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An escape room for kids is a game zone where a child has to solve a series of child-friendly puzzles to get out of the space. Solving these puzzles requires teamwork and logical reasoning to help the child reach the next level, ultimately reaching the primary key that will help in escaping the room. Escape rooms can help keep children engaged and boost mental agility. Adding riddles and codes is another way to make this escape game a lot more interesting and challenging. Continue reading this post to get an insight into the benefits of escape rooms for children and some ideas you can use to make the game memorable and fun.
Did you know?Key Pointers
- Escape room games can improve children’s thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Create escape rooms using various locks at home and hide the keys in strategic places for children to search.
- Use cardboard boxes, playing cards, magnets, mirrors, and other interesting tools to make it extra challenging and fun.
Benefits Of Playing Escape Room Games
Escape room games are fun enough to keep the child engaged for hours. These intriguing games also offer innumerable emotional, physical, and social skills. Below are some of the benefits they offer.
1. Improves logical thinking
Escape room games have various puzzles and riddles that require children to think out of the box. As per a study published in the journal Creative Education, engaging with riddles requires children to analyze information, think logically, and devise creative solutions (1). Therefore, escape room games with puzzles and riddles can promote logical thinking and encourage children to think rationally.
2. Develops communication
Escape room games are usually played with a group of children or family members. According to a study published in the journal ‘Child: Care, Health and Development,’ collaborative interactions are beneficial for tasks measuring visual perception, problem-solving, and rule-based thinking (2). Escape room games can be an ideal way to help your child improve all of these skills.
3. Improves motor skills
There are various physical and goal-oriented puzzles and mazes in escape room games that can develop fine and gross motor skills. A study involving 40 children showed that goal-oriented play activities promote exercise and muscle engagement, improving strength, agility, speed, and power (3). Incorporating age-appropriate physical challenges into escape room games can enhance your child’s learning experience while ensuring they have fun.
4. Increases family time
Escape room games can make family game nights more engaging and interactive by adding an element of surprise and teamwork. These will also help increase the quality of time you spend together as a family. According to a study, regular family interactions, such as game nights, have been shown to improve children’s social and emotional skills. Quality family time is also linked to children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and language development (4).
Here is dad and blogger Ryan Billingsley’s experience on escape room family nights. He writes, “There are so many things we love about doing these escape room experiences. First and foremost, it’s a collaborative adventure for the family. It’s like taking our love for cooperative board games and throwing in a big heap of role playing on top. The teamwork and the immersion are definitely highlights. The escape rooms also obviously appeal to our love for logic games and solving puzzles (i).”
5. Helps discover new skills
Escape room games can make it easy and fun to introduce children to a variety of topics such as colors, shapes, numbers, and the periodic table, and math puzzles for kid. These activities can make learning enjoyable and help children discover their interests. For instance, solving math puzzles could spark an interest in mathematics, and decoding the periodic table might ignite a passion for science.
6. Encourages creativity
Escape rooms for kids encourage creativity by immersing them in imaginative, story-driven scenarios where they must solve puzzles and overcome challenges. By engaging in these activities, they develop creative problem-solving skills and learn to approach tasks from different perspectives, fostering a mindset applicable to various real-world situations.
If your child is a great puzzle solver, they might realize that their bodies are flexible only after playing escape room games. There are various ways for your children to discover their skills through different physical and mental puzzles. Integrating puzzle-solving into your child’s learning strategy can offer a fun and captivating approach to their development.
Fun fact29 Escape Room Prop Ideas For Kids
Here are the best escape room ideas to ensure your children are well entertained. Use the props wisely to create the best escape room for kids.
1. Coordinate grid
Create a coordinate grid for guiding children through the puzzle. You can make a grid with letters, numbers, and even special characters. Include them to decode a puzzle at different levels. Make it as easy or complex as you wish according to the age of your child. Don’t forget to include an exit point when they solve the puzzle!
2. Images
You can place posters or photographs of everyday items, landscapes, or even people that are relevant to the story of your escape room. Some of these clues will be more obvious, and others will require collaboration. Children will have to work together to combine clues from different posters and make sense of them.
3. Periodic table
If your children are old enough and studying the periodic table, include one in the escape room game. You can use the periodic table for making a number combination lock using the numbers as a key. For example, you can write a lock code as hydrogen, aluminum, and helium, and it will translate to 1133. You can also use it to decode a letter code. For example, the elements Iron and Argonwill spell out Fear.
4. Letters
Letter or number mazes can be a new twist to the regular mazes. In these mazes, you can use sticky notes and stick them at different spots. When at a junction, decoding the correct letter shows the right way. You can also write numbers in series for children who are learning numbers or draw a certain number of objects on a sheet of paper and fix two different numbers on a fork. The number that corresponds to the number of things will be the correct turn.
Quick tip5. Balloons
If your children love popping balloons, make a maze with obscure clues concealed within the balloons. They should pop a balloon to get the hint and proceed. You can also hide the balloons in different spots in the maze or use color-based balloons for clues to make the game even more fun!
6. Locks and keys
Every creative escape room game requires locks and keys. You can include regular locks, digital locks, and numerical locks. Hide the keys in strategic places so that your child can search them in sequence and open the locks to escape.
Nicole Duggan, a blogger, shares how to come up with easy ways to do them at home. She says, “Buy a lock that needs a set of numbers to unlock it and it can be reset to a new combination over and over again. Then, I made and printed different clues and decided to use puzzles for the kids to solve. I decided to get tricky by making some of the answers single digits (to apply to the lock) and some double-digit answers, hoping they would weed those out and realize they weren’t needed. In our own DIY Escape Room, we decided to lock up dessert. I hid all of the clues in the same room (the dining room) so they were “locked” in that room to figure it all out. That seemed to be the best way to start. It was neat to see the kids working together and figuring out the clues. Once they figured out all of the clues, they pulled out the single digits and tried a few combinations on the lock. They finally unlocked it, and we had dessert (i).”
7. Riddles
Children as young as four are interested in solving riddles. You can use riddles to help your child get out of an escape room. For example, if the child solves the riddle, they could get a password that opens a box, or be led to the next riddle. These riddle-based escape room games will help them learn to think laterally and communicate better.
8. Jigsaw puzzles
The escape room idea involves your children solving a jigsaw puzzle before moving on to the next stage. You can use a jigsaw puzzle you already have or even make one from an old photograph or a template. These puzzles usually have a code to be cracked.
9. Sequence puzzles
The number and letter sequences are classic favorites, but if your children are a bit older, you can use symbol or shape sequences to up the challenge quotient. You can also put in physical sequence clues where a player has to place objects in a certain way to move on to the next level.
Did you know?10. Questions
Asking questions to pass a stage is as fun as solving riddles. Ask your children common questions about their daily lives or general trivia. It is a good way to get acquainted and improve their knowledge. They can have a good time solving these questions and interacting with friends.
11. Clocks
Both digital and analog clocks are great props for escape room games. You can set all the clocks at a specific time or use them as clues for unlocking numerical codes. Combine clocks with posters and jigsaw puzzles to make a more challenging puzzle for your children.
12. Dusters and mops
You can use daily use items in escape room games for children. Darken an area in the room and keep a duster in the darkness. As your child passes the area, you could brush their leg with the duster. It helps develop their senses and imagination.
Quick tip13. Landmines
What could be better than crossing a landmine (made of cardboard or sheets of paper) with a blindfold? Include landmines with or without blindfolds in your escape room games and multiply the children’s joy. The addition of these surprises is sure to make the game more exciting. They would love the challenge and will contort themselves into unbelievable positions to escape. It is also a good way to provide exercise to your children.
14. Mirrors
Solve the mystery by using mirrors to decipher the clues and write the text in reverse. Your children have to hold the clues in front of a mirror (which you can lock up in previous levels) to decode the puzzle. If you are unsure about writing in reverse text, you can write correctly on one sheet, place it face down on another sheet and trace out. Otherwise, you can hold a mirror at an angle and write in reverse by looking in the mirror.
15. Invisible messages
Adding an element of enigma to the game heightens the excitement for both children and adults. Invisible ink is something that you can successfully use in escape room games. Use commercial invisible ink or lemon juice and a matchstick. Your children have to hold the paper on a candle flame to reveal the letters and move on to the next stage.
16. Magnets
You can hide clues in a small metal box that a magnet can attract. Place them strategically in the room for your children to find. You can attach another magnet on a stick and ask them to use it to attract other magnets from across the room.
17. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is useful for writing hidden messages on glass or mirrors. Trace a message on a mirror that can be seen when exposed to hot steam. Use a steamer to create steam so that your children don’t scald themselves.
18. Cipher
If you want to include a word or alphanumeric combinations in your escape room for kids, try using cipher codes. However, you can use these for older children. It is easy to find cipher templates on the Internet, or you can make one of your own.
19. Magnetic key holder
The magnetic key holder is a great way to hide keys. You can stick it to any metal object by putting the key in it and attach the holder in an unlikely place. Put in clues to lead to it, and watch your children have a fun time trying to find it out.
20. Random keys
Take five or six random keys, and write down letter and number combinations on a paper. Take a photocopy of these keys and hide them in different places. Ask your children to search the keys and then let them figure out which piece of paper has the correct combination.
21. Playing cards
Playing cards are printed with numbers and letters that can be used in an escape room game. For example, randomly place some playing cards and ask your children to arrange them by increasing or decreasing values to unlock the code.
22. Hollowed books
Hardcover books can double up as good hiding places for keys. But do not worry about defacing your books. You can get hollowed books on online stores and then place them among your other books to see your children search through all of them to discover the clue.
23. Phones
Click a picture of a clue on your phone and ask your children to unlock it to crack the code. Use phones and jigsaw puzzles or cipher codes for hiding clues to get children to work under a deadline as most phones allow only specific trials.
24. Blacklight torches
Use an invisible pen to write secret messages as clues. Use the blacklight torch to uncover the messages. The best part about using invisible pens and blacklight torches is you can write on any surface without damaging it.
25. Cardboard boxes
You can use cardboard boxes and sheets to create false bottomed boxes and hide clues or even small items or keys. It needs to be done ingeniously so that your children cannot guess immediately that the bottom of the box has been hollowed out. Do not use this trick more than twice.
26. CD or USB drives
Burn a CD or record a clue onto a USB drive. It could be a video clue, a photograph, or an audio clue. Then, hide the CD or the flash drive. The players have to search the CD or USB drive, connect it to the appropriate player, and decode the clue.
27. Treasure map
If the game’s end goal is to find a treasure before escaping the room, hide a treasure map surrounded by clues in the room. Mark the treasure’s location with an “X” so that your children can figure out where it is.
28. Island escape
Transform your living room into an exotic island! Hide clues and treasures around the house. Kids embark on an exciting adventure, solving puzzles and riddles to find a hidden map. The map leads them to the ‘escape key,’ which can be a mystery box. Teamwork and imagination are essential to navigate this thrilling island escape adventure. Perfect for creative young explorers!
29. Wild west
Turn your home into a Wild West town! Kids become sheriffs, solving mysteries to find the hidden gold. Scatter clues and puzzles in cowboy hats and boots around the house. They decode messages and riddles and unlock the secret safe, which can be a decorative box. It’s a thrilling indoor adventure full of fun and creative problem-solving!
Ways To Adapt Escape Room To Your Growing Child
Below are some suggestions for adapting escape room ideas for children on various parameters.
- Difficulty: Tailor the escape room’s difficulty to your child’s age. For younger children, use visual cues such as matching games or color-based puzzles. For older children, you can use complicated puzzles such as science riddles or math problems.
- Theme: Choose a theme that suits your child’s interests and age. For instance, younger children may enjoy a colorful fairytale or a favorite cartoon scene, while older kids would probably engage better with a historical mystery that adds a learning aspect to the game.
- Technology: For younger kids, you can use handwritten clue cards instead of offering screen time. For older children, you can introduce tech-based puzzles, QR codes, simple apps, or augmented reality to make the experience more engaging.
- Time: Children have short attention spans. Use a timer, nonlinear puzzles, or varying the number of hints to keep the game exciting and promote logical thinking. For younger children, keep the game fun and low-pressure. This is also suggested by mom, teacher, and blogger Kelly, who loves creating escape rooms for her children. She says, “typically give players one hour to complete the escape room. If you have younger players, you can offer a few hints along the way to help them move through the room (ii).”
- Rewards: Match the reward to the child’s age. Younger children may be happy to get a sticker or a treat, but older ones might need bigger rewards to stay motivated.
- Safety: Follow general safety precautions—avoid clutter, toxic materials, and harsh lighting for children of all ages. However, for younger children, additional precautions, such as adult supervision and avoiding small pieces, sharp objects, or elements that could startle them may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age can children take part in escape rooms?
Children of any age may accompany parents to an escape room. However, they may start to have fun solving the riddles after their analytical skills have developed. Each escape room mentions the ideal age suitable for their theme. You may check the minimum age requirement of an escape room in your locality to know if your child is allowed to participate.
2. Are escape rooms safe for children?
Most escape rooms are safe for children. But when you think of taking your child to an escape room activity, check the room’s pamphlet to see the age limit. Ask organizers if the room has adult-themed riddles and avoid such rooms.
3. Can kids get stuck in escape rooms?
Children may get stuck in an escape room if they cannot find clues. Hence, it is better if an adult accompanies them. Most escape rooms monitor the room when participants are engaged in solving the puzzles through security cameras. Hence, you may monitor them from there as well.
4. What are some common themes for kid’s escape rooms?
Kids’ escape rooms often revolve around themes that spark imagination and excitement. Common themes include pirates, where players search for hidden treasure; space missions, involving solving puzzles to repair a spaceship or escape an alien planet; and mystical adventures, like exploring enchanted forests or solving wizardry challenges. Detective mysteries, like uncovering a missing artifact, and time-travel adventures are also famous. These themes engage children with age-appropriate puzzles, vibrant settings, and a sense of accomplishment, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills in an entertaining environment.
5. How long should an escape room game last?
Escape room games typically last between 45 and 90 minutes, most commonly lasting 60 minutes. This timeframe provides a balance, allowing participants enough time to engage with puzzles and solve challenges without becoming tired. Shorter games, around 30 minutes, may be designed for beginners or quick experiences, while longer ones can offer deeper narratives and complex puzzles for enthusiasts.
Escape rooms is a great game to keep your child entertained. It is also one of the most engaging team building activities for kids. Construct an exciting escape room for your child based on their age and skills. Make the task challenging by adding fun elements, such as jigsaw puzzles, ciphers, and riddles. Include rewards to motivate your child to complete the tasks within a stipulated time. You could also play with them for a fun bonding activity. Click pictures and make videos of the entire activity to create memories that you and your child will cherish forever!
Infographic: Benefits Of Playing Escape Room Games For Children
Escape room games involve adventure, fun, creativity, and even horror. These activities will entertain and occupy your children and support their development. Explore the infographic below to discover these games’ many advantages for children. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Easy DIY Escape Room Prop Ideas For Kids
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Escape Rooms for the Family to do at Homehttps://www.dadsuggests.com/home/escape-rooms-for-the-family-to-do-at-home
ii. Best Kids Escape Room Challenge at Home
https://teachingideas.ca/2022/06/13/kids-escape-room/
References
- Shaham Hait.;(2013); The Riddle as a Learning and Educational Tool
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239930200_The_Riddle_as_a_Learning_and_Educational_Tool - J Sills et al.; (2016); The role of collaboration in the cognitive development of young children: a systematic review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26990809/ - Panggung Sutapaet al.; (2021);Improving Motor Skills in Early Childhood through Goal-Oriented Play Activity
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8625902/ - The role of family time on a young child’s overall development
https://ir.ua.edu/items/40032a3b-c6ad-459a-a45c-181ccfaf6532
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