the mommy avenger

While some people kicked off the new year by running 5Ks or carefully writing out resolutions they’ll forget by February, we decided to get our hearts pumping in a very different way. We booked what might be the scariest, most intense escape room we’ve ever attempted. The Serial Killer escape room at Escape Utah in Midvale.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know how much we love Escape Utah. We’ve had some incredible experiences there, including Dragon’s Quest, which was packed with adventure, teamwork, and just the right amount of pressure. Every time we’ve gone, the rooms have been creative, challenging, and ridiculously fun. So when they told us this one was their scariest room yet, our response was basically, “Okay, when can we go?”

Here’s the thing. This location is affiliated with Castle of Chaos, one of our all-time favorite haunted houses. That alone should have been our warning. Add in the fact that we’ve never had a bad experience at Escape Utah, and suddenly signing up to escape a serial killer felt like a perfectly reasonable idea.

It did not disappoint. Not even a little.

Our brave crew walked in thinking we knew what we were in for. We did not. Maybe we should have suspected things were about to get intense when we were handcuffed right out of the gate. That was the moment I realized this wasn’t going to be your average escape room where you casually solve puzzles and feel smug about your intelligence.

One of the most unique parts of this experience is that you can choose to have a real live actor involved in the room. We absolutely said yes, and I cannot recommend it enough. Does it raise the fear level? Yes. Does it elevate the entire experience? Also yes. If you’re going to do this room, go all in. The live actor takes it from “fun scary” to “why is my heart beating so fast and why am I sweating?”

The room itself is tough. The clues are clever, the pressure is real, and the adrenaline hits hard. You are constantly thinking, communicating, and moving. Those sixty minutes fly by when you are fighting for your life. We were solving clues, shouting discoveries, and scrambling to stay one step ahead the entire time.

And did we escape?

Almost.

So close. Too close. But not quite.

Honestly, that somehow made it even better. We walked out laughing, shaking, and already replaying everything we could have done differently. It’s rare to find an experience that sticks with you like that long after it’s over.

A few things to know before you book. This room is for ages 18 and older, can accommodate up to 10 people, and lasts one intense hour. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers, horror fans, or anyone who wants a serious adrenaline rush without jumping out of an airplane.

At this point, Escape Utah has quickly climbed to the top of our list for the best escape rooms around. The creativity, the production value, and the way they fully commit to the experience is unmatched. Whether you’re booking a family outing, a night with friends, or something totally different for date night, this is one adventure you’ll be talking about for a long time.

If your New Year’s resolution involved raising your heart rate, bonding with your favorite people, or doing something a little outside your comfort zone, consider this your sign. Book an escape room at Escape Utah pronto.

Just maybe don’t say I didn’t warn you.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own.*}