EXIT Kids Riddles in Monsterville: Parent Setup Guide

By Thames & Kosmos Online Store | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: How-to Guides

Set up EXIT Kids Riddles in Monsterville in minutes with a clear step-by-step plan, age-fit notes, and tips to keep the cookie-jar riddles fun for ages 5 and up.

Quick answer

Set up EXIT Kids Riddles in Monsterville by separating the 36 illustrated cards from the cookie-jar goal, then let children solve the six visual puzzle types together or solo. The game is designed for ages five and up, so keep the setup simple and let kids lead.

Why the cookie-jar goal changes setup

In this EXIT Kids title, the story is concrete: cookie monsters have stolen ten cookie jars, and children earn them back by solving monstrous riddles. That goal shapes how you prepare the table. Instead of hiding every component, keep the cookie-jar objective visible so young players understand what they are working toward.

The game uses 36 illustrated, large-format cards and six different types of visual puzzles. Because the puzzles are visual rather than text-heavy, setup should focus on sorting and displaying cards clearly rather than reading long rules aloud.

Age fit and solo versus team play

The box states ages five and up, and the rules support working together or by themselves. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should choose the mode before setup. For a first play with younger children, cooperative play keeps everyone engaged and reduces the chance of one child dominating the cards.

If a child wants to play solo, set up the same way but resist the urge to simplify the puzzles. The six visual puzzle types are the core challenge, and the game is designed to be solvable at the stated age.

Setup steps for EXIT Kids Riddles in Monsterville

Unpack and separate the card types: Open the box and lay out all 36 illustrated cards. Group them by the six visual puzzle types shown on the cards so children can see the variety before play begins. Common mistake: mixing all cards into one pile makes it harder for young players to recognize puzzle patterns.
Set the cookie-jar goal in view: Place the ten cookie jars or the goal tracker where everyone can see it. Explain that the monsters stole the jars and the riddles earn them back. Checkpoint: confirm each child can point to the goal before you start.
Choose cooperative or solo play: Decide whether children will work together or by themselves. For a first game with ages five and up, cooperative play is usually smoother. Common mistake: letting one child take over the cards in team play; assign turns or puzzle types.
Read only the rule you need: Instead of reading the full rulebook aloud, demonstrate one puzzle type with a single card. Let children try the next card on their own. Checkpoint: if a child looks confused, show the puzzle type again rather than explaining all six at once.
Start with the simplest visual puzzle: Pick the puzzle type that looks most straightforward to your group and solve one card together as a warm-up. Then move to the next type. Common mistake: starting with the most complex puzzle and losing momentum.
Keep solved cards visible: Place solved cards in a done pile or near the cookie jars. This gives children a visual record of progress and reinforces the goal. Checkpoint: at the end, count the solved cards together to celebrate the cookie jars earned.

Product facts

EXIT: The Game - Kids - Riddles in Monsterville: Includes 36 illustrated, large-format cards with six different types of visual puzzles. Large cards are easy for small hands to handle, and the variety of puzzle types keeps setup focused on sorting rather than reading.
EXIT: The Game - Kids - Riddles in Monsterville