Rainy Day Escape Room for Kids: Free Printable Puzzles, Hints and How to Play

Download the free printable cards

5 escape room clues to try at home

Here are the kinds of clues that make a home escape room feel real. Mix a few together, hide them around a room, and let the children crack the final code.

Code and cipher clues

1. Write a message with a simple A1 Z26 number code, so 8 5 12 12 15 spells HELLO.
2. Hide a Caesar shift clue where every letter moves three places forward, so D means A.
3. Make a mirror message that only reads correctly when held up to a mirror.
4. Spell the key word using the first letter of each line in a short poem.
5. Give a colour code, so red, blue, green points to numbers painted on three objects.
6. Use a grid reference clue where B3 points to a letter on a small chart.
7. Swap numbers for letters on a phone keypad so 2 can be A, B or C.
8. Hide the final digit inside a page number of a nearby book.

Maths clues

1. Solve a short sum where the answer is the next clue number.
2. Count the windows in the room, then double it for a lock digit.
3. Add the ages of everyone playing to reveal one number.
4. Work out a times table riddle, such as seven sevens.
5. Find the missing number in a simple sequence like 2, 4, 6, blank, 10.
6. Measure a book in centimetres to the nearest whole number.
7. Share twelve sweets between three plates, then use the answer per plate.
8. Read a clock drawing and write the time as four digits.

Riddle and search clues

1. I have hands but cannot clap, where am I? Look at the clock.
2. I am full of keys but open no doors, check the piano or keyboard.
3. Find the thing that is cold but never ill, open the fridge.
4. Count the legs on every chair in the room for a number.
5. Look under something you sit on every day.
6. The next clue hides where you keep your wellies.
7. Find three red objects, then line them up by size.
8. I tell you the weather but live indoors, find the window or a rain sound maker.

How to play the rainy day escape room, step by step

1. Print the pages and read the answers sheet yourself first.
2. Hide the five clues around one room before the children start.
3. Explain the goal, then let them solve each clue in order.
4. Ask them to write every answer on the lines provided.
5. Build the final code together and unlock the Golden Umbrella Key.

Ways to use the rainy day escape room

• Solo puzzle session. One child can work through all five clues alone at the kitchen table. Keep the answers nearby so you can nudge them if they get stuck.
• Team against the clock. Split into two teams and race to the Golden Umbrella Key. Set a gentle timer and cheer each clue solved.
• Build your own round. After the printable, let children design a sixth clue for you to solve. A code breaking game like Mind Genius is good inspiration.
• Rainy afternoon wind down. Follow the escape room with a calmer board game. Something like a folding draughts set keeps the thinking going without the rush.
• Party activity. Set it up for a birthday or sleepover. Give each guest a job, such as code reader, maths checker or clue finder.

Games and gifts for rainy day puzzlers

If your family enjoys this escape room, these games carry on the code, logic and strategy fun. They are built to last and perfect for the next wet afternoon.

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Code Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesShop nowScavenger Hunt GameShop nowFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesShop nowWooden Backgammon Set - 15" Mahogany Backgammon BoardShop nowLiars Dice GameShop nowBlack Playing Cards - Deluxe Waterproof CardsShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowChinese Checkers - Free Go BangShop nowMancala Game - Luxury Warra SetShop nowDeluxe Shut the Box - 9 NumbersShop nowLuxury Cribbage Set - Cribbage Board & CardsShop nowWooden Family Games SetShop nowGames For Adults - Mexican Train DominoesShop nowRain Sound Maker - Rainmaker Sensory ToyShop now

Escape room play by age and key stage

What children learn from an escape room

• Logical thinking. Working clues in order teaches children to spot patterns and test ideas step by step.
• Maths practice. The sums, sequences and times tables give real purpose to number work.
• Reading closely. Riddles and ciphers reward careful reading and attention to every word.
• Teamwork. Playing in pairs or teams builds turn taking and sharing ideas out loud.
• Persistence. Getting stuck and then cracking a clue builds confidence and resilience.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

An escape room is a lovely rainy day ritual. Keep a folder of homemade clues ready so you can set one up whenever the weather turns. Let the children take turns as the designer, hiding clues and writing their own riddles for the rest of the family. Over time you will build a whole collection of puzzles that grow with them.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free escape room game for kids to play at home?

Yes. Print our rainy day escape room, solve five code, maths and riddle clues, and unlock the Golden Umbrella Key. Answers are included for grown-ups.

How do you play a printable escape room at home?

Solve each clue in order, write the answers on the lines, then use them to build the final code. A grown-up checks it against the answers.

What age is the rainy day escape room for?

It suits ages 9 and up, which is Year 5 and above in Key Stage 2. Younger children can team up with an older child or an adult.

How long does it take to play?

Most children finish in 30 to 45 minutes. Racing teams may be quicker, and younger players may take a little longer.

Can younger children join in?

Yes. Pair a younger child with an older sibling or adult who can read the harder code clues. Let the younger one lead on the search and riddle parts.

Do I need to prepare anything?

Just print the pages, read the answers sheet yourself, and hide the clues around one room. A pencil and scissors are useful, so supervise younger children with scissors.

Can I play it more than once?

Yes. Once children know the answers, swap the hiding spots or ask them to design their own extra clue for you to solve.

What should we play next?

Try a logic or strategy game to keep the thinking going. See our gift ideas above for codes, dice and board games that suit the same age.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.