The door slams shut, the clock starts ticking, and suddenly you and your friends are the main characters in a race against time. Welcome to Fox in a Box, Adelaide’s best-rated escape room, which celebrates its first birthday on October 4, just as school holidays are in full swing.
Housed in the old GU Film House on Hindley Street, the venue has already made its mark on Adelaide’s entertainment scene. In just a year, thousands have tested their wits across 11 themed rooms – from breaking out of prison to stopping a nuclear disaster – with more than 695 rave reviews cementing its place as Adelaide’s go-to (and biggest) escape room destination.
For the uninitiated, this is how it works. An escape room is a live-action puzzle game where your team has 60 minutes to complete a mission and “get out.” Think of it as a real-life video game – if you’ve also grown up watching the TV show Trapped, it’s similar to that.
What makes Fox in a Box such a unique escape room experience is that it’s fully immersive.
“From the moment you arrive, you’re part of the story,” says team leader Anastasia.
“Maybe it’s a cowboy welcoming you to the Wild West, or a stern prison guard marching you off to prison. These character-driven introductions set the tone and pull you straight into the adventure,” she explains.
Zodiac Killer, the headline horror room, is perfect for those who love a jumpscare, the Wild West’s cowboy fun is a hit with the kids, and Prison Break and Mastermind Heist are the ultimate brainteasers.
You’ll be solving riddles, finding hidden clues, and unlocking secrets while the clock counts down.
“We even offer head-to-head options in our two Prison rooms and two Bunker rooms, where up to 14 players can race to escape first,” adds business manager Sheldon.
And each adventure comes with its own dedicated ‘Game Master.’ They’ll watch on, nudge you if you need it – and occasionally mess with you, too.
It’s not just holiday fun, either. Parents love it as a way to get teens off their phones, workmates use it for team building, and plenty of birthdays, hen’s nights, and Christmas parties end up here. All rooms are designed for adults, but puzzles can be customised for kids.
With a bar and lounge for post-game debriefs, it dials up the fun (and competition) for any group activity. Plus, crack the code, escape the room, and you’ll be riding the adrenaline – and love your mates even more.
“With a spacious reception area that can host up to 66 people, Fox in a Box is also a popular choice for corporate events, school groups, birthdays, and big celebrations,” says team leader Issy.
“Combine that with in-character Game Masters who bring every story to life, and you’ve got an experience that’s as memorable for a group of friends as it is for an entire company.”
Fox in a Box is part of a global franchise, but Adelaide’s version has its own identity.
“Thanks to our central location, we’re surrounded by Adelaide’s famous festival culture – from Fringe to OzAsia – which inspires the way we deliver our experiences,” says Cohen, team leader.
“This means we’re able to provide not just world-class escape rooms, but ones that feel truly connected to South Australia’s identity, and Adelaide’s love of creativity, community, and a little bit of adventure.”
And clearly it’s been well recieved, with glowing reviews like “Had the best time did the Zodiac Killer and The Other Side and our host Cohen was amazing” and “Perfect family fun activity! Seb was wonderful, providing us hints to get started in the Wild West room and remaining in character throughout… already booked our next escape room.”
You’ll laugh, you’ll scream. And one thing’s for sure, you’re in for the ultimate adventure.
“Our real magic lies in the clever surprises and wow-factor moments that make players stop and wonder, “How on earth did they do that?“
Find the code for their exclusive Holiday Special through the October school holiday guide here.
What: Fox in a Box escape rooms
Where: 128 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 10pm
For the website and to book, click here.
Ages 10 and above is recommended, but everyone is welcome to play. Children under 7 play for free. Ages 14 and under require a guardian to be present during arrival and when the game finishes.
