Mystery Experiences for Groups of Curious Kids
Turn reading, teamwork, and imagination into an unforgettable group experience.
Kids Mystery Programs are guided, story-driven mystery adventures designed for after-school programs, libraries, camps, community centers, and classrooms. Each program gives kids an active role in solving a mystery—working together, thinking critically, and having a blast along the way.
No acting experience. No complicated prep.
Just download, facilitate, and watch kids light up.
Kids Mystery Programs
What Is a Kids' Mystery Program?
A Kids Mystery Program is a structured, facilitator-led mystery experience that can be run in 60–90 minutes for groups of kids ages 8–12.
Each program includes:
- A fully scripted mystery story
- Character roles for kids
- Guided investigation rounds
- Evidence reveals
- A dramatic solution and celebration
Unlike a traditional party game, these programs are designed to be:
- Easy for adults to lead
- Flexible for group sizes
- Adaptable for different learning environments
Kids Mystery Programs work beautifully in:
- After-school programs
- YMCA & community centers
- Libraries & summer reading programs
- Camps & enrichment programs
- Homeschool groups
- Classroom enrichment & special activity days
If you lead a group of kids and want something engaging, collaborative, and memorable, this is it.
Here are just some of our partners:
Why Programs Love Kids Mystery Experiences
This experience is designed to build real skills through play:
✔️ Plug-and-Play
Everything you need is included—scripts, roles, instructions, and materials. No extra planning required.
✔️ Flexible for Groups
Run with as few as 8 kids or adapt for larger groups with investigators and team roles.
✔️ High Engagement, Low Chaos
Kids are focused, involved, and working together—without needing to memorize lines or perform.
✔️ Reusable
Run the same mystery with different groups or rotate mysteries throughout the year.
✔️ Screen-Free Fun
No devices. No apps. Just imagination, conversation, and teamwork.
What Kids Get Out of It
While kids think they’re “just having fun,” they’re also practicing:
- Reading comprehension
- Speaking & listening
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration & teamwork
- Creative expression
- Confidence & participation
It’s learning through play—without feeling like a lesson.
What Facilitators Love
You don’t need to be a teacher, actor, or game master.
Each Kids Mystery Program includes:
- A clear hosting guide
- Step-by-step instructions
- Built-in pacing
- Suggested group management tips
- Optional awards and wrap-up ideas
You lead the experience. The mystery does the rest.
What’s Included in Every Kids Mystery Program
When you purchase a Kids Mystery Program, you receive:
- ✔️ A complete mystery story
- ✔️ Kid-friendly character roles (gender-neutral)
- ✔️ Investigator & suspect cards
- ✔️ Evidence sheets
- ✔️ Voting & solution materials
- ✔️ A facilitator hosting guide
- ✔️ Optional awards & extras
- ✔️ Printable & digital-friendly PDFs
Everything is designed to be easy to print, easy to run, and easy to repeat.
Kid Mystery Program FAQs
Kids Mystery Programs are facilitated mystery activities for groups of kids where participants work together to solve a story-driven mystery. Each program includes character roles, guided investigations, clues, and a final solution — all designed to be easy for adults to lead and fun for kids to experience.
These are not just party games — they’re structured mystery activities built for after-school programs, libraries, camps, and group settings.
Most Kids Mystery Programs are designed for ages 8–12, though they work well with slightly younger or older kids depending on reading level and group support.
Non-readers or younger participants can still take part with:
- Investigator roles
- Group activities
- Adult or peer reading support
Kids Mystery Programs are flexible and work for:
- Small groups (as few as 8 kids)
- Medium groups (12–20 kids)
- Large groups (up to 30+ kids with investigators and team roles)
Programs include guidance on assigning roles so everyone stays involved, even in larger groups.
Most programs run in 60–90 minutes, depending on your pacing and group size.
You can:
- Run a streamlined 60-minute version
- Expand to a full 90-minute experience
- Break the mystery into multiple sessions for camps or clubs
Timing flexibility is built into every program.
No. Kids Mystery Programs are designed for facilitators, not performers.
You do not need:
- Acting experience
- Teaching credentials
- Mystery-solving expertise
Each program includes:
- A step-by-step hosting guide
- Scripts to read aloud
- Clear instructions for each stage
If you can read directions and keep kids engaged, you can run a Kids Mystery Program successfully.
Are these mystery activities easy to host?
Yes — ease of hosting is one of the biggest reasons programs choose Night of Mystery.
Everything is included:
- Scripts
- Character roles
- Investigation prompts
- Evidence
- Solution
- Hosting instructions
There’s no prep-heavy setup, no improvising required, and no special materials needed beyond basic printing.
Absolutely. Kids Mystery Programs are screen-free, collaborative, and literacy-friendly, making them a natural fit for:
- Libraries
- Summer reading programs
- Enrichment days
- Educational community events
They encourage reading, discussion, teamwork, and critical thinking — without feeling like a traditional lesson.
Yes. Kids Mystery Programs are designed to be reusable.
Depending on your license, you may:
- Run the same mystery with multiple groups
- Use it for recurring programs
- Rotate mysteries throughout the year
This makes them ideal for ongoing after-school programs, camps, and library programming.
Each Kids Mystery Program includes:
- A complete mystery storyline
- Kid-friendly, gender-neutral character roles
- Suspect and investigator cards
- Evidence materials
- Voting and solution sheets
- A facilitator hosting guide
- Printable and digital-friendly PDFs
No additional purchases are required to run the program.
Licensing depends on how your organization operates:
Non-Profit License
For:
- Schools
- Libraries
- Non-profit organizations
- Public institutions
This license allows you to legally run Kids Mystery Programs for your organization’s programming and events.
For-Profit License
For:
- For-profit camps
- Paid after-school programs
- Tuition-based enrichment programs
- Businesses charging fees for participation
This license allows professional use of the mystery materials within your paid programs.
Each license clearly outlines permitted use so you can host with confidence and stay compliant.
Yes. Programs are intentionally designed to support:
- Mixed ages
- Different reading levels
- Varied confidence levels
Roles range from speaking-heavy characters to investigators and group activities, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully.
No. Kids Mystery Programs are age-appropriate, non-violent, and playful.
There is no graphic content, fear-based storytelling, or inappropriate themes.
Simply choose a Kids Mystery Program, purchase the appropriate license, download the materials, and follow the hosting guide.
Most programs can be run the same day you download them.
Why Thousands of
Hosts Choose Night of Mystery
- 128,000+ satisfied customers
- Downloadable kits you can start using today
- Priority support for business customers
- Wide selection of themes, genres & difficulty levels
- Trusted by companies, nonprofits, and planners worldwide
Hear What Our
Customers Say!
“This was the BEST team event we’ve ever done. It was inclusive, creative, and so easy to execute with your kit. Everyone had a blast!”
“I’ve had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus your free to not be you for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one we had over 100 people come.”
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they’ve been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
