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FAQ | Spymaker β€” Axe Throwing & Escape Room Questions Answered
Got Questions?

Everything you need to know

Answers about axe throwing, escape rooms, safety, booking, age limits, pricing, and more β€” all in one place.

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About Spymaker

Who is Spymaker?

Spymaker is your local adventure HQ β€” family-owned, totally original, and packed with fun. Under our roof you'll find handcrafted escape rooms, axe throwing, super-sized darts, and a game lounge that's perfect for kicking back between missions. We're all about big laughs, clever puzzles, and unforgettable memories. Come Escape. Throw. Live.

Are you family owned?

Yes β€” Spymaker is a proud family-owned business. Every escape room puzzle and every axe throwing experience is designed and run by us. No outsourcing, no templates, no corporate playbook. Just a crew of game enthusiasts who genuinely love what they built. When you come to Spymaker, you're stepping into a world made with heart, creativity, and a healthy dose of family dynamics.

Where are you located?

You'll find us at 1235 South Center Rd, Burton, MI β€” and don't forget the SOUTH in the address! Some GPS systems (looking at you, Apple Maps) might send you to the Courtland Center Mall or a random gas station if you leave it out. Neither has axes or escape rooms. If you get turned around, call us at 810-620-0877 and we'll guide you in.

What are your hours?

As a small business, we tailor our hours around when you want to come in. We have busier seasons and slower ones, and our schedule reflects that demand. Check our posted hours or β€” better yet β€” give us a call at 810-620-0877. If you want to come in and we're not scheduled to be open, reach out. We'll do our best to make it happen.

What is your phone number?

810-620-0877. We're happy to answer questions, help with bookings, or guide you to the front door.

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Axe Throwing

What is axe throwing?

Axe throwing is the fine art of hurling a real axe at a real wooden target β€” think darts, but for Vikings. It's thrilling, satisfying, and oddly therapeutic. Our coaches make sure you're throwing safely and confidently within your first few throws, so there's no experience needed to have a great time.

How does axe throwing work?

Here's how your session goes: check in and sign your waiver, meet your coach for a safety briefing, learn up to 3 throw styles, then start throwing. Your coach is present for your entire session, but we are not hover coaches β€” we give your group space to compete, have fun, and find your own rhythm. We step in when you need us, set up games, and keep things moving. You'll have more fun that way.

Do I need experience?

None at all. First-timers are some of our favorite groups to coach. Most people are sticking the axe within their first few throws. You'll walk in uncertain and leave with a skill β€” and probably a story about the one throw that was perfect.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required β€” no exceptions. Beyond that, wear something comfortable that lets you move freely. Avoid loose, dangling accessories like necklaces or bracelets that could interfere with your throw. Basically: dress like you're going to do something fun, not like you're going to a photo shoot.

How long are the sessions?

We offer 30-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and unlimited sessions. 30 minutes is a great intro. 60 minutes is our most popular β€” enough time to get comfortable and start competing. 90 minutes lets you really settle in. Unlimited is for those who truly cannot stop (we respect it).

How many people can throw at once?

Our lanes accommodate groups from 2 to 65 guests throwing simultaneously. For large groups, we recommend calling us to confirm lane availability and get the right setup for your event.

Should I tip my coach?

It's not required, but always appreciated. If your coach made your session β€” and they usually do β€” a tip is a great way to show it. The amount is entirely up to you.

What happens if I'm late?

Please call us at 810-620-0877 as soon as you know you're running behind. Every situation is different and we want to take care of you β€” but we can't do that if we don't know what's happening. Give us a heads up and we'll talk through options together.

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Escape Rooms

What is an escape room?

A real-life adventure game where your group solves puzzles, cracks codes, and uncovers secrets to complete a mission β€” all before time runs out. Think of it as part scavenger hunt, part brain teaser, all-out fun. And no, we don't actually lock the door (but you might forget that once the timer starts).

How do escape rooms work?

You and your team are secret agents on a mission β€” surrounded by puzzles, hidden clues, and a ticking clock. You've got 60 minutes to crack the case, solve the story, and come out victorious. Your game coach briefs you before you go in, monitors your session, and provides hints when you ask. It's less about "escaping" and more about unlocking your inner spy skills.

Who creates the escape rooms?

We do. Every room is handcrafted by the Spymaker family β€” no outsourcing, no templates. Just a crew of puzzle enthusiasts building twists, turns, and "OMG" moments you'll be talking about for days. Built with brains, heart, and probably too much coffee.

How many clues do we get?

Unlimited. Want to fly through with zero help? Go for it. Need a few nudges? Ask anytime. Your game coach won't give you unsolicited clues unless you're really stuck and time is nearly out β€” and even then, they'll just let you know clues are available. You're in charge of your experience.

Can we get more time if we're close to escaping?

Feeling this close to victory? For a small time traveler's fee per person, you can unlock an extra 20 minutes to finish your mission β€” if availability and staffing allow. Just ask your game coach when you're in the room.

What if we don't escape?

You won't be left in there forever, we promise. If time runs out, your coach will let you know how far you got and send you off with high-fives and a new obsession. At Spymaker, it's not about escaping β€” it's about the laughs, the teamwork, and the story you'll tell afterward. Only about 30–40% of teams escape on average. The fun is guaranteed either way.

Why don't you list difficulty levels?

Because what's tricky for one team might be a breeze for another. Instead of labels, we give you all the details about each room so you can choose based on theme and story. Plus, with unlimited clues, you can calibrate the challenge yourself.

Do I need to be smart or athletic?

Nope on both counts. Escape rooms reward creative thinking and teamwork, not textbook knowledge or physical fitness. If you can walk around a room and maybe reach or bend a little, you're fully equipped. No PhD, no CrossFit required.

Are the rooms scary?

Suspenseful, yes. Haunted house scary, no. Our rooms are designed for all types of groups β€” some are atmospheric and mysterious, others are just brainy fun. There may be the occasional surprise, but nothing that crosses into genuinely frightening territory.

How many people fit in an escape room?

Each room accommodates 2 to 8 players. For larger groups, all three rooms can run simultaneously β€” meaning up to 24 guests can experience escape rooms at the same time across different themes.

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Safety

Is axe throwing safe?

Yes β€” when done right, and it is here. Axe throwing venues across North America report extremely low injury rates, and Spymaker is no exception. Every session starts with a full safety briefing and hands-on coaching. We are not hover coaches β€” we give your group space β€” but don't mistake that for inattention. We are so attuned to what's happening on the lanes that we can tell how an axe dropped by the sound it makes. You focus on fun. Safety is always handled.

Are escape rooms safe?

Absolutely. Safety is always our first priority. Every room is monitored from start to finish β€” either from our control room or remotely from anywhere. The doors are never actually locked, and you can step out anytime. We are not hover coaches in the escape room either. You won't see us hovering outside the door. But we are always watching and always ready to step in if needed. Our rooms are designed to be thrilling, not risky.

What safety measures does Spymaker have for axe throwing?

We follow AATC (American Axe Throwing Coalition) safety standards and layer in our own protocols on top:

β€’ Expert coaching: Full safety briefing and hands-on training before you throw a single axe
β€’ Constant supervision: Coaches stay with your group throughout the entire session
β€’ Strict lane protocol: No axe leaves the lane. One thrower at a time, only when the lane is clear
β€’ Equipment checks: All axes and targets are regularly inspected for safe use
β€’ Clear rules: Safety expectations are posted and enforced throughout every session

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Age Limits

What is the minimum age for axe throwing?

Axe throwing is open to guests aged 10 and up β€” and we mean that. We have a full JR League on Saturday mornings specifically for younger throwers, and honestly it's one of our favorite sessions of the week. Axe throwing is genuinely great for kids: it builds hand-eye coordination, grows confidence, and creates friendships in a way that very few activities do. Guests aged 10–17 need a parent or responsible adult present in the throwing lane. There's no upper age limit β€” every age finds their bullseye eventually.

What is the minimum age for escape rooms?

Escape rooms are designed for ages 8 and up with a few guidelines:

β€’ Under 13: An adult must play with the group
β€’ Ages 14–15: An adult needs to be on-site (doesn't have to play)
β€’ Ages 16–17: Can play without an adult present, but a parent or guardian must sign the waiver

Individual rooms may have their own theme-based age suggestions β€” check with us when booking.

Can kids do both axe throwing and escape rooms?

Yes! Kids aged 8 and up can do escape rooms, and kids aged 10 and up can throw axes with an adult present. It makes for an incredible combined experience β€” especially for family birthdays or group outings where you want something that works across ages.

Is there an upper age limit?

Not at all. We welcome guests of all ages. The oldest thrower and the youngest escape artist are equally celebrated here. If you can walk around and have fun β€” you're exactly who we built this place for.

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Booking & Pricing

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but reservations are strongly recommended β€” especially for weekends and evenings, which fill up fast. Book online in minutes or call us at 810-620-0877 and we'll get you set up.

How do I book?

Three easy ways: book online at our booking link, call us at 810-620-0877, or walk in and we'll get you in based on availability. Online booking takes about 2 minutes and locks in your time slot instantly.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change. If something comes up, please contact us as soon as possible at 810-620-0877. Every situation is different and we're happy to work with you.

Paid amounts are non-refundable, but can be applied to an account credit or rescheduled for a future date β€” so you never lose your deposit.

If a group does not show and has not contacted us, the full reservation amount will be charged. Because our experiences are time-based, an unfilled slot cannot be recovered or rebooked on short notice. To avoid this, please call us at 810-620-0877 as soon as you know your plans have changed.

How much does axe throwing cost?

Sessions start at $20 per person for 30 minutes, $25 for 60 minutes, $35 for 90 minutes, and $55 for unlimited. A 6% booking fee applies at checkout. For group pricing and party packages, call us or visit our pricing page.

How much do escape rooms cost?

Escape rooms are $34 per person for a private 60-minute session. Your group gets the room to yourselves β€” no strangers. A 6% booking fee applies at checkout.

Can we arrive early?

Please do β€” and don't just park in the lot and wait. Come inside. You can always hang out in our lounge, grab an adult beverage, or crack open a Faygo while you wait. We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled experience so check-in and waiver signing are done before your time starts. Every minute of your session should be spent throwing axes or solving puzzles β€” not filling out paperwork.

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Groups & Events

Can you accommodate corporate team building events?

Absolutely β€” it's one of our most popular uses. Axe throwing and escape rooms are natural team building experiences. They require communication, strategy, and shared celebration. No trust falls required. Groups from 8 to 250 guests welcomed. Call us to build the right format for your team.

Do you have birthday party packages?

Yes. Our party packages start at $349 for 8 guests and include activity time, pizza, breadsticks, sodas/Faygo, and seating. The Mix Both package ($599) combines escape rooms and axe throwing for the ultimate party. Call us at 810-620-0877 to book or customize.

Can we bring a cake or decorations?

Yes β€” store-purchased cupcakes and cake are welcome at your party. Call ahead to discuss any decorations so we can make sure everything is set up when you arrive.

Do you offer fundraising events?

Yes, and they work incredibly well. Our bracketed axe throwing tournament format hosts up to 280 participants in a day across 5 brackets. Many organizations raise $5,000 or more in a single fundraising day. No product selling, no order forms β€” just one great event. Call us to start planning.

Do you sell alcohol?

Yes β€” and before you ask, yes, axes and alcohol go just fine together. At least at Spymaker. We've built an environment where both are handled responsibly, and our coaches are trained to make sure it stays that way. Safety is always our number one priority, and that never changes regardless of what's in your glass. Come throw. Have a drink. Trust the process.

Do you have axe throwing leagues?

Yes β€” five leagues for every schedule and skill level. Women's (Tuesday), Doubles (Wednesday), Singles (Thursday), JR (Saturday), and Drop-In (Monday–Friday). All leagues are 8 weeks long with a free handicapped tournament in week 9. Register at spymakergames.com or call us.

What is the maximum capacity for a group event?

Up to 65 guests can throw axes simultaneously. Up to 24 guests can experience escape rooms at once across all three rooms. For full venue events, Spymaker can accommodate up to 250 guests. Call us to discuss your event size and we'll build the right format.

Still have a question? Just ask.

Call us, email us, or just show up. We'll get you sorted.