The Missing Lantern — Free Family Mystery Sample

Willowmere's oldest lantern has vanished just before dusk. Keeper Rowan left a hurried note and a trail of clues. Can your family find it?

The Missing Lantern is a free early sample of a printable family mystery. Put five stops in order, then use the key you discover to decode the lantern's hiding place.

Inside the download

• A three-page player packet.

• A separate one-page host guide with answers, optional hints, and the ending.

• An offline HTML version with answer checking.

• A short setup guide.

For paper play, you only need a printer and a pencil. No cutting, physical locks, app installation, or payment. An adult should keep the host guide separate from the players.

Help shape the next mystery

We're looking for a few families to try this sample. The intended audience is roughly ages 9–12 with an adult host; difficulty and suitability are still being tested. If you play, an adult can leave a comment: Did you finish? Where did you get stuck? How many hints did you need? Would you try another mystery?

Please don't post children's names, photos, school details, or contact information.

Development note: The story, puzzles, code, and layout were developed with generative AI and revised after automated and AI-assisted checks. Family playtesting is still pending. This is a prototype, with no claimed educational benefit or validated play time.