Haunted Mansion Mystery Night Theme: Game Ideas

  1. Main Event: Mansion Murder Mystery Game

Materials Needed:

  • Character cards and brief bios
  • Individual clue sheets for each guest
  • A master script and solution for the host
  • Props (evidence cards, fake documents, photos, etc.)

Rules:

  1. Assign each guest a character in advance or upon arrival.
  2. Each guest receives a clue sheet with objectives and secrets.
  3. Throughout the night, they mingle, share or conceal information, and try to deduce the killer.
  4. At a designated time, each guest submits a guess.
  5. The host reads the final solution and reveals the culprit.

Prize:

  • Custom “Master Detective” trophy or engraved magnifying glass
  1. Spirit Board Seance Challenge

Materials Needed:

  • Faux Ouija board or custom-designed “spirit board”
  • Printed “message cards” with riddles, clues, or false leads
  • Candlelight ambiance

Rules:

  1. Small groups take turns “contacting the spirits.”
  2. A moderator or hidden narrator gives them cryptic messages.
  3. Guests interpret the clues—some messages hint at the murder mystery or real hidden objects.
  4. The first team to decipher and find the hidden object wins.

Prize:

  • “Spirit Whisperer” certificate or small antique-style keepsake box
  1. Haunted Heirloom Hunt

Materials Needed:

  • A list of “cursed heirlooms” to hide around the house
  • Replica items: a brooch, locket, key, monocle, handwritten letter, etc.
  • Clue cards placed subtly nearby each item

Rules:

  1. Hand guests a themed scavenger list (either individually or in teams).
  2. Guests must explore the mansion to find each heirloom.
  3. Some items are red herrings; true items are tied to clues in the murder mystery.
  4. The guest/team with the most authentic items wins.

Prize:

  • A haunted heirloom of their own (vintage locket, faux gem paperweight)
  1. Ghost Story Duel

Materials Needed:

  • Candles or lanterns
  • A “Ghostly Tale Starter Kit” (story prompts in a jar)
  • Judging ballots for best tale

Rules:

  1. Guests draw a prompt and create a spooky story (real or improvised).
  2. Each person gets 2–3 minutes to share around the circle.
  3. Guests vote on categories: scariest, funniest, most creative.
  4. Winners are announced at the end.

Prize:

  • Leather journal or candle labeled “For Your Next Tale”
  1. Death Portrait Photo Booth

Materials Needed:

  • Vintage props: candelabras, veils, faux blood, monocles
  • Gothic backdrop or wallpaper scene
  • Instant camera or photo printer

Rules:

  1. Guests pose as either suspects, victims, or ghosts.
  2. Add labels like “Unsolved,” “Prime Suspect,” or “The Spirit Lingers.”
  3. Optional: vote on “Best Death Pose,” “Creepiest Smile,” “Most Suspicious Stare”

Prize:

  • Framed photo keepsake or “Most Wanted” certificate
  1. Secret Motive Matching Game

Materials Needed:

  • Index cards with secret motives (e.g., “You’re in debt to the victim,” “You were once their lover”)
  • Guest name cards or photos
  • Pin board or chalkboard

Rules:

  1. Guests must match motives to other guests based on what they’ve heard throughout the night.
  2. Reveal correct answers at the end.
  3. Guest with the most correct guesses wins.

Prize:

  • Mystery-themed book or vintage skeleton key bottle opener

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