Reservations at Kraken in Penn Quarter tripled during the week following the election.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The holidays are here, and for many, that means added stress. With shopping, family gatherings, and year-end pressures, the stress can become overwhelming. But at Kraken’s Rage Room in Northwest D.C., people are finding a unique way to blow off some steam—by smashing things.
Inside Kraken’s Rage Room, no bowl, bottle or plate is off-limits for destruction.
The process starts with a brief preparation period where manager Ariel Wiley, who also jokingly refers to herself as an “anger management” expert, guides guests through the ground rules and equips them with protective gear.
“This is the prep room. Once everyone comes in, we follow everything on the map here. This way you prep to rage, you basically get dressed up in your jumpsuit, your helmets, your safety gear and then you’ll pick out your tools that you want to do your damage with. Then you come over here in this section where you pick out your breakables,” said Wiley..
Guests can bring their own items, like old TVs or china or select from the venue’s inventory. Popular smashable items include glassware, ceramics, and electronics. For those seeking the ultimate release, there’s no shortage of tools: everything from crowbars to wrenches can be used to wreck the items.
“This crow bar has been eyeing me. It’s small but unassuming like me, underestimated” said one participant, showing off the large tool before heading into the smashing room.
The business has been booming in recent weeks, with reservations tripling in the days following the election and continuing to stay busy into the holiday season. “The last three to four weeks have been back-to-back reservations,” Wiley said. “People are ready to let the tension out. It’s the end of the year, and they just want to get it out of their system.”
Rage rooms, like Kraken’s, have grown in popularity as more people turn to alternative stress relief methods. According to data from the American Psychiatric Association, as the winter holidays approach, 28% of Americans say they are experiencing more stress related to the holiday season than they did last year, but the causes of their stress vary.
These rooms offer an outlet for frustration, with participants often feeling a sense of relief after letting loose.
“It’s a good therapeutic experience,” said another visitor. “You feel a little better walking away. Definitely.”
For some, the experience serves as a form of stress management, helping to clear the mind after major life events. “Holidays, wedding planning, moving—there’s a lot on my plate,” one guest shared, explaining why smashing things was just what they needed to reset.
For those interested in experiencing it for themselves, Kraken’s Rage Room offers an unforgettable way to “smash away” stress. But be warned: after letting loose, you might be feeling a little wiped out—both physically and emotionally.
For some mental health resources, click here.
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