Behind the Scenes: What It's Like Growing Up in an Escape Room Business

Growing up in an escape room business at Lake of the Ozarks

When you think of working at an escape room, you probably imagine a Game Master keeping a close eye on players, giving clues, and resetting puzzles. But what if you started learning the ropes before you even hit your teenage years? At Lake Escape, the next generation is already hard at work! We sat down with Aftyn (6), Saylah (7), and Brynlee (almost 11)—the daughters of the owner—to get their inside scoop on life in the escape room business.

Not our arcade but its still cool!

1. About You

What’s it like having a parent who owns an escape room?

• Aftyn: FUN!

• Saylah: Awesome.

• Brynlee: Super awesome and cool!

  
  

Do your friends think it’s cool that you work at an escape room?

• All of our friends think it's cool!!!

  

  Sisters being sisters

2. Your Role at the Escape Room

What kind of things do you do to help out?

• Brynlee likes watching players, checking people in, and her favorite job—sending clues and alert tones to the rooms!

Do you ever get to run the control room and give hints?

• All the time!

Have you ever had to reset a room all by yourself?

• We know how to reset Blue Cat Cabin!

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen players do in a game?

• When players need a clue, we sometimes make them dance for it! The Macarena and Chicken Dance are our go-to choices!

  
  

3. Escape Room Secrets

Which room is your favorite, and why?

• Aftyn: The Mummy Room (Curse of the Pharaoh's Passage)

• Saylah: Blue Cat Cabin

• Brynlee: Bayou! (Right now, we're rebuilding a brand-new Voodoo room that’s inspired by my old favorite, Midnight on the Bayou.)

Do you ever test the puzzles before they go live?

• All the time—to make sure Daddy built them right!

What’s the hardest puzzle you’ve ever seen?

• We all agree—the flute puzzle in Curse of the Pharaoh's Passage is the hardest!

  

  Pharaoh Puzzles are hard!

  4. Working With Grown-Ups

Do you think you’re better at solving puzzles than most adults?

• Nope, adults are better.

What’s one mistake that escape room players make all the time?

• Saylah: In Pharaoh’s Passage, players always mix up the star puzzle moves.

• Brynlee: In Lakeview Heist, players get confused about where to put the masks and artifacts.

If someone wanted a hint, but you knew they were SO close, would you give it or let them figure it out?

• Brynlee: I’d give a hint—but not the full answer!

  

  Space Cadet #3

  
  

5. Fun and Future Plans

If you could design your own escape room, what theme would it be?

• Aftyn: Dinosaur Room!

• Saylah: Ocean or Dark Forest.

• Brynlee: Haunted House.

Do you ever get tired of working at the escape room, or is it always fun?

• NOPE, it’s always fun!

What’s the best part about being part of the escape room business?

• Having fun with friends!

When you grow up, do you think you’ll keep working in escape rooms?

• HECK YES!

  

  Space Cadet #1

Bonus Questions!

If you could trap your parents in one of the rooms, which one would you choose?

• Aftyn: MY DINOSAUR ROOM (when I make it)! (here is a link to a Dino Escape in STL)

• Saylah: Pharaoh’s Passage.

• Brynlee: Bayou.

If you could create a puzzle based on your favorite movie or game, what would it be?

• Aftyn: Jurassic Park!

• Saylah: Wicked-themed room.

• Brynlee: Taylor Swift-themed room.

Family adventure awaits at Lake Escape

At Lake Escape, it's truly a family business—one where even the youngest team members have a hand in making the experience fun, exciting, and just a little tricky! The next time you stop by for a game, you just might get a clue from one of these future escape room masterminds.

Want to test your skills against some of their favorite puzzles? Book your adventure at Lake Escape!

Click the link to book your escape at Lake Escape

30% off Promo code: BLOG30

Family Fun at Lake of the Ozarks