Need a fun idea to make an event or weekend special? Design a mystery!
Mystery events can happen throughout a party, weekend sleepover, semester, or camp session!
I have included some examples of themes, characters, clues, and more below to get you started. Make it as easy or complex as you want!
Pro Tips:
For a first time mystery creation, consider a theme that everyone already understands and allows for twists and turns to grow with the time allowed. Like…
Theme:
“Murder at the Lake House”
(Change “murder” to “mystery” for a missing person case)
Easy Setting:
The cozy lake house is old family estate filled with creaky floors, hidden rooms, and many secrets! Plus it’s secluded and large enough for a possible hidden intruder…
Storyline:
A family is gathered for a weekend reunion after hearing about the reading of someone’s will. However, the occasion turns dark when a family member is found “mysteriously murdered” (or goes missing). Now, everyone in the house becomes a suspect!
The Game:
Players must uncover who the murderer is before they strike again, piecing together clues hidden around the house.
Players can work together against a deadline….
Or players can view all the evidence on a clue board and submit their own conclusions in writing at the end of the event. Winner gets a prize…
The deadline can be a countdown or time specifically assigned before the game starts.
Characters / Suspects:
(Characters can be physical players- or- pre recorded audio messages- or- cut out pictures from magazines and stick the statement to the back to make a “suspect board”)
The Heir to the Will – Eager and ambitious, determined to inherit the family fortune.
The Black Sheep– A rebellious relative with a troubled past, often blamed for family troubles.
The Estranged Cousin– Just returned from years abroad, motives unclear.
The Family Friend – Knows everyone’s secrets and has a mysterious connection to the deceased.
Clues:
(Clues can be physical-or- pictures in mysterious envelopes hidden around the house -or – as a stack of playing cards)
Some possible clue ideas:
- A receipt from a purchase
- A note torn in half
- A diary entry
- A torn photo
- Wrappers from gum or candy the suspect likes
Example: index card hidden in the kitchen that says “ you find a torn envelope with the letters ……… “
The details on the clues can tell part of the story as well. Don’t forget to add dates, colors, addresses, or any other information that can serve as a secret code or secondary clue for eagle eye detectives.
Plot ideas:
So for example, if the villain was the family friend:
The family friend could be in dire financial straits and believes that eliminating a family member would increase their share of the inheritance.
They may have always been envious of the family’s wealth and status, harboring resentment towards the deceased who never recognized their contributions to the family.
The murdered family member discovered a long-buried secret about the family friend that could ruin their reputation, prompting them to silence the victim.
Some script you could work in:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve gathered you all here to unveil the truth behind this tragic event. One among us was not only a friend but also a murderer!”
“You thought silence was the best way to protect yourself, but instead, you incited the wrath of the family you claimed to love.”
When confronted, the family friend starts to unravel, “I didn’t mean to! It was just supposed to be a scare! But when they confronted me… I panicked…”
Fun twists:
- Schedule a family or friend to call or video during the investigation with some news they “saw online”
- Leave new clues “under the door” dropped off by a mysterious stranger
- Give suspects their own color cards to create red herrings along the way
- Use GPS coordinates as codes for tech addicts.
- Assign a last minute arrival to the lake house to shake things up if your detectives get too close too fast!
Build it out over a weekend to allow for twists and developments. Explain to the players that they are “keeping an eye out for clues and breaking news over the next few days” that gives the game time to develop and grow and the group works together longer.
Need more materials to work with?
Check out my PDF with suspect sheets and clue catalogs to make it feel more authentic!
Detective Activity Pack- Forms, Notes, Prompts, and More for Solving Mysteries!
Do your kids love to solve mysteries? My daughter spent five years carrying around a clue book 🙂 But when she ran out of ideas for questions or detective-y things to act out, she got bored…
Here are 10 pages of forms and notebook prompts to keep them working on their observation skills and make them feel like real detectives!
Real questions from official law enforcement samples (but recreated for kids)!
PLUS: Each question has a little instruction prompt so they can focus on the case instead of running to you with questions (you’re welcome)!
IDEAS: Great for around the house, classroom use, daycare, aftercare, recess, and more! Print out the pages they use the most, or create packets for each “case” they work on. Add them to STEM projects as a fun data-collecting method. 3-hole punch for binders to develop their own “official” case book!
PDF Includes:
Case Files (2 Pages)
- Assign a case a number! Fill in all the essential questions about the time, date, suspects, and clues!
- Record the location, weather, and more! Is the case solved?
Suspects! (6 Pages)
- Start with your suspect list! Fill in the list with your names and motives!
- Then, they can use the five individual suspect questioning sheets to keep their notes organized. Each sheet has different question examples to keep them in character and sound like real investigators!
Evidence! (2 Pages)
- Fill in your evidence locker form with a list of all your clues! Don’t forget to add the case number and who will keep the evidence safe!
- Evidence Reports come next! Two per sheet, print as many as you need! Each Evidence Report allows your detectives to catalog their clues with item numbers, type, description, etc.
Product Key:
- No Prep
- Easy to copy and print (black and white, standard size)
- Not Grade Specific
- Multiple learning styles
- Independent or small groups
- Does not need glue or tape
- Does not need scissors
- Instructions listed
- Best with colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Gamification learning
- Great for reluctant readers
This downloadable activity is a great way to incorporate law enforcement role-play and career awareness, evidence collection, observation skills, group projects, data collection, science skills, writing practice, teamwork, independent problem-solving, and more!
Also, check out:
Secret Codes – Make Your Own + Examples + Workspace + Tips
Bones + Fossils – 7 Pages – Fun Printable No Prep Science Bundle
Wild & Captive Axolotl Facts & Fun – 5 Activity Sheets – Zero Prep
How can we describe LEAVES? STEAM Activity – Shapes + Observation + Drawing
Mom + Artist + Author + Creator + Educator
Need something custom? Let me know!
Why my activity pages are different: Completely Hands-On Entertainment
Every page gives a variety of options to participate. Different ages may gravitate towards coloring, doing word searches, exploring the content, or taking it a step further and taking on a project idea.
The content is designed to expand and contract depending on the reader’s learning level and the available resources on hand.
25+ Children’s Books Published • Professional Designer & Artist 25+ Years. Activity books are available in state and national parks across the country!
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