PUZZLES DIY ESCAPE ROOM

EXAMPLES OF ASSIGNMENTS & PUZZLES

Time to get started and create an escape room of your own making! Want to know how to create an escape room that's perfect for kids? Then check out our handy step-by-step guide. We have listed all the steps needed to design a great escape room.

If you need inspiration for puzzles and assignments, we've listed some examples below that you can use in your own creation.

ESCAPE ROOM PUZZLES

MAKING A CRYTEX

You sometimes encounter them in escape rooms and in the film 'The Da Vinci Code' this object plays a major role: the cryptex. You can also make a simple version of a cryptex yourself. Great for making your own escape room or game.

We have created a step-by-step plan on how to make such a cryptex yourself.

MAKING A CIPHER WHEEL

A super handy tool: a deciphering wheel. This allows you to convert secret messages or hints into a code that you must decipher with a deciphering wheel. You don't need much to make this yourself.

We have created a instruction guide on how to make such a number wheel yourself.

SOLVE A MAZE

Create a maze that leads to an object, animal or theme. But which entrance should you take? You can use numbers, colors or letters here. If you use multiple mazes, the correct solutions can form a code. In the example below: Which letter goes to the horse? (animal theme) This way you can spell a word with a number of mazes. You can also take one maze and use numbers everywhere. The correct route then indicates the correct number combination.

SECRET LANGUAGE

There are many different ways to create and use secret language. This can be done, for example, by:

• A cipher wheel
• Pigpen cipher
• Mirror writing
• letter/number combinations
• Symbols such as transportation or emojis
• Lego bricks (each brick is a letter)

Choose a secret language and write a letter or message. The outcome can be a code, but also a reference to where the next assignment can be found.

COUNTING/MATHS

When it comes to math and numbers, there are many options available. To keep it simple you can make an assignment with how many monkeys do you count? How many birds do you count? You can also make a more challenging puzzle as shown above. The outcome can then be part of a code.

You also have those well-known logical series of numbers that you can use. Just Google math puzzles and you will come up with a lot of examples. The use of math puzzles does of course depend on the age and level of a child. So keep this in mind!

ESCAPE ROOM GADGETS

• Pen with invisible ink and UV light
• Combination locks (kids really like it!) (hardware store)
• Create fake text messages: via ifaketextmessage.com you can create fake text messages yourself. Nice to incorporate into one of the escape assignments.
• Cryptex Puzzle Pod (via coolgift.com)

INVISIBLE INK

You can easily make invisible ink at home and use it for the escape room. There are different liquids (lemon juice, milk, vinegar, white crayon) with which you can make the ink and also different ways in which you can make the text visible again. This is pretty simple and you will always have something at home to use.

DECIPHER RULER

You will use a ruler for this assignment. You can also make your own ruler if you don't have one around. Place a letter (not consecutive) for every centimeter. For example: 6 cm = Z / 23 cm = A / 14 cm = B. This ruler is the tool the kids will need. On a piece of paper, draw lines in the order of the letters. So if you want to write a hint, use a line per letter. You can also choose to write out a code, for example sixtwofive.

Tip: you can also use a measuring tape or tape measure!

GENERAL TIPS

• Don't underestimate storytelling! Every escape room needs a theme and story. That appeals to the imagination, especially among children! Be creative: you can make an intro story and introduce the assignments with a piece of the story that continues. In addition, it is fun to 'dress up' the assignments/puzzles or make them up in the theme.
• Learning through play is effective: if your escape room has an educational approach, the kids learn while playing the game. Sometimes an escape room is a useful way to master difficult material. This is because the fun of playing the escape room comes first. Also take a look at the teaching materials, perhaps you will get inspiration from them.
• You can also involve (older) children in creating the escape room: this is a creative challenge even for older children. In addition, you have to think logically and delve into the content of the escape room. Making an escape room is therefore also educational and fun.
• Not too many escapers: make sure not too many kids join in the puzzle. That only causes irritation in the long run, while you want them to work well together. 4 children is often a good number.
• Clue cards: you can make special cards for when the kids want a tip/hint. You can choose to give a limited number (no more than 5 clues) or unlimited.
• Time pressure: do you think the kids can handle it? Then work with a timer or kitchen timer to add extra time pressure to the game.

NO TIME, INSPIRATION OR JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE IT?

No sweat, it happens! That is why we have created various escape games for kids. This can be downloaded (via Etsy) for a small fee and takes little preparation time.

There are multiple themes and games to choose from.

Please let us know how it went! Were there certain assignments that were popular? What did the kids enjoy doing the most? Or perhaps you have any questions that we can help with? Share it with us via e-mail: info@clocked-up.nl, on Facebook @Escaperoomarnhem or Instagram @Clocked_up.