Our new family obsession is Virtual escape rooms. With the recent pandemic and the kids still not going back to in person learning, a full year later! Needless to say, we needed to find an outlet. Like most kids, mine were very difficult to steer away from video games. Since they only had virtual school until 11am every day, that left a lot of day for just playing around on screens. I knew I needed a change, so I looked for a fun and educational way to redirect them. My searches lead me to FREE Virtual escape rooms for kids.
I wasn’t sure how my kids would first react to these virtual escape games. But, once they got the hang of them, my kids who are 14 and 10 couldn’t get enough. What was even sweeter, is that it brought them closer together. I noticed that they would do a game together and use teamwork to help solve puzzles for escape rooms. We have even saved a few of the harder ones to use as a family game night.
They recently started taking it to the next level and started playing around with creating their own online escape room games to share with others. All of the virtual escape rooms we’ve explored were built using Google Forms, which is free for anyone with a Google account to create. So, this new little hobby has been a double whammy, It has given the kids some great educational mind bending entertainment and helped them by getting their creative juices flowing in creating their own digital mysteries.
So, Exactly What Are Escape Rooms?
Similar to the in person escape rooms you can find around major metropolitan areas, especially touristy places. These are online games that usually start with a good storyline or fun themes for escape rooms to draw you in. You then are “locked” in this room where you need to solve clues and perform tasks to escape before time is up. These clues and puzzles are usually within that mystery’s theme to solve a mission to complete.
These mystery escape rooms have tasks or missions that are puzzles, riddles and patterns. You really need to pay attention to details, as your clues are not as obvious as you may think. Just like traditional in person Escape Rooms, Digital Escape Rooms will require you to complete a task before being able to move on to the next task.
Just like in person escape rooms, you are trying to beat the clock! TICK TOCK – TICK TOCK!
Why These Escape Rooms For Kids Are Awesome For Them!
These Virtual escape rooms help build tremendously on their problem-solving skills and help them think outside the box. We all want our kids to be critical thinkers. These skills will help them with school, with their future career and in life! These great escape rooms serve as a fun and exciting educational tool.
How Long do Digital Escape Rooms Last?
Most will have a 30-45 minutes digital countdown to solve. There has been a few digital games that has the option for no count down, these are generally for the very young kids and I think is a way to make sure they don’t get discouraged. We have also noticed a few very in-depth and tricky escapes that have a timestamp of 90 minutes or more. These long and detailed escapes are the ones that are great for family game night, as everyone can put in the brain power to solve.
Are these FREE Digital Escape Rooms Safe For My kids?
My first concern, like most parents, is are these escape rooms safe for my kids. I am always a little nervous letting my kid loose on the internet, but of all the escape rooms we have done, they have all been super safe! Like I said above, 90% of them all take place on Google forms, this is a safe format where there is no room for chatting or wondering who your kids are going to be communicating with.
Some of the more difficult escapes, that are geared toward older children, might need parent guidance. These escapes have themes that might include kidnapping, missing people or even solve the murder.
Tips For Escape Rooms
- Some basic tips for escape rooms are to always have paper and pencils handy. You will likely have to sketch things out, draw out a pattern or do a quick math problem.
- Make sure you read the intro and instructions. You would be surprised how much info and maybe even clues could be in those first few paragraphs.
- When allowed, make sure you are looking up all information in another tab. Last thing you want to do is accidentally close out of your escape room online game while you are in the middle of trying to solve it.
- Pay attention to the time. Some have a count down installed, some require you to set a stopwatch
55+ FREE Virtual Escape Rooms For Kids
ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S ASSASSINATION
In this digital escape room, you are John Wilkes Booth. You are a well-known actor. You are also a Confederate sympathizer. You believe Abraham Lincoln to be the root of the country’s problems.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
This escape room is intended for all ages, and you can complete it by yourself or with a group. It is recommended that you open this escape room in a separate web browser so that you don’t lose progress when clicking on necessary links.
AMERICAN REVOLUTION: THE BRITISH ARE COMING
This is a great game to weave into your school studies, especially for middle and high school students. The American Revolutionary War escape room dives into our US history. Then you begin, you can choose to be a British “Loyalist” Soldier or an American “Patriot” Soldier. This also allows you to play to different versions.
ANIMAL ADVENTURE
This is a great one for the littles (early elementary). This will really help them to start critical thinking. The set up – Your class is taking a field trip to the zoo, but when you get there, all the animals are gone. Help the zookeeper find them all and help them get back in their homes.
ASTEROID COLLISION!
There’s an asteroid that is set to hit your space station! – There is a special “Big Space Blaster” tool (“BSB” for short) that you have been developing, in secret, for just this kind of thing. But you lost all of the access codes to your secret lab. You know you have left hints around your room but you have to decode them. The asteroid will destroy Freedom 2 in 45 minutes if you don’t get to your “BSB” tool in time. You have 45 minutes to get into your secret lab and save the space station.
This is a great escape for Middle and high school kids and for family game night.
CAMOUFLAGE CAPER
Can you find all the animals? with the animals super camouflaging skills you need to use your detective skills to breakthrough their disguises. This escape room is a great option for lower and middle elementary grades.
CIVIL WAR DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
This escape room is best for 8th graders and up.
DOG MAN DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
Have you read the books? My kids love Dog Man books by Dav Pilkey, and now they can help solve the mystery. “Great gobs of goo! Dog Man is at it again as he tries to escape from a digital locked room. It’s up to you to save this epic hero of the day. Are you up to the challenge of figuring out clues found in: text, photos, or videos?”
This is a great fit for those 6 and up!
DR. SEUSS
This Dr. Seuss inspired escape room touches on all the classic. Surprisingly this is a more difficult digital escape than I thought it would be… involves a lot of reading and thinking. So, I am thinking this would be better as a family escape rooms game night or a sibling escape rooms for 2.
ESCAPE THE FAIRY TALE: PART 1 – Part 2 Is Available NOW
“Goldilocks, who was already in the home, has left and locked you inside! She tells you from outside the door that the only way to escape is to type in the 4-letter alphabet code before the three bears come home. Find the clues and figure out the code to open the door before the bears return home! Here’s one hint: pay special attention to the words with different colored letters. Your time starts now!” This Escape Room is great for all ages, but may need a bit of assistance to understand some of the harder clues.
ESCAPE THE LION’S DEN
You’re on a field trip and get left behind in the lion’s den… You walk over to the door where you entered, only to realize that it is now locked. You continue to look around not seeing anyone. Where did they all go? Oh no, you are locked in the lion enclosure. This is a fairly easy escape room for kids and is intended for young elementary level.
FAMOUS AMERICANS
Choose from 10 famous Americans in American History to help escape in this digital escape room! People like Helen Keller, Rosa Parks and Abraham Lincoln, just to name a few. Recommended for upper elementary and older
HALLOWEEN MINI-DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM WITH ANSWER KEY
Fun and easy puzzles for even the little. Cute Halloween themed makes it a great addition for some seasonal fun.
HALLOWEEN HAUNT DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
Great for upper elementary and middle school grades.
LOONEY TUNES ESCAPE
Explore the worlds of the Looney Tunes characters by completing all the tasks and unlocking the codes. Follow the different character by solving puzzling problems. Complete all the tasks and earn digital codes to unlock the digital doors for more activities. This virtual escape is acceptable for all ages with help needed for more difficult clues.
NATIVE AMERICANS
Such a fun way to learn about our Native American history and culture. Choose from one of 3 tribes, and search for the clues, to help solve puzzles. All while making learning fun and exciting, a great way to really let knowledge set in. Wonderful addition to middle and high school education.
RESCUE THE REVOLUTION
SPORTS MATH DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
This math digital escape room was designed for kids in grades 3-5. It’s a “mini-escape room” as there are only three locks and keys, but they should keep you busy for about 15-20 minutes.
SHERLOCK HOLMES DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
This escape room was created by Sherlock the Musical, a new hit musical based on The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes! This escape room can be completed individually, as a group, or as a competition between friends. It’s recommended that you have a pen and paper on hand to help you with the clues. How good are your detective skills? Put them to the test!
SMURFS ESCAPE!
Help the Smurfs escape the evil Gargamel by completing all the tasks and unlocking the codes. Fun game for kids of all ages…. and yes that includes all my 80’s babies, where you at???
SPY APPRENTICE ADVENTURE
Travel the world as a Spy Apprentice, solving clues and mysteries. This escape room can be done as a group or by yourself and you can replay and/or share it as many times as you like! The clues are pretty difficult, so it is probably the most fun for groups with teens and adults. We recommend that you time yourself and see how fast you can solve all the puzzles.
CHASING CARMEN DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
This highly-demanded sequel to our first escape room will lead you through challenging puzzles to catch up with Carmen. While having played the first one (LISTED ABOVE) is not required, we highly recommend it to appreciate the storyline! The clues are pretty difficult, so it is probably the most fun for groups with teens and adults. We recommend that you time yourself and see how fast you can solve all the puzzles.
STATES OF MATTER
Looking for a very educational escape room, this science escape room focuses on all things states of matter related. It’s great for grades 3-5 and ties in perfectly with your science unit studies. Everything around you is made of matter. Scientists group matter based on its properties, or characteristics: what it looks like and how it acts in different situations. Matter can take three different forms. The three forms are solid, liquid, and gas.
ST. PATRICKS DAY DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
“It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day and you haven’t built a Leprechaun trap yet. To build a trap, play along and solve the puzzles to collect your materials. In addition to having a good time, players will celebrate and learn about the Irish holiday. This St. Patrick’s Day-themed virtual escape room is sure to be a fun activity to help kids celebrate the holiday!” Can you solve the puzzles?
VALENTINE’S DAY VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Can you deliver all seven of your valentines to your friends and family before Valentine’s Day is over? In order to do so you will have to solve puzzles so that you deliver them all to the right homes. This Valentine’s Day-themed virtual escape room is sure to be a fun activity to help kids celebrate the holiday! Great seasonal virtual escape room for kids of all ages.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
“It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season, which means that you have customers! In order to deliver all of your cookie orders, you will run into puzzles that you will have to solve in order to deliver all of your cookie orders. As you answer the puzzles correctly, players will learn about the different ABC Baker Girl Scout Cookies.” Great for Girl Scout troops and leaders. Wonderful for all ages
HARRY POTTER DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
It is your first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and you could not be more excited. You were just sorted into your dream house and you had dinner with your new classmates. It is time to head back to the common room and get to know your roommates.
As you head into the cozy room, the house prefect announces that you have a fun team building activity to complete before you get too settled into your new digs. The house prefect tells you about a new muggle trend where they lock themselves in rooms and have to answer puzzles to get out – no magic at all! Ages: tweens on up!
THE MANDALORIAN ESCAPE ROOM
The Child has gone missing and it is up to you and Mando to find him before the remnants of the Empire do! This escape room was created before the release of Season 2 so some elements might be inaccurate, but still enjoy!
BUTTERFLY VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
It is your job to get turn this egg into a butterfly by solving the codes! When you solve a code you will move to the next stage of the butterfly life cycle. Solve all of the codes to beat the game! Good luck!
This was the virtual escape room we first discovered and was the inspiration for my daughter’s escape room. Created by Girl Scouts for younger girls, this is the simplest of the virtual escape rooms listed. Ages: 6 and up
STAR WAR DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM
Your eyes flutter open and you find yourself in the cockpit of your spaceship. Not a bad place to be, except you do not immediately remember why you would be waking up there. You shift in your seat and let out a grunt of pain. Your head is pounding and alarmed you reach up quickly to investigate. You sigh in relief when you find that your helmet is still in place, but you have a sneaking suspicion that if you took it off you would find a large lump forming at the back of your head.
Will you win this space adventure? You may need a pencil and paper for this one. Ages: 11+
SPACE EXPLORER TRAINING VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Welcome to our Space Explorer Training Digital Escape Room! This Digital Escape Room is suggested for Teens ages 11 and up or Families. Complete on your own or with a group! We hope you have fun! The instructions may ask you to open a new tab in your web browser so that you do not lose your progress. You may need pencil and paper to take notes.
MR AWESOME ESCAPE ROOM
Mr. Meyer has just been taken into PARCC police custody. He is accused of being too good of a math teacher as all his students passed the Mathematics PARCC assessments without even breaking a sweat. All the literacy teachers were so jealous that they called to report him to the authorities.
Thankfully, he knew exactly what to say to the PARCC Police Captain. Can you solve the volume and surface area math problems to prove your superb intelligence to the literacy teachers and crack the code to see what he said to the Captain? Age: 9+ (with parental help)
MERMAID ESCAPE ROOM
Mermaid Escape Room! Solve the puzzles to escape the room and earn pearls of wisdom to help protect the oceans for mermaids and other sea life. Ages: elementary school+
TRAPPED IN THE TOY ROOM VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
This escape room is intended for Kindergarten – 2nd Graders, as it highlights early literacy skills and simple math/counting! You’ll need a piece of paper and a pencil to keep track of all the clues you get.
MARVEL VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Your city is under attack by Thanos and his minions, and it’s up to you and the rest of the Avengers to stop him and save the city. Ages: tween+
THE HUNGER GAMES VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
You are granted one last goodbye before leaving to head to the capitol and then the Hunger Games will begin. It is there in the capitol where you meet your teammate and learn of the trials you must overcome. This will be a trial of strategy where one must find out how to escape the arena in which the Hunger Games are held.
You are dropped off within and listen to the countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 , 3, 2, 1, GO! To escape, answer book-based questions to solve this puzzle. Ages: 11+
DISNEY MAGIC KINGDOM VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
In this scenario, you’re stuck in Magic Kingdom. You need to solve clues and complete tasks to find the key and get out.
All of these tasks can be done on your computer/phone, but you may find it helpful to have a piece of paper to sketch down ideas and clues on.
TOY STORY ESCAPE ROOM
Help Woody get Forky back to Bonnie. Forky jumped out the window of the RV. Help Woody catch him! Ages: elementary+
BANK HEIST
You are a member of America’s most successful crime syndicate. Your specialty has always been lock picking, ever since, as a child, you learned how to crack the safe at your elementary school… and supermarket… and church. Today, you’ll be facing your greatest challenge yet, as you and your team attempt a heist at the Valley Isle Bank. After that amount of time, the alarm will be activated, and you will need to escape before law enforcement arrives. Do you have what it takes to rob this bank?
MINECRAFT ESCAPE ROOM
The sound of faint hissing wakes you up. A quick analysis of the room and you see a creeper standing by the bedroom window. Immediately you sprint over to the opposite side of the room and stand motionless. If the creeper can’t see you, he’ll leave. You wait and the creeper forgets you’re around. Phew!
SHREK THEMED ESCAPE ROOM
Follow Lord Farquaad on this quest as he accidentally leaves clues behind to unlock the hut so you can gain your freedom. – All ages
WELCOME TO THE SNOW BALL
Your darling Juliet, is with her family. You want to talk with her parents and try to convince them to accept that Juliet and you live your love without problems. Juliet parents won’t make this easy and they want that you demonstrate you are enough smart to deserve her intelligent daughter. Will you be able to do it
JUMANJI VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
You are stuck in the video game, Jumanji, and you must escape in time for the first day of camp! The only way out is to get the magic gem to the jaguar statue, but there are many obstacles! You must solve a series of puzzles and riddles in order to unlock each level. Be careful! Wrong answers will not allow you to move forward. Defeat all 6 levels to get the gem to the statue, escape the game, and join your friends at camp! Ages: tween+
UNLOCK DISNEY WORLD
Imagine roaming Disney World! Here is the scenario, you wake up and find yourself alone in the Country Bear Jamboree. You fell asleep during the show and everyone else left. Disney World closed, and you’re locked inside! Now it is up to you to find your way out!
PETE THE CAT AND THE BIRTHDAY PARTY MYSTERY
Pete the Cat-themed Digital Mystery Puzzle. Feel free to solve this mystery by yourself or with others. The puzzle is not timed, so take your time and have fun! This activity may be most fun for ages 2 to 8.
STRANGER THINGS VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
You are about to travel back to 1985, to Hawkins, Indiana. Pack your walkie-talkies and gather your gang. There are some serious issues you nerds have to start working on immediately. You are going to find yourself trapped with Dustin, Erica, Robin and Steve in a secret base that evil Russians have built right under Hawkins. Will you be smart enough to find out what these Commies are up to and to make your way out of this secret Russian base without being caught…?
If you are a puzzle-solving lover, this is just right for you. You can complete this Escape Room by yourself or you can work with some of your nerdy friends, as you prefer!
ULTRA MEGA SUPER DEATH ESCAPE ROOM
You’re stuck in quarantine. It’s been literal weeks. You’ve done every activity possible – from binge-watching Tiger King to starting a sourdough culture… you’ve even debated downloading TikTok. You’re going insane. In order to retrieve the promo word, you must complete a set of challenges created by the company. Good luck! Best for 13 and up
MOTHER GOOSE MYSTERY VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Something terrible has happened in Nursery Rhyme Land. Do you think you can solve the mystery? Fill-in-the-blank with your favorite nursery rhymes to find Mother Goose’s missing goose. Ages: 6 and up
PIKACHU’S RESCUE VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Pikachu has disappeared and needs your help! Can you solve the mystery of the Pokemon’s disappearance before time runs out? Are you up for the challenge? Ages 6 and up. Can you solve the mystery of the Pokemon’s disappearance before time runs out? Ages: 6+
ROALD DAHL VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
To celebrate the life of one of the greatest authors you visit the Roald Dahl Museum. You are supposed to look, not touch but you so desperately want to take a seat is his chair, as soon as you sit, doom sets in…..Ages: all ages
HANUKKAH VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
The goal of this room is to teach players about the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. In this virtual escape room, you will explore the eight days of Hanukkah. Some Jewish families give each other gifts each day of Hanukkah, so you will receive a gift of knowledge after every correctly-solved puzzle.
Solve the whole challenge in order to learn about the eight days of Hanukkah!
THANKSGIVING VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Can you help Mr. Turkey escape from being eaten on Thanksgiving? Solve the puzzles and get the clues to help Mr. Turkey return to his farm safely in this free Thanksgiving Virtual Escape Room. Ages: 6+
CINDERELLA ESCAPES VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
Welcome to this Cinderella Escapes! virtual escape room. Can you help Cinderella get to the ball? Solve the clues and puzzles that follow to get her to her happily-ever-after!
This escape room is appropriate for tweens and up, or early elementary students if done with family.
The MINOTAUR’S LABYRINTH VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM
You stare into the darkness, armed with the ball of thread and sword which Ariadne gave to you. The Minotaur lies in the heart of this labyrinth and you must make your way to it. You are the demigod Theseus, son of Poseidon and heir to Aegeus. You offered yourself as a tribute, in hopes of killing the monster within. Learn Greek mythology and solve the puzzles. Best for Middle School kids
CRACK THE CODE
KIDS ROOM ESCAPE ROOM – warsaw escape rooms
It’s a gorgeous summer day but you just got grounded. Can you escape from the bedroom by solving each one of the puzzles in this online game? Age: 8+
SELECT A QUEST
You’ve fallen through a time portal and find yourself in 1971 at Quest Camp, deep in the heart of the Freaky Forest – the UK’s most cursed forest. Luckily, Camp Captain Jenny has a magic whistle which stops the curse and keeps everyone at camp safe; but – oh no! The whistle is missing! Can you survive the Freaky Forest and find Captain Jenny’s whistle before nightfall?
Aimed at ages 6+, Select A Quest is brimming with silliness, heart and humor. With 27 scenes and multiple paths to choose from, once you start it will be hard to leave!
Did You Love These? How To Make Your Own Virtual Escape Room
I would say at least 80% of these escape rooms were made for free using Google Forms. All you need to do do is come up with a fun themed escape rooms idea or scenario to be solved. If you need help with thought starter ideas, you can always look at current pop culture, like movies, shows, and events. Next you can make a fun seasonal theme. Pick a season or holiday and come up with a cute idea for fellow players to solve. Lastly, you could pick an educational theme. Next you will need to come up with some tricky puzzles in escape rooms for people to solve. Pay attention to what your age demographic is.
My son is considering making an escape room centered around his American Studies class as a form of extra credit. One important thing to remember when using google forms to make virtual escape rooms is to use the “response validation” tool. This requires the participant to fill in the correct answer in order to advance to the next “room.” This is important or your escape room will hit a dead end fast.
