Outdoor Escape Game in Chapel Hill: Self-Guided Audio Quest

Race to rescue monsters while exploring Chapel Hill on your own schedule

Monsters M.I.A. is a self-guided GPS audio game in Chapel Hill where you and your group solve puzzles, answer trivia, and rescue missing monsters while exploring the city at your own pace. You choose between a walking or driving route and can play on a single device or split the game across multiple phones. The game takes around two and a half hours, includes a built-in scoring system to track your Recruit Score, and works for ages seven and up.

The experience

You download the app after booking, watch two short prep videos on your own time, then press play whenever you're ready to start. The audio story (delivered through your phone or car speakers) guides you through Chapel Hill as you tackle puzzles and answer questions to defeat goofy villains and arm the monster trap at each stop. There's no fixed schedule and no tour guide waiting for you. The whole thing runs at whatever pace suits your group.

The game splits into two formats: a walking map if you want to move through the city on foot, or a driving map if you'd rather cover ground by car. You pick one device to run the game or spread it across two, three, or four phones so everyone can see the map and hear the audio together. The built-in scoring system tracks who becomes the ultimate M.I.A. recruit, turning the rescue mission into a friendly competition. Customer service help is available if you get stuck or have questions mid-game.

Bring a charged smartphone and headphones or earbuds if you're walking. The driving version plays through your car speakers. You'll need to handle your own transportation between locations, and the game works for all fitness levels: kids can ride in a stroller if needed, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• App download and two prep videos (Backstory and Gameplay Tutorial).
• live GPS map with optional turn-by-turn directions.
• built-in Recruit Score tracking system.
• choice of walking or driving game maps.
• customer service help available during play.

Options for this experience

4 options

Monsters M.I.A., one deviceGuide in English · No fixed timePlay the game on one device: well suited to driving routes (the device can be connected to the vehicle's stereo so everyone can listen) or walking routes for 1-2 people.

Monsters M.I.A., two devicesGuide in English · No fixed timePlay the game on two devices: well suited to walking routes with 2 or more people, so each person can hear the audio clearly through earbuds or compete against each other.

Monsters M.I.A., three devicesGuide in English · No fixed timePlay the game on three devices: well suited to walking routes with 3 or more people, so each person can hear the audio clearly through earbuds or compete against each other.

Monsters M.I.A., four devicesGuide in English · No fixed timePlay the game on four devices: well suited to walking routes with 4 or more people, so each person can hear the audio clearly through earbuds or compete against each other.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hearo

Is this one for you?Pick the number of devices that matches your group size: one phone works if everyone gathers around the same screen, but two to four devices let each person or pair follow along independently while staying together on the map.

Top questions

Can I play Monsters M.I.A. if I've never done an escape game before?

Yes. The game includes a gameplay tutorial video you watch before you start, and the audio story walks you through each puzzle step by step. Customer service is available if you get stuck on a clue.

Do I need to drive, or can I walk through Chapel Hill for this game?

You choose. The game offers both a walking map and a driving map, so you pick whichever fits how you want to explore the city.

How many people can play on one booking?

You can buy one device and play as a group gathered around a single phone, or split the game across two, three, or four devices so multiple people can see the map and hear the audio at the same time.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose signal during the game?

The app uses GPS, so you'll need a charged phone and active service to play. Download the app and watch the prep videos before you start so you're ready to go, and bring a portable charger if you're worried about battery life.

Is this game good for young kids?

The game is designed for ages seven and up. Younger children can tag along (infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram), but the puzzles and trivia are aimed at kids old enough to solve clues and answer questions.