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This article was updated February 22, 2024
Virtual escape rooms are a form of gamified learning that incorporates riddles, puzzles, math, logic, and literacy skills to create an exciting adventure in education. Students demonstrate their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and knowledge in order to unlock each level, eventually earning their liberation. Some escape rooms are one-page affairs, while others weave an intricate backstory to enthrall players. Many also offer hints when an incorrect answer is given, thereby encouraging kids to persevere until success is achieved.
There’s no charge for any of these virtual escape rooms, so feel free to free yourself—for free!
Best Free Virtual Escape Rooms for Schools
AGE 6 AND UP
Birthday Virtual Escape Room
Kids love birthday parties, and they’ll also enjoy this birthday-themed escape room, which starts out super easy—but quickly becomes more challenging. A great way for younger kids to practice logical thinking and memory skills.
Girl Scout Cookie Delivery Escape Room
Who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies? To complete this sweet escape adventure, learn about the types of Girl Scout cookies, then apply basic word search and logic skills.
Escape the Fairy Tale
The original Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairy tale doesn’t include morse code. But this escape room version does—as well as a magic portal to return home. Great fun for young learners.
Pete the Cat and the Birthday Party Mystery
Pete the Cat is having a birthday party and you’re invited. You’re having a great time playing pin the tail on the donkey when you notice that the gift you brought for Pete is missing. Oh no! Not to worry--follow the clues to help you find it.
Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
Take a virtual trip to the world of Harry Potter, where an odd slender, black rectangle invites visitors to open it. Witches, wizards, magical maps, and Muggles abound in this entertaining and educational puzzle.
AGE 11 AND UP
How to make a digital escape room for the classroom
If your students enjoy virtual escape room puzzles, why not create one yourself? This detailed, step-by-step guide is written specifically for teachers and covers every aspect of digital escape room design and implementation. The guide could also serve as the basis for an assignment for advanced students.
Escape from the TARDIS: A Digital Escape Room
It’s not necessary to be familiar with the classic science-fiction television show Dr Who to enjoy this escape room puzzle. In this version of the ancient struggle between good and evil, players are tasked with observing carefully, thinking clearly, and making good decisions to escape their spaceship prison.
Dog Man Digital Escape Room
You probably know Batman, Spider-Man, and Catwoman. Now introduce yourself to Dog Man. Help this rollicking and rambunctious canine as he traverses city streets, Petey the Cat's Playhouse, and alternative universes. Don’t worry -- Dog Man won’t stay lost forever if you can decipher the clues.
Camouflage Caper
More challenging than the average escape room, Camouflage Caper features wild animals and the disguises that are essential to their survival. Ideal for older students and those who enjoy keen puzzles.
Space Explorer Training -- Digital Escape Room
You are an astronaut exploring the galaxy, with a star map as your guide. Follow the navigation clues to your cosmic destination.
Escape the Sphinx
Ciphers, riddles, crossword puzzles, and snide commentary from an ancient relic enliven this “puzzling” game. An excellent challenge for those who love solving brain teasers.
The Minotaur's Labyrinth Escape Room
What’s better than a modern virtual escape room based on the oldest escape room of all, the labyrinth? As you navigate the twists, turns, and blind alleys, carefully observe the ancient images and symbols to gain your freedom.
