Screenshot taken from Escape Evansville's website

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By Megan Erbacher of the Courier and Press

Searching for another family-friendly outing in the community, the Zeidlers first attempted an escape room game in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Sabrina Zeidler said having a son at the University of Evansville, as well as 16-year-old foreign exchange student from Japan, and an 8-year-old, it was something everyone in her family enjoyed.

"We are always trying to find something that is fun and entertaining for our broad spectrum of children," she said.

So, the Zeidlers decided to start something new in Evansville.

Starting March 7, the community can test their smarts at Escape Evansville, a real-life brain teaser. As many as eight people are locked in a room and then use clues to solve puzzles to "escape" in less than an hour. It's a concept that originated in Japan, according to Escape Evansville's website.

"It's a great way to bond," Zeidler said. "And we would get frustrated together on a puzzle. Somebody always thinks differently and could think of another way to solve the puzzle. We thought it was great."

Escape Evansville will open with four room escape scenarios. In Pirates on the Ohio, the group is taken prisoner on an enemy pirate ship and must escape the jail cell, find the treasure map and escape without getting caught. In Taken, the group finds themselves handcuffed and must use clues to call for help before the kidnapper returns. In Zombie Escape, the group is locked in a science lab with a live zombie and must find the cure before becoming lunch. And in The Enchanted Library, the group must find the enchanted book to unlock the door.

"Once it's had a run through for a couple of months, we'll change it up so there's always something fresh," Zeidler said.

Escape Evansville is located at 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Suite 940. Cost will be $25 per person. Hours will be 3-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Zeidlers worked with Brian Bennett and Jen McKee, both of Social Life Marketing, to open Escape Evansville. It's not affiliated with a franchise, Zeidler said.

"Which is great so you can create your own ideas," she said. "There's no cookie-cutter process. ... It's completely our own thing."

There is no age limit to play an escape game, but children 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. If a group has difficulty finding or solving clues, the "game masters" can help via an intercom. And the room is not actually locked, so members can leave at any time if necessary.

"We will be the first to open. ... Even if somebody else did do it, it would be their own thing," Zeidler said. "And create more opportunities for Evansville."

The Zeidlers also own and operate GattiTown with two business partners; John Zeidler owns Tri-State Aero; as well as Crawford Door and Dock with a business partner.

For more information, visit escapeevansville.com.