed to host private events like birthday parties and corporate gatherings with staff assistance available to customize experiences or cater to specific group needs. The Great Escape's environment is also family-friendly, thus welcoming a broad range of ages and comfort levels. This blend of accessibility, professional organization, and customer service ensures that hosting a meetup is stress-free, enabling groups to focus solely on enjoying the immersive experience. The venue’s continual development of new rooms and enhancements to existing features ensures returning guests will always find something fresh and exciting.
Why is The Great Escape a top-rated venue with consistently positive reviews?
The Great Escape boasts a commendable 4.5-star rating derived from 35 reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction and strong community reputation. Guests frequently praise the venue’s creative puzzles that strike a perfect balance between challenging and achievable, keeping the experience rewarding and engaging without frustration. Reviewers also highlight the welcoming and helpful staff who enhance the overall atmosphere by providing clear instructions and friendly support. Many note that the immersive design transports players so convincingly into the game that the experience transcends traditional entertainment, offering something memorable and interactive. Additionally, customers appreciate the variety of themed rooms, which cater to different tastes and group sizes, allowing for repeat visits without repetition. The Great Escape’s ability to successfully blend fun, teamwork, and intellectual stimulation while maintaining a comfortably paced adventure appears to be a key factor in its appeal and rave reviews. This consistent positive feedback reinforces its status as a must-visit venue for anyone seeking an extraordinary group outing.
How can visitors book their experience at The Great Escape?
Visitors to The Great Escape can conveniently book their escape room experiences online through the company’s official website. The booking portal allows groups to select desired dates, times, and room themes to tailor their visit according to availability and preference. This seamless online system ensures transparency about time slots and pricing, facilitating easy planning for group outings, birthdays, or corporate events. For those needing assistance or wishing to inquire about custom arrangements, The Great Escape also provides direct phone contact to speak with knowledgeable staff who can guide bookings or answer questions. Early reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or larger groups, due to the venue’s popularity and limited slot availability. Upon arrival, guests are greeted and briefed on safety and game rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The simplicity of the booking process reflects the venue’s customer-focused approach, removing logistical barriers so groups can focus fully on their adventure.
What makes The Great Escape stand out compared to other entertainment venues?
The Great Escape distinguishes itself by being one of the pioneers of the escape room experience in the United States, contributing significantly to the genre’s development and popularity. Unlike generic entertainment venues, it offers a deeply immersive, narrative-driven adventure that engages participants actively rather than passively consuming entertainment. The rooms’ thoughtful craftsmanship, innovative puzzle design, and multisensory immersion set high standards industry-wide. Moreover, its origins as a family-run business imbue the venue with a distinct personal touch and attention to guest satisfaction frequently noted in testimonials. The ability to cater to large groups with interactive roles for everyone, combined with ongoing introduction of fresh themes, means The Great Escape can continually surprise and delight returning visitors. The venue also balances fun and mental challenge uniquely, appealing to a broad demographic, from families to corporate teams. This combination of innovation, inclusiveness, and dedication to quality makes The Great Escape not only a form of entertainment but a memorable social experience that nurtures connections and creates lasting memories.