Hey there, fellow magic enthusiasts! It’s Kandice Kelso from A Cotton Kandi Life, and if you’re anything like me, a mom wrangling two energetic wizards—I mean, boys—then you’re probably looking for an exciting way to keep them entertained. Enter the magical world of the Harry Potter Escape Room!
FAQ Harry Potter Escape Room
For Cash’s 10th Birthday, we did this EPIC Harry Potter Escape Room, which I wrote to put in my Etsy Shop. This is my job after all. Since then, it has been sold hundreds of times around the world. Those hundreds of people have asked some great questions along the way, and I’m here now to answer them.
Should you read through the Blog Posts FIRST? YES!
First things first, before you start, there’s a little homework involved. Don’t groan just yet! I promise it’s more fun than a Potions class gone wrong. You must read through all of my blog posts to really get a feel for setting this up. It’s like your Hogwarts letter—it’s essential!
Here are all the posts in order to answer all your questions per clue:
What’s in the Etsy Printable?
Now, about those files I sell on Etsy. You’re going to need to print all three. Yes, three. Think of it as your very own Marauder’s Map guide to escape room glory. One woman left a 1-star review because she just couldn’t figure it all out. Sadly, she printed only the BW and never read the blog….
This is the Printable: Wizard Escape Room | House Elf Hijinks | Birthday Party Theme | PRINTABLE
Here’s the breakdown:
- BW Print File: This is your base. You’ll cut these up and add them to the color pieces. It’s like mixing potions, but without the explosions.
- Color Images File: These are your magical, vibrant pieces. Cut them up and pair them with the BW Print pieces. It’s like matching socks, but way more magical.
- MAINFILE-Whole Guide File: This is your back-office guide. It shows you how everything fits together. Think of it as your wise old wizard friend guiding you through the maze of setup.
Do I need to buy more on AMAZON? Yes & No
Now, let’s talk shopping and head over to Amazon. Do you need to buy a lot? YES. But don’t worry, I’ve got the list ready for you—like a shopping trip to Diagon Alley, minus the flying brooms. Here’s what you absolutely need by clue:
Clue 1 Mail Rubbish
- You just need old baskets and a ton of envelopes or paper scraps
Clue 2 Cupboard Under the Stairs
- Invisible Ink Pens
- Or, just cut up the letters/code given in the printable and use a flashlight
Clue 3 Diagon Alley Shopping List
- Balloon Archway
- Gringots Scale– Or any scale will do
- Grey Balloons
- Goblin Gold– Use your own coins
Clue 4 Platform 9 3/4 Shopping List
- Platform Backdrop
- Packages– Or use all the Amazon Boxes from ordering!
- Red Brick Balloons
- Balloon Arch
- Or do a DollarTree DIY!
Clue 5 Wingdardium Leviosa Shopping List
- White Feathers in Bulk
- Magnetic Wand(s)– These are also found at DollarTree in the mechanics section
- Mini Padlock keys (one for every player) Or just use this printable: Wizard Escape Room | Clues 5, 6, and 7 Cutouts, Keys, Birdcages, Owls, Toads | PRINTABLE
- Long, flat tote- like for wrapping paper
Clue 6 Owlery Shopping List
- Plush toy Owls
- Birdcages
- The keys & Padlocks from Clue 5
- Or just use this printable: Wizard Escape Room | Clues 5, 6, and 7 Cutouts, Keys, Birdcages, Owls, Toads | PRINTABLE
Clue 7 Accio Toads Shopping List
- Frog Toys
- Or just use this printable: Wizard Escape Room | Clues 5, 6, and 7 Cutouts, Keys, Birdcages, Owls, Toads | PRINTABLE
- Toad Tank or fish tank for display
Clue 8 Defense Against the Dark Art Supplies
You don’t need to buy anything special- but you’ll need cardboard boxes to stick art supplies down in the bottom of, so kids can’t see it. Then they feel the supplies and guess what it is. To be fancy you could make them into books with these Spines: Defense Against the Dark Art Book Spines, Wizard Party, Escape Room Clues | PRINTABLE
Clue 9 Mirror of Erised
- You just need old books you have laying around your house and a mirror
Clue 10 Bertie Bott’s Beans
- Several Boxes of Beans to get all the flavors
Do I need the whole Candy Display shown in the Blog? NO
Everything else is optional. So, if you’re feeling crafty, go wild! But if you’re more of a “just get it done” kind of wizard, you’re covered. I’ve even created a printable file for Clues 5-7 to keep things easy-peasy. You can also do it your own way with less embellishment. Not every sign needs a frame, for example, unless you’re going for the full Hogwarts experience.
Let’s face it, setting up your own Harry Potter Escape Room is like preparing a feast for a horde of hungry dementors—challenging but oh so rewarding! And remember, the goal is to have fun, not stress about every little detail.
So, grab your wand (or a spatula if you’re still waiting for your letter), put on your best wizarding hat, and let’s make some magical memories. After all, the best part of any adventure is the laughter and joy it brings, especially when it involves a little magic and a lot of love.
Can I skip or cut down on clues?
Of Course! The reason there are so many is that each clue ELIMINATES a suspect who has the wand. I started with 12 and eliminated 10 through 10 clues, so the last clue was down to a final two until they determined the last one with Clue 10. You need Clue 10 to determine who has the wand, but that clue can happen ANY TIME. It can be your Clue 3 if you only put 5 suspects up.
You cannot edit my file though… so the printable will still say Clue 10. However, you could just cover the 10 with whiteout or a sticker.
Happy escaping, fellow muggles! May your puzzles be tricky, your laughter be loud, and your snacks be plentiful. Until next time, keep it sweet and sticky!
#MySweetandSticky Story of Motherhood
Plan a Party with Me!
It’s sort of my thing…
See all our past Birthday Parties and visit the Etsy Shop to plan your own! The Vintage Event on Etsy
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