We can’t believe holidays are just about on our doorstep! Parents everywhere are either coping with those dreaded words, “I’m bored!” or trying to get their tweens to do something else besides scrolling. You all know how much we love books, and reading is just a natural part of our lives. It’s as much a part of our day as a cup of coffee; it just has to be done. 

Unfortunately, many tweens don’t find reading quite as exciting as we do. It’s difficult to compete with social media, streaming services, and video games. But for one moment, imagine what it would be like if your child were begging to read, not because they have to, but because they want to. 

It’s time to turn any book into a holiday adventure game, which is just what you need. Now there will be moments of excitement and laughter, with the occasional dramatic gasp added for extra measure. This is the perfect screen-free holiday activity for tweens who crave a little challenge and a lot of fun. And if crafting clues between cookie batches isn’t on your wishlist, Once Upon a Book Club’s Tween Book Subscription Boxes already come with the magic pre-built for you.

Why Gamified Reading Works

We all know that when things are fun, we tend to engage more deeply, and it’s exactly the same for our kids. Studies show that connecting stories to interactive elements boosts curiosity and motivation, especially when activities tap into imagination and problem-solving skills.¹ 

Gamifying a story turns each chapter into a mini-mission, and suddenly reading becomes something tweens race into instead of avoid. With just a few clues and puzzles, you can recreate this excitement at home and keep kids happily reading all holiday break.

Relax, we’ve got you covered with some easy ways to gamify any book you have!

Interactive Reading Activities: Clues, QR Hunts, and Chapter Rewards

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Book and Theme

First up is choosing just the right book. It has to be packed with adventure—fantasy, mystery, or anything with puzzles or twists works beautifully. Some of our favorites include The Wild Robot by Peter Brown or The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.

If you want a story already paired with surprise gifts linked to corresponding page numbers, then you definitely want to have a look at these ready-to-ship book boxes!  

“The Shapeshifter”: This is an action-packed, funny, and heartwarming outer-space adventure about a troublesome little shape-shifter on the run from the law.

“A Summer to Remember”: Get ready for clues and treasure maps as Ryanna learns more about her mother and uncovers the mystery of why her father hasn’t spoken to her grandparents for all these years.

Step 2: Create Clues for Each Chapter

This is where the magic happens. Hide a clue connected to each chapter; it could be something symbolic, silly, or story-specific. If a character discovers a key, hide a paper key under your tween’s pillow. If the hero meets a new friend, leave a “friend file” or a hint taped to the fridge. 

You can even create printable clue cards or link QR codes to riddles, trivia, or hints you’ve uploaded to a private folder. Tweens love decoding, scanning, and solving, so turning each chapter into a “find the next clue” moment keeps the excitement rolling.

Step 3: Add a Challenge or Puzzle

Turn your holiday reading game into a mini escape-room-meets-book-club experience by adding puzzles that match the story. Word scrambles, decoder wheels, character-trait matching, or even a chapter-themed riddle can turn ordinary pages into brain-boosting fun. You can even print out a cipher wheel or create a simple substitution code. 

Every adventurer needs a special notebook to jot down clues (and yes, we have just the thing! Check out our detective logbook), because reading has just become a top-secret mission.

Step 4: Reward Progress with Chapter Prizes

You definitely don’t need to go all out. Big gifts are not required to motivate your child; tiny treats are just as magical. We’re thinking holiday-themed bookmarks, hot cocoa coupons, “choose dinner tonight” vouchers, or little trinkets wrapped in tissue paper. These mini-prizes keep the adventure rolling while celebrating reading milestones. 

For parents who want the surprise factor without the prep, our Tween Boxes include exciting gifts tied directly to special moments in the book, making every page turn feel like a treasure hunt. They can’t stop reading until that next “Open your gift” moment!

Step 5: Add a Grand Finale or “Escape” Ending

Every epic adventure needs a final showdown. You can host a treasure hunt, leave a final riddle in a Christmas ornament, or set up a living-room “escape challenge” where your tween must answer a final story question to “unlock” the prize. 

Grand finale rewards could include a new book, a bookstore voucher, or one of our no-commitment book boxes. If you want something extra special, we even have gift cards, which are perfect for letting your tween choose their next adventure.

Printable Reading Games and Tools

You can level up the fun with tools that make the reading game feel official. Create a reading bingo card to encourage variety (“read under a blanket fort”, “read with a flashlight”, “read while sipping hot chocolate”, “read to the dog”, or “read while in the bath”). 

Family reading trackers are fun to make and a great way to celebrate all those delightful mini milestones along the way. You don’t need to do all the work; this can be a fun family activity to kick off the adventure game!

A reading timer works wonders for quick, focused bursts, which is perfect for kids who love a bit of structure. Every time your tween completes an activity, they can add a sticker to their tracker, which feels incredibly rewarding. 

If you need inspiration, our sticker collection poster is a great place to start. And don’t forget our Tween Reading Passport, it’s the perfect way to log their reading adventures, and let’s be honest, every world traveler needs a passport!

Make It a Family Holiday Tradition

We are so excited by this idea, it should become a family tradition! Let’s make this a yearly tradition with a “Family Reading Adventure Night.” Let siblings team up to solve clues, or take turns being the “Game Master.” 

You can even theme the adventure: cozy winter mysteries, festive fantasy quests, or holiday-themed adventures. Pair the evening with yummy snacks (we’re thinking gingerbread men, festive cupcakes, red and white sweets), cuddly blankets, and twinkly lights, and before you know it, you’ve got memories built around books…not screens. Whether you create your own adventure or let us do some of the work for you, there’s nothing like the magic of stories shared together.

Let the Adventures Begin

Books don’t need special effects to feel magical; sometimes all it takes is a clue, a puzzle, and a spark of imagination. Turning a holiday read into an adventure game turns those reluctant readers into eager detectives and transforms quiet afternoons into unforgettable story-filled moments. 

With OUABC’s Tween Book Boxes offering an exciting book along with ready-to-unwrap surprise gifts, you can enjoy the moment without the prep. 

Start your family’s new holiday reading quest by exploring the Tween Book Subscription Boxes. Adventure awaits, one surprise gift at a time. We would love to hear all about your holiday adventure games, so don’t forget to tag us! Happy adventures from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

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