Love Harry Potter but bored at home? This Hogwarts virtual escape room might just be the most genius invention since butter beer. Created by the Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA—and obviously inspired by the magic-filled works of J.K. Rowling—the experience not only brings you into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, but also challenges your brains, something we're definitely craving from inside our quarantine walls.
Escape rooms, which became popular in the last few years, are essentially IRL group puzzles with the ultimate goal: solve the riddle and escape the room. They also vary in theme, from murder mystery to the paranormal. In this case, it's obviously Hogwarts-specific, so put on your wizard hat and get that robe steamed.
But what's still the coolest thing about this particular challenge? You can do it from your living room, no social-distancing required.
Built by Sydney Krawiec, a youth services librarian (give this person a raise!), the virtual escape room begins where all witches and wizards start: as first years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If you're just as smart, quick-witted and adventurous as Harry, Hermoine and Ron, you can unlock the room by solving the riddle with the given clues. And no, you can't alohomora this one. Magic does not work in this scenario, so don't worry Muggles, you have all the tools (your brain) to successfully unlock the room. Whatever you do, though, don't get expelled!
