Indoors · Games & puzzles

DIY escape room

Turn the house into an escape room with a chain of clues, codes and locked boxes, and race the clock.

  • Ages 6–12best for 7–12
  • 1–2 hoursabout 1 hour of prep
  • Prep the day beforeplan below
  • Freenothing to buy
  • At home (inside)any weather
  • Adult-ledlow mess

Plan it

Good planning makes a good day. Tick things off as you go.

1Days before

2Day before

3On the day

0 of 4 done ·

You'll need

From home

  • Paper
  • pens
  • envelopes
  • a box with a treat inside
  • a timer

To buy

  • Small combination padlock
  • invisible-ink pens (optional)
🪄 Wizard's tip

Plan it the night before and test it once yourself. A clue that doesn't work kills the fun, so keep 2–3 hints ready.

How to do it

  1. Choose a theme and a story (a missing treasure, a locked lab).
  2. Hide puzzles so each one points to the next location.
  3. Set a time limit and agree how many hints are allowed.
  4. Start the clock and play.
  5. Finish with the treat box.

Younger kids: Use picture clues and a simple word ending, with lots of hints.

Older kids: Add number codes, a lock box, invisible-ink clues and a strict time limit.

⚠ Safety Keep hiding spots safe: no knife drawers or high shelves.

Builds Problem-solvingTeamwork & cooperationCommunicationResilience

Clean-up 10 minutes.

Make it a bigger day Let the kids design one for you next time.

Tried it?

No ratings yet. Be the first family to rate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

DIY escape room