Organizing a fun party for a group of children is a daunting task! But if there’s one thing that captures the imagination and attention of young folks of all ages, it’s a good mystery! So why not host a murder mystery party for kids (or teens)?
If you can combine a great game with good food and an atmospheric venue, you’ve got all the ingredients you need to treat the kids to a special day they’ll never forget.
In this article, we’ll take you through the three things you need to host an unforgettable event:
- First, you need to pick the right game for your group. We’ve curated a list of murder mystery party games for kids and teens—simply pick the one you know is going to be a hit!
- Next, a well-decorated venue. Browse our decoration section for simple, affordable, DIY ideas!
- Finally, you need to keep those rumbling bellies full! We’ve put together a set of menu ideas to help you do just that!
Keep reading to see our list of recommended games.
Curated List of Murder Mystery Party Games for Kids and Teens
To help you pick the perfect game for your group, we’ve preselected some excellent games for you.
Please note: We love murder mystery parties. Besides giving advice we also write and sell games. In this article we feature our own games from our company Mysterando. If you want to help fund this site, please check out our games.
The list is ordered by age: games for elementary schoolers come first, then middle schoolers, and games for high schoolers are at the end. There’s some overlap, and many of the games could work for a wide age range.
See the “Who is this game for?” recommendation for each listed game to pinpoint if the game is the right choice for you. There are even a few games that don’t feature a murder, if you want to avoid that altogether.
Pirate Island (by Freeform Games)
The year is 1763 and the setting is the annual Pirate Games in the Caribbean! All sorts of pirate ships arrive to compete in the games, where the crews face off against each other and win the most gold coins! All the pirates have background stories, goals, and secret information. There are quests to find treasures, games to play, items, and badges for the pirate participants!
Who is this game for?
Recommended for kids of all ages, but designed for ages 8 and up. Note that this isn’t a murder mystery.
Players: 6-32
Price: From $24.99
Link:
freeformgames.com/games/kids/pirate-island.php
The Haunted Halloween Heist (by Playing with Murder)
A host of goblins, ghouls, and other monsters call Shufflemore Woods their home. Every Halloween, these creatures get together in the middle of the woods for a monstrous Halloween party. The main attraction is a huge piñata full of candy! This year, however, something’s amiss! Somebody stole the party supplies—the gravestones are gone, the pumpkins vanished, the guards are missing, and the great piñata has disappeared. Who on earth could have done this dastardly deed?
Who is this game for?
This isn’t a murder mystery, but it operates exactly the same way—instead of investigating a murder, the players investigate a theft. This game is perfectly clean. Zero references to sex, drugs, adultery, etc. There isn’t even a murder. Suitable for all ages. Aimed at pre-teens.
Players: 5-100 (or more!)
Price: From $39.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/haunted-halloween-heist-p-22.html
Mystery in the Library Theft Mystery Party (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
An ordinary library on an ordinary day…or so it seems! An ancient book in a forgotten corner of the library is stolen. In its place, the thief left an origami fox. When the librarians figure out what the book is about, they realize many of the people in the library have a reason to take it! But who is the thief, where is the book now, and why was this remarkable book shelved in such an unimportant section of the library? It’s up to you to unravel these mysteries!
Who is this game for?
This isn’t a murder mystery, but it operates exactly the same way—instead of investigating a murder, the players investigate a theft. This game is perfectly clean. Zero references to sex, drugs, adultery, etc. There isn’t even a murder. Suitable for all ages. Aimed at teens and clever pre-teens.
Players: 6-12
Price: From $41.99
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/mystery-in-the-library-theft-mystery-party/
Oscar Vanishes Theft Mystery Party (by Shot in the Dark Mysteries)
Hollywood! It’s Oscars night, and all the stars are present. But the TV show isn’t the real attraction…the celebrities are all eagerly awaiting the afterparty, where things really get fun! This year, the afterparty is at the mansion of film director Elliot Vogel. The party is off to a roaring start when actress Sarah Westmore realizes her Best Actress award is gone! But who took it—and why?
Who is the game for?
This isn’t a murder mystery, but it operates exactly the same way—instead of investigating a murder, the players investigate a theft. This game is perfectly clean. Zero references to sex, drugs, adultery, etc. There isn’t even a murder. Suitable for all ages. Aimed at teens and clever pre-teens.
Players: 6-12
Price: From $41.99
Link:
shotinthedarkmysteries.com/oscar-vanishes-theft-mystery-party/
Arabian Nights (by Freeform Games)
Set in Ardalan, ruled by a kind and beloved Sultan. All is not well in the city, however. The Band of Forty Thieves stalks the streets, and the Sultan’s guards can’t catch the ringleader. Meanwhile, the Sultan hosts a feast and invites promising young princes to petition for the hand of his daughter, the beautiful Princess Almeera. The Sultan nominates the handsome, smart Prince Ala’ad-Din, but tragedy strikes and barely an hour later the prince’s dead body is found in the marketplace…
Who is this game for?
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Players: 18-24
Price: From $39.99
Link:
freeformgames.com/games/arabian-nights.php
The Murder of Archibald Grim (by My Mystery Party)
Archibald Grim seldom left his castle in the town of Graymire. When he did, he left misery in his wake, upsetting everyone he encountered. Nobody was surprised (or sad) when his housekeeper found Mr Grim dead by poisoning. But who did it—the list of suspects is long, and you’re on it. The police have requested you to report to Grim Castle immediately, and so your story begins.
Who is this game for?
“We do not include any highly-objectionable content in our games,” promises My Mystery Party. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Players: 8-16
Price: From $46.95
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/the-murder-of-archibald-grim/
Murder at the Toadwart Inn (by My Mystery Party)
All manner of magical folk are gathered at the Toadwart Inn for the Witch’s Brew Social. The Merlin Morning Times is there to report on the feats of magic, latest fashion in robes, and magic menu—what could possibly go wrong?
Who is this game for?
“We do not include any highly-objectionable content in our games,” promises My Mystery Party. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Players: 6-10
Price: From $40.95
Link:
mymysteryparty.com/murder-at-the-toadwart-inn-murder-mystery/
Circus Murder Mystery (by Masters of Mystery)
It’s the circus’s last night in town. The circus troupe celebrate a great performance over drinks at a party…but something’s not right. Long-buried tensions bubble to the surface, and before long everyone’s mad at the Barnum brothers. One of the brothers is found dead, stuck to his knife throwing board. But was he the real target? And who committed the murder?
Who is this game for?
Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Players: 4-20
Price: From $24.00
Link:
mastersofmystery.com/products/circus-murder-mystery-host-your-own-game-kit
A Graduation to Die For (by Masters of Mystery)
It’s the graduation ceremony for nonconformist students of the International College of Freethinkers. Students and professors are capped and gowned, and the speakers deliver their speeches. Dean Eyall promptly falls asleep in his seat after delivering a nasty speech. Then the graduates get their diplomas the ceremony concludes. But as everyone is standing to leave, the Dean is still fast asleep. Permanently. There’s a knife in his chest! Who on earth did this, and how did they get away with it in the middle of the proceedings!?
Who is this game for?
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Players: 4-20
Price: From $24.00
Link:
mastersofmystery.com/products/graduation-themed-murder-mystery-game-kit
The Dark Sin (by Mysterando)
Friends and relatives gather around the dinner table inside Petit Péché, a small town chocolaterie. They’re there to celebrate the owner’s book launch. But the sweet smell of melting nougat can’t cover up the fact that murderous thoughts bubble below the surface. Before the celebrations can even begin, the owner is found dead – poisoned by someone in this very room!
Who is this game for?
Recommended for teens and young adults. The game is clean, with no references to sex, adultery, or drugs. There’s a minor reference to drinking and a fatal car crash.
Players: 4-9
Price: From $18.90
Link:
mysterando.com/product/the-dark-sin/
Zombie Cannibal Asylum (by Playing With Murder)
A zombie virus tears across the globe, and Dr. Abraham Weiler uses the inmates at Penderghast Asylum as guinea pigs for the cure to the virus. But not everyone agrees with what’s going on at the asylum…a staff member is killed during a night of regular research. Unfortunately, the murder was witnessed by a roomful of zombies…and each of them is insane, to boot! It’s up to the remaining staff to figure out what’s real and what’s delusion…
Who is this game for?
Recommended for teens and young adults.
Players: 10-32 or expand to 100+
Price: From $49.95
Link:
playingwithmurder.com/zombie-cannibal-asylum-p-791.html
Once you’ve chosen a game you just know the kids are going to love, start planning how you’re going to decorate the venue.
Venue Decoration Ideas
The game you choose will determine the specifics of how you decorate your venue: a pirate game calls for pirate decorations, while a zombie game calls for a totally different vibe!
But if you don’t want to go all out on the theme, there are some general-purpose things you can do to add a unique party flair to any space, regardless of the theme!
Try some of the following to add vibe to your murder mystery party for kids or teens:
- Streamers. A very easy way to add color and dynamics to any room.
- Paper Lanterns. These party favorites lend an exotic touch to your venue, and can be arranged as a center piece, too!
- Balloons. String ‘em up and hang them from rafters, curtain rails, or light fixtures—or just let them bounce free!
- Paper Fans. Not just a fun way to keep cool on a hot day, but also an interesting decorative item!
- Flower Bouquets or Wreaths. Flowers add life and color to any party, and can work with almost any theme. Dried flowers work just as well as fresh ones!
- Pinwheels/Party Windmills. A really fun way to add a dynamic touch, especially if there’s a breeze blowing through the room. Watch those wheels spin!
- Fairy Lights. Hang fairy lights in strategic places for some magical ambience.
- Paper Party Hats. You can match these with the theme, and the kids can take their hat home with them if they want.
Once you’ve got a good game and you’ve planned your decorations, the last piece of the puzzle is choosing a great menu. Keep reading for our top suggestions!
Menu Ideas for a Kids or Teens Murder Mystery Party
Lots of hungry tummies to feed! Supervising a kids’ event is a full-time job, so we’ve compiled a list of easy to prepare party favorites to keep your group of hungry hippos happy. Our suggestions are mostly finger foods you can serve as a buffet.
Simply pick some of the following items for a great menu at your murder mystery party for kids or teens:
- Casserole. You can make several variations, like a sloppy joe or cheese ‘n chicken enchiladas.
- Tuna Melt Wraps. A yummy mix of tuna and cheese, with crunchy veg like bell peppers or celery, served in a wrap.
- Quesadillas. You can’t go wrong with tortillas filled with spiced ground beef and cheese! Especially if you serve them with a mango relish and guacamole!
- Gourmet Hot Dogs. Transform an ordinary sausage and roll into something special by serving with interesting toppings. Try chili, pickles, or sautéed peppers and onions.
- Pigs In a Blanket. Very similar to hot dogs, but less prep work as you can just stick a batch in the oven. The type of dough you use makes a big difference: check out crescent roll, puff pastry, and biscuit dough variations.
- Hamburger Cups. A mini burger in a muffin cup: make cups out of bread slices and fill with your ground beef burger mixture. Once baked, serve with tomato sauce, mustard, and a pickle!
- Hot or Cold Pasties. Whether served straight out of the oven or pre-prepared, you can’t go wrong with a plateful of pasties! Cheese, potato, and onion or Cornish beef pasties are always smash hits.
- Triangle-cut Sandwich Selection. Kids can eat. A lot. If you want to expand your menu simply and affordably, sandwiches are the way to go. Egg and mayo; cucumber; or ham, cheese, and tomato are strong choices. Cut into triangles and arrange artfully.
- Pizza Slices (or Mini Pizzas). Every child has a favorite food—and more often than not pizza is in their top three! Make or order a few different pizzas and cut them into slices for a finger food favorite.
- Nachos! Another common top three fav foods for kids and teens, a big plate or two of nachos is a crowd pleaser. You could even have different sections, or different plates, with different toppings to keep any fussy eaters happy.
- Sausage Rolls. An oven tray full of sausage rolls with ketchup is a kids’ party favorite! To “fancify” the sausage rolls for young adults, try serving with pickles and chutney.
- Fruit Popsicles. You can make these appetizers or desserts with just a handful of ingredients: strawberries, jam, sugar, lemon juice, and salt! Blend, put into molds, insert sticks, and freeze!
That’s it! You now have everything you need to host an amazing murder mystery party for kids, teens, or young adults.
We’re sure you’re going to knock the kids’ socks right off! If you’re still on the look out for more ideas, or for clarification on murder mysteries in general, try some of our other articles:
- Beginner’s Guide: What is a murder mystery?
- Ultimate Guide to hosting a home murder mystery party
- 10 Classic, 10 Fun, and 10 Expert Murder Mystery Games
Disclaimer: We haven’t played every single one of the games discussed. However, after being murder mystery party fans, players, and hosts for many years, we’ve gathered heaps of helpful advice and tips on how to play. In writing this article, we’ve conducted internet research to put together our top choices. We use affiliate links to Amazon, etc. This is how we help fund the site.