When summer swelters or storms roll in, these clue-filled adventures offer the perfect way to play indoors.

Story by Alea Wilkins

For Clue fanatics and amateur detectives, the key to summertime entertainment lies behind closed doors. As beachgoers swarm to Coligny and the weather thwarts outdoor adventures, escape rooms offer indoor play to excite puzzle solvers of all ages. Like laser tag or indoor mazes, they encourage teamwork through activity and deciphering clues. The concept is simple: a group of players enter a “locked” room and must uncover a chain of puzzles that will release them before the timer runs out. While guests are never actually trapped (there is an exit for use at any time), the real-world simulation immerses players in an elaborately themed mystery orchestrated to thrill (and chill: hello, air-conditioning). Better yet, the Lowcountry’s offerings of escape rooms are all locally owned, meaning more original storylines for expert players and first-timers alike. Once the countdown starts, the game is afoot!

Lockstar Escape

For partners or partners-in-crime, Lockstar Escape promises the most private escape room experience. With no additional charge, groups of any size can reserve a room entirely for themselves, dismissing worries of awkward cooperation or interrupting date night. Guests can choose from two rooms themed to a “The Godfather”-esque mafia mission or a case of a cursed motel. Another perk: there is no limit on hints should players wish to use them. Because Lockstar Escape books their two rooms by appointment only, large groups are also welcome to reserve the entire place for a puzzle-filled party. Just save time to peruse the extensive gift shop, which is stocked with souvenirs like stickers, keychains, board games, cards and toys. Browse Lockstar Escape’s rooms on their website, complete with a difficulty scale, to determine the best one for your unit of detectives.

The Zone

At Bluffton’s hotspot for edu-tainment, escape rooms are just one selection from The Zone’s activity board. A first-of-its-kind playground, The Zone emphasizes financial education through each of its 10 exhilarating games — including its escape rooms. Whether creeping through a haunted attic or navigating the New York City subway, the rooms tie monetary lessons into their storylines. The escape rooms are intended for no more than six players, but combined with The Zone’s array of activities like laser tag, mirror mazes and a mechanical shark, it’s the perfect place to entertain even large parties. Plus, parents can relax at the snack bar while kids play all day. The Zone offers ticket packages that include access to their most popular attractions, spanning multiple hours of educational fun when the rain hits or the heat is too high.

Hilton Head Escape Room

For Island-goers looking for a break from the sun, Hilton Head Escape Room takes the action indoors. Less than a mile from Coligny Beach, the business houses four exciting escape rooms to choose from, ranging from a tale of cursed pirates to an “Alice In Wonderland”-inspired mad tea party. Guests praise the number of challenges hidden within the rooms that also accommodate players of all skill levels. They also suggest it as the perfect pre-dinner activity or to burn some energy on a rainy day. Potential players should note that Hilton Head Escape Room may group multiple parties together to allow as many people as possible to participate. This also means couples and solo players can join without the higher costs to reserve an entire room, extending the fun to everyone. Visit Hilton Head Escape Room’s website to schedule your time slot, and get sleuthing!

Escape Island

Beat the dog days of summer (and the buzzer) at Escape Island on Hilton Head, where the newest of three escape rooms is themed to a search for a sneaky pup. The game’s light-hearted, family-friendly atmosphere counters the more chilling options — a sinister surgeon’s lab or a western jail breakout — to excite all ages of players. Reviews from experienced gamers rank Escape Island’s mysteries among their favorites, noting the elaborate theming and unique set of puzzles. Escape Island also grants an optional traffic light guide system to indicate player progress. When the green light is on, the group is on track for a timely finish, but when yellow or red appears, it’s time to pick up the pace. This system can assist novice escapists or rooms shared by multiple small parties. All guests must book their experience in advance, and private rooms can be reserved at an additional cost.

The Escape Company

Cheers to a case successfully solved at The Escape Company in Savannah, where clues meet brews. The in-house Hideaway Lounge is a full-service bar that invites players to enjoy a pre-game cocktail or, if thirst strikes mid-mystery, phone a drink to be delivered to their escape room via a walkie-talkie. Uninterested in sleuthing? The lounge is open to all guests, and it holds a selection of board games like Scrabble or Jenga for a more low-key evening. On select nights it also hosts exciting events like trivia or a Super Smash Bros tournament. The Escape Company’s e-ticket offerings include five intricately designed escape rooms, each leaning into a more thrilling theme. Investigate the case of the “Suburban Serial Killer,” or spend a night in the eerie Greyside Manor. Escape from Alcatraz or an uncharted cavern. Whatever adventure you choose, The Escape Company guarantees a good time.