What Does a Detective Do? Crime Scene Investigation for Kids

Do you have a detective child who loves to solve mysteries and is always engrossed in detective stories? Chances are, you’re raising a budding Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew who just loves crime scene investigation for kids like nothing else.

What your little mystery seeker is really looking for is a crime scene investigation or detective activity for kids! Let’s face it, we’re all equally fascinated by mysteries, forensics, intrigue and suspense.

But for some of us, they are a delight like no other. For such a child, there is no greater joy than playing detective, creating crime scenarios and solving mysteries.

• What is forensics?
• What is evidence?
• Who are forensic medical experts?
• What are fingerprints?
• What are traces?
• What is DNA?
• How does camera footage help during a crime scene investigation?
• Crime Scene Investigation for Children
• Detective games for children
• Riddle books for children Riddle books for young children 4-6 years Books-chapters-riddles for 6-12 years
• Mystery books for children
• Mystery films for children

With lots of crime scene activities, detective games and mystery books for kids, you’re sure to (and easily!) satisfy your child’s appetite for mystery.

Contrary to popular belief, these crime scene investigation activities are totally kid-friendly and actually do a great job of developing critical thinking skills.

Covering the various fields of science – biology, chemistry, materials science – and combining them with technological tools, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) for kids compensates for well-integrated STEM activities.

But before we get started, let’s first dive into the basics of Crime Scene Investigation for kids.

What is forensic science. Science?

You have just made yourself a delicious ice cream when you have to rush to the bathroom to listen to nature. But upon returning, you find the bowl empty and licked! Who is the culprit?

You are looking for clues! And that’s when you watch your younger sister being extremely quiet and simple. You scan her face – the corners of her mouth are moist, suggesting she’s just eaten something.

You’re not sure before you notice the melted chocolate drips on her t-shirt. There are no chocolates in the house, so it must be the chocolate sauce from the ice cream you made.

Finally, when you touch the fingers of her right hand, they are still sticky from the treat!

Everything fits perfectly – congratulations! You’ve just solved the mystery of the sneaky ice cream eater with forensics.

Forensic science is the science that examines clues at a crime scene to solve an investigation. It uses various scientific methods to solve a crime by collecting and analyzing evidence, relying on various fields of science such as biology and chemistry.

What is evidence?

The basis of forensic science is based on the principle that a criminal always leaves clues or, as forensic experts say, evidence after a crime has been committed.

Evidence can be in any form. – from visible physical things to discrete, less visible chemical or biological evidence such as fingerprints.

Who are forensic medical experts?

Forensic experts are a mixture of a detective and a scientist. Their job is to collect and analyze evidence that can then be used to identify a criminal.

It’s serious work, with forensic experts spending hours in their labs and at crime scenes, depending on the type of crime, to gather evidence and piece together clues to find the perpetrator.

But not everything is so bleak and dark for forensic detectives. For kids, being a forensic detective might mean extracting DNA from fruit or simply tracking down their chocolate thief.

Here are some of the pieces of evidence that forensic experts look for when solving a case. case:

• Fingerprints
• DNA
• Hair
• Traces
• Blood
• Handwriting
• The fibers of materials such as clothing
• Splatter
• Shards of glass
• liquids
• Soil
• Caterpillar tire
• Bullets
• Remains of weapons
• Chemicals
• Camera recordings

What are fingerprints?

Remember the fingerprinting skill from kindergarten? That’s exactly what fingerprints are! But for CSI, things get more interesting than meets the eye.

Simply put, a fingerprint is a trace of a person’s fingertips left on a surface. Each finger in your hand has its own unique pattern consisting of arcs, loops, or whorls.

Every time you hold an object, you leave fingerprints on its surface, even if you don’t use paint like in fingerprint-removing crafts.

This is because your body produces sweat and sebum that cover the outer layer of your skin. Every time you touch something, that sweat and oil is left behind (like paint) in a pattern that resembles the one-of-a-kind pattern of your fingertips.

Each of us has our own unique fingerprints and no two fingerprints are alike. This means that our unique fingerprints can help identify each of us! Thus, for CSI, fingerprints are vital evidence.

For example, if you took the fingerprints from a bowl of ice cream and compared them to the fingerprints of your younger sister, you would find that they are identical, down to the smallest detail.

What are traces?

Footprints are unique patterns on your feet. And just like fingerprints, footprints are unique to each person. For CSI, footprints can also refer to shoe prints.

Forensic detectives study shoe prints to determine the height or size of the person in question and match them with other prints to piece together clues to solve the mystery.

What is DNA?

DNA is an abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is a person’s unique genetic imprint that cannot be changed or modified. DNA is the code that controls the functioning and growth of the human body.

The color of your eyes and hair, the shape of your earlobes, and even your height all depend on your DNA.

Each person is born with a unique DNA and can be identified by it. This means that DNA can be essential evidence for CSI.

Forensic investigators often look for samples of hair, saliva, bone, tissue, and blood at crime scenes. This evidence is collected for CSI because it can be used to extract DNA and identify a suspect.

How does camera footage help in crime scene investigations?

Chances are, your school or even your neighborhood supermarket has surveillance cameras. Yes! The little camera you see on the walls is nothing more than a device that captures every face that enters and leaves the place.

These surveillance cameras are connected to recording devices that record and allow you to view the recording on your smartphone, computer or even tablet.

Just imagine how easy it would be to catch your ice cream thief if you had a security camera installed in your kitchen.

Now that you have a good idea of ​​how CSI works, it’s time to let your kids play detective and have some serious fun.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) for kids

1. Fingerprint detectives

This fun CSI challenge is a must for all kids who love to pretend to be spies and hunt for detectives. As mentioned above, fingerprints are important evidence for CSI.

This makes crime scene fingerprinting extremely important. Almost all investigators begin their investigation by collecting fingerprints at a crime scene, and there is no way they will miss this important piece of evidence.

However, your budding investigator should also start by collecting fingerprints at home. It’s a fairly easy activity that’s exciting enough to excite your kids and keep them constructively engaged for hours.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Transparent packing tape (cello tape)
• Baby powder
• Soft paint brush
• Blue or black paper

How to do it:

Step 1: Start the fingerprint study from the place where fingerprints are most likely to be found. These are places people are most likely to touch, such as a doorknob or refrigerator door.

Step 2: To remove fingerprints, use a soft brush to gently sprinkle baby powder on the doorknob. Be careful not to rub the surface too hard with the brush, as this can remove fingerprints.

Step 3. After removing the dust, apply clear packing tape to the dusted areas. This will help lift the fingerprints from the surface onto the clear tape.

Step 4: Finally, carefully remove the tape from the surface on the sides and place it on the black/blue paper.

Fingerprints on the tape will be visible if it is placed on a dark background. That’s what the paper does in this case. It just helps you see the fingerprints on the tape.

Very cool, really! When your kids submit their fingerprints, they can compare them to family members’ fingerprints and try to figure out whose fingerprints they have.

CSI Fun Fact #1

Examination of fingerprints is called dactyloscopy.

2. DNA extraction

What could be more exciting than extracting DNA like a true researcher? Turn your home science lab into a forensics lab with this exciting crime scene investigation exercise.

This is a great STEM activity for kids that can easily be done at home and will really satisfy your budding detective.

3. Footprint Cast

Just like fingerprints, traces also reveal a lot of information about the criminal and who was present at the crime scene.

For example, footprints can tell you about the height and weight of a person present at a crime scene. Shallow footprints/footprints indicate a lighter person and deeper ones indicate a heavier person.

Footprints can also tell investigators how fast or slow a criminal was moving. All this is important information for detectives and investigators.

To collect your own trace, you will need:

• shoes with good protection;
• soil;
• a large plastic box. Spatula
• Brush
• Magnifying glass

How to do it:

Step 1: Take the soil and carefully fill the plastic box with it. Level it, but don’t pack the soil too tightly. If you are doing this activity outdoors, just go and soil the area outside. Make sure the area of ​​soil is soft. If not, water it lightly.

Step 2: Have your child wear shoes with treads – athletic shoes are ideal as most have treads.

Step 3: Have your child step on a patch of soil to leave a footprint.

Step 4: Put on gloves and safety glasses and mix the Plaster of Paris and water according to the instructions on the back of the Plaster of Paris bag into a plastic bowl using a spatula.

Step 5. Apply the Plaster of Paris mixture to the shoe impression. Allow the plaster to dry for approximately 60 minutes.

Step 6: Carefully remove the mold from the soil and place it in a dry place. Allow the cast to dry overnight.

Step 7: The next day, use a brush to remove dust from the mold.

Step 8: Have your child examine the cast using a magnifying glass. Will she be able to distinguish the unique tread prints on the shoes?

Let your child try to knock off the wheels of her bike next time!

4. Forensic anthropology

This is a super cool CSI-cum-anatomy exercise for kids that will teach them how to estimate a person’s height by foot length. It will really make them believe they are forensic anthropologists.

Forensic anthropologists are people who use human skeletal remains to solve crimes. They often use this technique to estimate the height of a deceased person by measuring the foot bone.

What you will need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• 2 or more adults

How to do it:

Step 1: Make four columns on a piece of paper corresponding to name, foot length, approximate height, and actual height.

Step 2: Ask participants to remove their shoes.

Step 3: Using a tape measure, measure the length of each participant’s left foot and record it in the column opposite their worksheet name.

Step 4: Measure each participant’s height and record it in the actual height tab during the observation. sheet.

Step 5: To estimate their approximate height, multiply the length of the foot by 7.

Step 6: Compare their approximate height with their actual height. Make sure you use the same units of measurement.

The science behind it:

Cool biology at play here! The length of an adult’s foot is approximately 15% of its height! Or to put it more simply, the height of an adult is almost seven times the length of the left foot.

Forensic anthropologists examine skeletal remains to learn a lot of information about the victim, such as gender, age, and even ethnicity!

CSI Fun Fact #2

Frances Glessner Lee is considered the “mother of forensics”.

5. Tissue analysis

Many times, investigators collect fiber samples from crime scenes to match them to the suspect’s clothing.

Different clothes are made from different fabrics, woven in a special way, which allows investigators to trace their respective brands.

This CSI challenge for kids helps them learn more about CSI science and look beyond the obvious. Tissue analysis is a great activity to improve observational skills and is fairly easy to do at home.

What you will need:

• Various fabric samples
• Microscope
• Paper and pencil
• Scissors
• Bags with a lock

How to do it:

Step 1: Have your child look at the tissue samples under the microscope. Ask them to find the weave pattern, fiber thickness and fiber texture. Record these observations on paper.

Step 2: Label all fabric samples as sample 1, 2, 3, etc.

Step 3: Use scissors to cut a small sample from the samples and loosen the weave to remove the fibers from the sample. Carefully place the fibers in a ziplock bag and label them as Fiber A, etc.

Do this for all fabric samples.

Step 4: On a separate piece of paper, write the swatches and matching fabric. This will be your key to tissue analysis.

Step 5: Give the child fiber samples and let them examine them under the microscope. Your little detectives have to match the fabric to the correct fabric sample, just like a real forensic detective would.

6. Handwriting analysis

In this fun CSI exercise, your kids will play the role of real detectives and compare graffiti to handwriting samples to find the criminal.

This is definitely one of the most fun CSI games for kids that the whole family can play.

What you want you need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• White board
• 3-4 participants
• Blindfolded

How to do it:

One of the participants plays the role of a detective, and the rest play the role of suspects. The real criminal is hiding among the suspects, and it’s up to the detective to find him!

Step 1: Blindfold the detective and let the criminal draw graffiti on the white board.

Step 2: All players except the detective are given a piece of paper and a pencil. They must copy the graffiti on paper and give it to the detective.

Step 3: The detective’s job is to study the handwriting samples and compare them to the graffiti to find the real culprit.

7. Teeth can distinguish

Imagine being a forensic dentist with this fun CSI exercise for kids. The task is to use the bite marks to pin down the culprit who ate the chocolate.

What you will need:

• 2 polystyrene plates
• Scissors
• Chocolate
• Handle
• Scissors
• 3 or more participants

How to do it:

In this exercise, one person plays the role of a forensic dentist, while the other participants play the role of suspects. All players, while waiting for the forensic dentist, will follow the steps below to take a dental impression.

How to make impressions of teeth:

Step 1: Place the styrofoam plates on top of each other.

Step 2: Using scissors, cut the stack into quarters. Trim the sharp edges.

Step 3. Place the wide side of the folded quarters into your mouth as deep as possible and bite firmly into the quarter.

Step 4: Remove them from the mouth and mark the upper and lower tooth impressions.

Step 5: Take the dental impressions of at least 3 people and write their names. prints

When the dental impressions are ready, the forensic dentist leaves the room, and one of the participants takes a bite of a thick bar of chocolate. The thicker the block, the better the impressions of the teeth will be.

A forensic dentist must examine the teeth prints on the chocolate and compare them to the suspects’ teeth prints to determine who ate the chocolate.

Forensic dentists use similar methods to help investigators solve crimes. Teeth are one of the hardest substances in the human body, so they are often well preserved.

Matching dental records with dental impressions helps investigators identify unknown victims.

Detective games for children

There is nothing more exciting than a game where the whole family sits together to solve a mystery! Board games for children help bring the family together and provide a great opportunity to relax with the family.

In addition, board games are a great way to develop social and logical thinking skills.

1. Cat Crimes

This is a great detective game perfect for your spy kid! There are six suspect cards and the goal is to identify the criminal using a series of clues.

What we really like is how the game gradually builds inference skills, offering different levels of challenge, from beginners to experts.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, Cat Crimes is a fun single player detective game that your child will love.

2. Outfoxed

Outfoxed is one of the few mystery games for kids that is aimed at a younger audience – that is, ages 5 and up. The goal of the game is to catch the naughty fox before he runs off with the prized pie!

The game can be played by 2 to 4 players and has enough play time to keep your budding detective interested.

3. Scotland Yard

This classic mystery game for kids is still around and promises to entertain not only kids but adults too! This game offers a cat and mouse chase between detectives and Mr. X that even Sherlock Holmes would enjoy!

This fun and addictive game for four players is definitely one of our favorite detective games for kids (and adults!).

4. Alley of spies

Spy Alley has won 12 awards, including a MENSA selection. In Spy Alley, named Mensa’s “Best Brain Games,” you and your kids will trick and bluff each other to become the world’s best spy.

This game is suitable for ages 8 and up and can be played by 2 to 6 players, making it a great family game.

5. Clue Junior

Derived from the classic mystery game “Clue”, but this time it is adapted for a younger audience – children from 5 years old.

This kids’ version of whodunit challenges players to find out who broke the toy and when!

Clue Junior is a great game for families with young children and can be played by 2 to 6 people. players

6. Scooby-Doo Hint

This is what you get when you add a haunted mansion, a crazy dog ​​and his owner to a classic mystery puzzle game! Kids love this fun, lighter version of the clue.

Great for Scooby-Doo fans who want to be spies themselves! Suitable for children from 8 years old.

7. Draw Into the Crime game

This mystery game for kids asks kids to draw sketches of a criminal by asking a series of questions. Something like “Guess Who”, but with a large dose of tension and mystery.

This game is suitable for ages 6 and up and requires three or more players.

8. The Secret Door

The Secret Door promises to be a complete family game as it invites players to work with each other to solve the mystery of the heist. Suitable for ages 5 and up, this game can be played by the whole family during family game night.

Players race against time to catch the robbers and solve the mystery before the clock strikes midnight. Suitable for 2-8 players, this game is definitely one of the best in its category.

9. Deception – Murder in Hong Kong

This game is a great crime scene investigation game for kids. With a killer on the loose, players play both detectives and forensic experts, bringing a new and exciting experience to the game.

This makes the game fun for a party as it can be played by up to 12 players. The recommended age for the game is 14 years and older.

10. Betrayal at House on the Hill

With 50 blood-curdling scenarios, this spooky mystery game for kids is perfect for thrill seekers.

Suitable for older children (12 and up), Betrayal at House on the Hill is definitely not for the faint of heart. This is a spooky mystery game for those looking for ghostly, spooky mysteries.

11. Asmodee Mysterium

Another ghostly mystery game for ages 10 and up. In Asmodee Mysterium, you’ll work in teams to solve a murder mystery in a haunted mansion.

This cooperative mystery game will keep you interested and hooked! However, it may seem a bit difficult at first.

12. Escape the Room – Secret of Dr. Gravely’s Retreat

If you and your kids like escape rooms, then you will definitely like this game. It’s like bringing an Escape Room into your home!

The challenge is to uncover the dark secret of Dr. Gravely’s Asylum in time before you are trapped inside forever!

This 3-8 player game is suitable for ages 10 and up and would make a great house party game for kids!

While games have their way of entertaining you, there is another way that can transport you. children (and you!) right into the heart of secrets.

These mystery books for children will encourage them to pay attention to the smallest details, analyze facts and think critically to reach a conclusion.

Detectives for children

Since we’re talking about mystery books for children, it makes sense to list them by age group.

You don’t want to scare your child by reading something that is beyond their comprehension level! You also wouldn’t want to give them a mystery book that’s too lame for their age.

Perfect for reading together as a family, these books will give your kids the thrill and excitement they crave!

Puzzle books for young children (4-6 years old)

1. Deductive detective

This is a very clever book that contains secret mathematics! Yes! The book’s main character, Detective Duck, uses deductive thinking along with math to catch the cake thief.

These are pleasant puns and jokes that make it a pleasure to read. Suitable for ages 5 to 8, this is the perfect detective story for young children.

2. Where is the Big Bad Wolf?

Where is the Big Bad Wolf? This is the perfect book to introduce young children 4 and up to a mystery and get them reading! Detective Doggedly is tasked with finding the big bad wolf before… he eats the three little pigs.

3. Geronimo Stilton

Join the mouse, Geronimo Stilton, as he begins to unravel one mysterious mystery after another. This series of detective books for children is light and funny at the same time.

Easy-to-understand language combined with colorful illustrations make it an apt read for children ages 6 and up.

4. Pigeon P.I.

This detective picture book for kids reads like a crime comic, and the spy is a pigeon! Funny and clever, this book is great for reading to young children and kindergarteners.

5. Dot & Jabber

And here is another mystical series in which mice play the role of detectives. Books are a great way to introduce children to science while satisfying their appetite for mystery. Suitable for children from 4 years old.

6. Betty’s Stolen Bakery

This early graphic novel is a great introduction to young children’s mysteries. With animals as the protagonists, it definitely grabs the child’s attention while teaching them alliteration, thus improving your child’s literacy skills. Highly recommend!

7. Monkey, Private Eye

This is a gem among mystery books that will delight your children and you. Mavpochka has a serious job – to solve mysteries!

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel reads like a book with chapters and pictures. You simply can’t go wrong with Baby Monkey, regular reviewer. Suitable for children from 4 years old.

8. The mystery of the missing cake

What could be worse than stealing a birthday cake from a party? But don’t worry, Harold the fox is on the case to solve the mystery and find the cake thief.

This is a funny story that teaches honesty and the joy of sharing a cake together! Recommended for children over 4 years old.

9. Secret agent Splat

In this book, Splat the cat dons a detective hat to solve the mystery of missing items! Bestselling author and illustrator Rob Scotton, Secret Agent Splat is sure to captivate your kids!

10. Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar?

This is a funny adaptation of the classic children’s song “Who Took the Cookie”. Adapted into a children’s mystery book, Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? Mr. Skunk solves the mystery of the missing cookie. A great read for ages 4 and up.

11. 7 Ate 9

We love this award-winning book for incorporating math puns into a children’s mystery book! This is a clever and charming book that is sure to attract the attention of both your toddlers and older children. Ideal for children from 4 years old.

Riddle books for children (6-12 years old)

12. The series “Library with ghosts”

If your child likes scary things and likes to watch Casper. A friendly ghost, we’re sure she’ll love this series too! A young girl, Claire, forms an unlikely friendship with a library ghost, and together they try to solve ghostly mysteries.

This is a great series that introduces children to chapter books with a brilliant balance between text and illustrations, keeping them interested in reading!

13. Clockwork sparrow

The Clockwork Sparrow combines historical adventure and mystery. A beautifully written story set in the Edwardian period. It is a must for every child who is fond of adventure and detective genres.

14. Secret Society of Benedict

Join two brave boys and two resourceful girls as they embark on a secret mission that only the smartest and most resourceful kids can complete.

This award-winning series is extremely well written and great for teenagers.

15. Series about Sherlock Sam

You can’t miss the iconic Sherlock Holmes in the mystery genre. This series is a children’s takeoff from the master detective, which your children will have a hard time putting down.

The action takes place in Singapore, it tells about the adventures of a 10-year-old boy – Samuel Tan Sher Lok (aka Sherlock Sam) and Watson – his robot partner. She earns brownie points for her glossary, which lists all the local Singaporean words that this book embodies.

16. In a frame

This Edgar Award-winning series consists of three exciting mystery books for children. Perfect for teenagers, this series revolves around Florian Bates, a high school student who solves crimes for the FBI.

Your student will find this trilogy close and very hard to put down.

17. Yellow yacht

The Yellow Yacht is part of the A to Z Mysteries series and is an exciting read for children aged 9 and under. This detective book for children is set on a magical beach in India. Everything is going well until a robbery happens!

This book can start the entire series of “Mysteries from A to Z” for your children, which has enchanted millions of children around the world.

18. Ballpark Mysteries Series

This is a pleasant mystery series for children, in which sports and detective work are perfectly combined. Children love how the main characters – Mike and Kate – solve one mystery after another in football stadiums in the United States.

19. The mystery of the London Eye

This is a fantastic read for any mystery lover. Intriguing and captivating, The Mystery of the London Eye is a wonderful mystery book for children.

Set in London, she takes her readers on a thrilling journey as Ted and Kat follow clues to find their cousin Salim, who vanishes into thin air from the London Eye.

The Mystery of the London Eye is followed by the Mystery of the Guggenheim, which is no less interesting. rivets to read. Recommended for children over 8 years old.

20. The secret of the Mona Lisa

Join the 3rd grade at Hampstead High School on a school trip to Paris and become embroiled in a conspiracy to kidnap the Mona Lisa! Easy to read and engaging, The Mona Lisa Mystery is a humorous detective book for children.

21. The case of criminals with counterfeits

This is the third book in Wollstonecraft’s Detective Agency. This series of history, mystery and science reimagines two powerful historical figures, Ada Lovelace and Mary Shelley, as friends and plunges them into nail-biting adventures. The perfect book for teenagers!

22. Me, Frida and the mystery of the peacock ring

This detective book for children is a wonderful combination of history and art with a mystery. Me, Frida and the Mystery of the Peacock Ring is set in a Mexican town and weaves a magical web of tension and intrigue to keep readers hypnotized.

23. The Case of the Strange Pink Fan: The Enola Holmes Mystery

Meet Enola Holmes, Sherlock Holmes’ sister who is smart, intelligent and just as good as her brother when it comes to solving mysteries.

This is the fourth book in the Enola Holmes Mysteries series, where Elona joins hands with Sherlock Holmes to solve the complex case of the Magnificent Pink Fan.

24. Winterhouse Mysteries

This trilogy captures the imagination of readers and contains just the right amount of tension and adventure. Winterhouse is an exciting, intelligent series that is sure to captivate children aged 9 and up.

25. Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation

Expect only great mystery and crazy humor from this book. Ike LaRue, a hound dog, is wrongfully accused of stealing cat treats and scaring them, and is put behind bars.

But things soon spiral out of control, and the city suffers from robberies that the city police can’t solve. Now the detective dog LaRue must come to the rescue.

Highly recommend!

26. The mystery of the missing glove

This is an interesting book about the missing glove! What could be worse than missing a mitten in winter? Kids will totally get into this story and remember if they’ve ever lost their mittens. And maybe learn to solve the mystery of their lost gloves.

27. Zoom secrets

Immerse yourself in an exciting mystery filled with fantasy and humor. A great read, The Zooming Secret is the story of a little girl, Christina, and her mother’s mysterious accident.

Simply impossible to put down, it’s a must-read for mystery-seeking kids.

28. Mathematical Inspectors: The Claymore Diamond Case

This book perfectly combines math with mystery. Cleverly written, it will keep your child guessing and engrossed!

Join Stanley, Charlotte, Gertie and Felix in this trilogy as they solve one mystery after another and lead their children on a hellish adventure.

Mysterious stories for children

Not all children like to read bedtime stories. But that shouldn’t stop your child from satisfying his appetite for children’s detective stories! With that in mind, we’ve put together some short detective stories for kids that will entertain your child’s inner sleuth.

1. Defective detectives

This is a short mystery story for children from the house of Tinkle. This time, the detective duo confronts an escaped convict hiding in a supermarket. Will they manage to catch him in time, or will the convict trick them and escape?

2. Big Max is the best detective in the world

Think of Big Max as a kid’s version of Sherlock Holmes. In this short detective cartoon for children, none other than the king turns to the detective for help. The king’s prized elephant has disappeared, and it’s up to Big Max to solve the mystery.

3. Where is the bell?

Join Dorothy, Nina, Brain and Angel as they solve the case of the missing school bell. Cute animations and easy-to-use settings make this animated mystery story a hit with young children.

4. Kid-E-Cats

In this episode, the Kid-E-Cats put on their detective hats to solve the mystery of a missing Candy doll. This detective story for kids will not only teach some basic sleuthing skills, but it will also teach your little ones how to find missing toys without your help!

5. Hogi, The Detective

Meet ‘Hogi’, the best detective in Wonderville. Detective Haughey is sweet and has a keen observation that helps him solve every mystery. This time it’s a special race that has turned into a challenge and Haughey has to come to the rescue.

6. Monkey – The Case of Missing Things

This is a mystery story for children that every child will enjoy. Mr. Monkey is a clever mechanic. But one day his wrench went missing! Now Mr. Monkey must take on the role of a detective to solve the mystery of the missing wrench.

7. Dr. Panda is Detective Olette

This is a cute animated mystery story for kids. Something strange is happening in panda town and everyone is confused. It’s time for Detective Olette to come to the rescue and solve the mystery.

8. Birbal The Detective

Birbal, a famous minister of Mughal Emperor Akbar, this time has to act as a detective to help a poor man recover his stolen savings. Known for his wit, Birbal is intelligent and clever, but can he outsmart the thief this time?

If your kids are no longer fond of these short mystery stories for kids and are looking for a real thrill, we suggest you treat them to mystery movies – ones that are kid-friendly and take away the gory details of a gruesome crime. And yet, they are exciting enough to make your heart skip a beat.

Mystical films for children

1. Dora and the Lost City of Gold

This is the perfect detective mystery for the whole family. Dora is no longer a little girl, but a teenager who is ready to solve an exciting mystery. But this time she has to save her parents too!

2. The Goonies

This is a classic adventure comedy for families. This 1985 American thriller follows a group of teenagers who accidentally discover an ancient Spanish map of a long-lost fortune.

3. Nancy Drew

This film is based on the popular series of mystery novels by Nancy Drew. This time, a teenage detective goes to Los Angeles on a business trip with his father.

But what attracts the attention of the teenage detective is the murder of a movie star. This is a light and humorous family mystery movie that everyone can enjoy with a bowl of popcorn.

4. Enola Holmes

Inspired by the novel of the same name by Nancy Springer, this mystery film for children brings the heroine Enola Holmes to life.

The mother of the Holmes children has gone missing, and young Enola decides to solve the mystery without the help of her super-intelligent detective brother Sherlock Holmes.

This exciting and action-packed mystery movie for kids is rated PG-13.

5. Scoop!

“Scooby!” is a comedy cartoon for kids with a healthy dose of adventure. The Scooby gang tackles the biggest and most difficult case in history – the plot is to free the ghost dog! And along the way, you’ll find a secret legacy and an epic destiny to discover.

6. Get A Clue

Another teen detective, Get a Clue follows the adventures of wealthy teenager Lexi and her ability to get information for the school gossip column.

But then her English teacher disappears, and Lexi and her friends have to solve the mystery of the missing teacher.

7. Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu is a must watch for all Pokemon fans! And also for those who are not deep into Pokémon. This fun mystery movie for kids is based on the exploits of Detective Pikachu and Tim Goodman.

8. Young Sherlock Holmes

This classic mystery film is timeless and would appeal to today’s kids. This mystery film tells the story of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his favorite companion, Dr. Watson, when they were young and still studying at school.

9. The great mouse detective

For all young children and fans of Geronimo Stilton, The Great Mouse Detective is a mystery movie to watch. This 1986 Disney computer-animated film is an action-packed adventure that your kids are sure to love.

Based on Eva Titus’ book Basil of Baker Street, the story details the adventures of Sherlock Holmes-inspired mouse Basil as he unravels the mystery of a missing toymaker.

10. Harriet the Spy

Inspired by the classic book Harriet the Spy, this mystery adventure brings Harriet back to life. An interesting children’s plot makes this film a real mystery for children aged 8 and up.

11. Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase

A teenage detective returns to solving mysteries, and this time it’s about a supposedly haunted mansion.

Filled with intrigue and excitement, this movie will keep your kids guessing about the sequence of events and will teach them about the real superpowers of intelligence, curiosity, compassion and kindness.

Get on the trail! Now you have so much to encourage the little ones, help them build detective kits and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your neighborhood!

Frequently asked questions

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Source: What Does a Detective Do? Crime Scene Investigation for Kids