Picture Riddles
Picture riddles (also called visual riddles or rebus puzzles) use images to hint at a word, object, or location. They work brilliantly for escape rooms and scavenger hunts — hide a clue somewhere in your home, then give players the matching picture that points to its hiding spot. Works for both kids and adults!
Example picture riddle — solution: Table 😄
Download the free picture riddles
The printable PDF contains a set of home-themed picture riddles — each image points to a common location in the house. Print, cut into cards, and use them as clues in your escape room or scavenger hunt.
Download & Print Picture Riddles PDFFree download · Print at home · Cut into cards
How to use picture riddles in your escape room
- Print and cut the picture riddles into individual cards.
- Choose a hiding spot for each clue — under the table, behind the sofa, inside a book, on top of the fridge.
- Hide the next clue (or a key, code, or object) at that spot.
- Give players the picture card that visually represents the hiding spot. They study the image, decode the location, and go find it.
- Chain the clues together — the found clue leads to the next picture riddle, creating a trail through your escape room or scavenger hunt.
Pro tip: For younger children, use one picture per clue with obvious images. For older kids and adults, combine two or more pictures that together hint at the location — for example, a picture of an eye + a picture of a screen = TV.
Frequently asked questions
What are picture riddles?
Picture riddles (also called visual riddles or rebus puzzles) use images instead of words to represent an object, place, or idea. Players look at the picture and work out what it depicts — the answer is usually a common word or location.
How do picture riddles work in an escape room?
Hide a clue or object somewhere in the room, then give players a picture that represents that location. For example, a picture of a table means the next clue is hidden under or on the table. Players decode the image, find the spot, and retrieve the next clue.
Are these picture riddles suitable for kids?
Yes — picture riddles are great for children aged 5 and up. Younger children love the visual nature of the puzzle, while older kids and teens enjoy the challenge of more abstract or combined images.
Can I use picture riddles for a scavenger hunt?
Absolutely. Picture riddles are one of the most popular scavenger hunt clue formats. Each image leads players to a new location where they find the next card, creating a chain of discovery around your home or garden.
How many picture riddles are in the PDF?
The free PDF contains a set of home-themed picture riddles covering common household locations — perfect for running an indoor escape room or scavenger hunt.
