What age works?
From about seven, when children can read a short clue on their own. Younger brothers and sisters can pair up with an older child or a grown-up.
Pick a crime nobody minds
A theft, a prank or something that has gone missing. The culprit should have a funny, forgivable reason, and the ending should be kind: they say sorry, the thing is found, everybody gets cake.
Keep clues short
One or two sentences each. If a clue needs explaining, it is too long.
Give everybody a job
Every child should have a character or be a detective with questions to ask. Nobody should be left watching.
Forty-five minutes is enough
Three short rounds with a snack break keeps attention. Finish with the reveal and a round of applause for the culprit, who had the hardest job.
Costumes from the dressing-up box
A hat or a cape is plenty. For Halloween it is easier still: the costumes are already on.
Let the grown-ups play
Children love it when a parent turns out to be the one who did it.
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