All the fun of an escape room with none of the confinement!
Philly Spycraft Mission
BOOKINGS AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2025
This cooperative outdoor puzzle adventure with escape room elements and real-time immersive narrative gives 4–6 players the chance to take on a spy mission in the real world! (That was a lot. Go read that sentence again.)
You and your small private group will become field agents with the Philadelphia Intelligence Agency and execute a top secret operation in the Bella Vista neighborhood using your field kit, your problem-solving skills, and a little bit of espionage! Over the course of 1.5 miles, you’ll:
gather intelligence from your targets
intercept classified communications
decode secret messages
pick up items from dead drops
…and complete your mission?
Philly Spycraft Mission operates a bit like an escape room: after I provide you with an intelligence briefing, you’ll head out on your own for the mission, and reconvene with me upon conclusion for a debrief and evidence transfer.
And yet… it’s very different from an escape room. I’ve upped the immersion factor with Philly Spycraft Mission, and the real world setting, spy narrative, and surprises you’ll encounter work in tandem to generate a unique and exhilarating adventure. For the best experience, check out my pointers on how to approach an immersive experience like this.
Read about this experience in the Philadelphia Review!
Where:
Bella Vista, Philadelphia, PA
When:
Whenever you choose! Click “Book Your Mission” to pick an open time slot.
Time to complete:
~2 hours.
Difficulty:
◉◉◎◎◎
Price:
$175/group (~$35/person)
How to participate:
Find a good time for your group (of 4–6 people), then book your mission! All bookings are private—your group will be the only people participating during your time slot.
Accessibility information:
During this experience, you will need to use your phone to send and receive text messages and navigate using a mapping app. You will also have to read small printed text, handle very small objects with manual dexterity, bend and crouch, and travel 1.5 miles over Philadelphia sidewalks. This experience may not be enjoyable for children under 10. Please reach out with any questions!
Reviews:
“If you’re somebody who’s interested in interactive and imaginative play while using creative problem solving, this is for you.”
—Sydney
“For people who are inquisitive and explorative… this is possibly the best activity you can think of.”
—Hayden
Questions you might have:
Can I book PSM for more than six people?
I won’t stop you, but just know that your experience may be diminished by having “too many spooks in the kitchen.” Some members of your group may feel like they aren’t able to contribute.
Can I book PSM for fewer than four people?
Again, I won’t stop you, but your experience may be a bit more challenging.
Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
You can reschedule your booking any number of times for any reason, up to 36 hours in advance.
Do I need to know anything about Bella Vista or spy stuff?
You’ll get slightly more of a kick out of this experience if you have a passing familiarity with spy movie tropes, but you don’t need any special knowledge to complete it or enjoy it! All you’ll need is a charged phone that can send and receive text messages.
I love your challenging puzzles, but this is only 2/5 difficulty—will I be bored?
No—there are still escape room-style puzzles to crack! But instead of leaning into puzzle complexity, PSM leans into generating immersive and just plain fun moments.
Will my kids enjoy PSM? Is it family friendly?
According to my testers, yes! Kids 11+ are probably best-suited to this experience.
Why is it so expensive?
Philly Spycraft Mission is an immersive, story-driven adventure that takes place in the public space and involves many customized physical components. When I say that it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, I’m not being hyperbolic. Delivering this type of experience to you—in a seamless, invisible way—requires meticulous behind-the-scenes setup and execution. The unparalleled nature of this adventure combined with what it takes to make it exceptional account for the price.
All photos on this page by Tina Dillon.