A murder mystery game will consist of a storyline, character roles, clues, and props. If you would like to use a random approach when assigning character roles and handing out clues and props, use some enhancement strategies that will allow the guests to randomly select items.

The Storyline And Character Roles

If you have taken on the responsibility of planning a children's murder mystery party, decide what type of storyline to introduce to the party guests. The young ages of the guests may guide you toward choosing a story that prompts the children to solve a caper that involves a mischievous person doing something that is considered bad but not life-altering.

After coming up with a storyline and a list of people who will play key roles in the story, prepare character cards. On each card, write down details about the character's persona and appearance and their relationship with others who are involved in the crime. Place each card in an envelope. During the party, brief the guests about the murder mystery story and allow the children to take turns randomly selecting one of the envelopes. The chosen envelopes will determine what part each child plays.

Clues And Props

Providing the guests with the opportunity to receive an advantage or a disadvantage will make the gameplay a little more competitive. Prepare clue cards and place them in a stack. Set the cards in the center of the table where the party guests will be seated. Hand two dice to each child and instruct them to roll the dice. The total number that they roll will determine how many clue cards a particular guest will receive. Tell each child to draw their cards from the top of the deck of clues and to not share the information with anyone else.

Place props inside of a basket. When it is time for the guests to receive some of the props, blindfold each child and allow them to reach into the basket. Allow the participants to each select a set number of items. After everyone has received their props, allow the children to divide into teams. Small teams of two or three children can work together to attempt to solve the crime. The kids in each group will be able to share their clues with one another and can use the props as costumes or to guide them in reenacting a part of the crime. 

To learn more, contact a resource that provides murder mystery party games for kids.