Fall-Theme Puzzle Game for Kids 5-6 (Free Printable)

I can't believe we are already so close to heading back to school. Summer was busy and fun...just the way I like it. To celebrate my favorite season, we created a fall theme brain game for kids ages 4-6 (Free Printable).

Download the free game.

It covers lots of academic skills that are good for pre-kindergartners as well as kindergarten level children.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the skills you’ll find in our free Fall theme brain game for kids ages 4-6. 

How to Play the Game:

This game is best enjoyed with one of our Escape Room Game Kits.

Kids love solving the puzzles >>> to get the codes >>> to open the locks >>> and reach a final treasure! 

If you have a Game Kit, you can follow the Set-up Directions on the Sample Game page.

No Game Kit? That’s okay!

You can set up the printable game as a Treasure Hunt.

Step 1: Print out Tasks 1, 2, 3, 4, and the Key Task. Cut apart Task 1-4.

Step 2: Hide all the tasks (except for Task 1)

Step 3: Be sure to remember where you hide all the tasks. We suggest writing it down, so you know where each task is hidden.

Step 4: Give your child the Task 1 sheet to complete.

Step 5: When your child completes a task correctly and gives you the secret code, give him/her a hint as to where the next clue is hidden.

Step 6: Keep going until the final treasure is found!

Grab the free fall game.

Targeted Learning Skills

The fall theme brain game for ages 4-6 covers tons of kindergarten skills.

Most tasks usually require kids to practice more than one learning skill (such as counting, spatial awareness, and fine-motor development).

Additionally, not all tasks clearly indicate what the child is supposed to do to solve the problem.

This is intentional.

We want to teach children problem-solving skills, thus we want them to think about how to figure out the problem, not tell them how to do it.

Instructions Page

Every game includes:

• An instructions page
• Lock answers
• Step-by-step directions for setting up the game
• Answer key.

The games are really fast to set up (once you get the hang of it). We even have a video for each game to help walk you through the set-up. (Don’t worry if initially, it takes you a little longer. You’ll be setting up games quickly once your child begins demanding “more boxes!”).

Access the free fall escape game.

Key Task

The first task is the Key Task. This task must be completed in order for the child to unlock the Blimey Box and get to the other tasks and locks inside. This needs to be completed correctly in order to be given access to the key. You can hide the key or simply give it to your child once they have completed the task.

This task is a simple sudoku puzzle. It requires the child to cut out the pictures and place them in the appropriate spots in the puzzle in order to solve the puzzle and get the key. Cutting out the pieces offers some quick fine-motor skills practice.

The child must then use logical reasoning to place the pictures in the correct parts of the grid so that none of the pictures appear in the same column, row or box. If your child has never been exposed to Sudoku before, this might take some explaining. Eventually, you’ll see your child picks it up quickly.

Task 1

Now that your child has unlocked the first box, they will find three tasks inside waiting for them. Additionally, inside the main box is a locked bag and a locked treasure chest. They must complete all three tasks in order to unlock the bag to get the final task that will give them the code to unlock the treasure chest.

Task 1 is a 3-digit number lock game. This requires children to practice patterning skills.

Children must decode the pattern by figuring out which picture would complete the pattern. Next, they must use the number that corresponds to the picture to find the secret 3-digit number code.

Children must not only practice patterning skills, but they also must learn that each picture represents a number.

Task 2

Task 2 introduces children to addition concepts and the addition symbol (+). Children must add up the number of items and then put the correct number over the matching picture.

For instance, when children add up the ears of corn (8), they will need to write the 8 on the line over the picture of an ear of corn. Often children will want to put the answers in the order the addition problems are shown, but they need to figure out that the total needs to go on the line above the correct picture.

Task 3

This task focuses on matching lowercase to uppercase letters. Early readers need frequent opportunities to practice matching lower and uppercase letters. In this task, children must find the picture matching the line and write the letter.

These letters are all lowercase, however, when a child goes to enter the letters into the 5-digit letter lock, they are all uppercase. Children must be able to find the corresponding uppercase letter to the lowercase letter given on the puzzle.

Lowercase "b" and "d" can often be tricky for children. Be sure to use the “I did everything right, but the lock didn’t open,” complaint to have your child first review his or her answer with you. If he or she is incorrect on the lowercase letter "b" or "d," ask him or her about trying other options until he or she comes to the proper letter.

Again, you’re not there to answer simple children’s puzzles. (We’re fairly certain you can do them)! Instead, you’re there to help your child learn problem-solving strategies.

Task 4

Task 4 is is a puzzle that kids must put together to find the secret code. You cut up the puzzle and give it to your child in pieces (if you have the Blimey Box Kit, the puzzle pieces will be locked in the bag). They will put it together to reveal the secret code (5-8-2).

Puzzles are great for practicing spatial awareness and putting these pieces together practices fine-motor as well!

Click here to access the free fall-themed game.

Benefits to Blimey Box Brain Games

Once your child completes all the tasks and unlocks all of the locks, he or she will receive a surprise or reward. This final treat motivates kids to keep going and helps kids to practice perseverance skills.

Additionally, as children unlock each lock, they experience small successes which motivates them to keep going. Games usually contain tasks that are easier and some that are more difficult. The easier tasks boost confidence while the more difficult tasks challenge your child’s brain.

Blimey Box Brain games are designed and created by an elementary teacher and an attorney (who loved LSAT puzzles). Games are carefully created to give your child a fun, yet challenging learning experience (that is often addicting). Don’t get mad at us if your child is asking for these almost daily! You will find that your child is begging you to learn!

Go ahead and give it a try!