Make learning about Mardi Gras interesting with this no-prep Mardi Gras digital escape game.  The game includes access to a website where your students will hunt for the keys to unlock a set of locks.  Students will need to read the clues very carefully and watch videos, visit websites, and read texts to find the information they need to win the game.  Very easy to use - just send your students to the website and let them work!  Students can play individually or in teams.  UPDATED FOR 2026 - new version has been updated.

Mardi Gras is here! Your friend has sent you some beads, but you can't open the box they're in without figuring out the codes to the locks. Learn about Mardi Gras and open the box to get your prize in this Mardi Gras digital escape game. This is a challenging activity that students will need to work together and think critically in order to complete. All readings are in English

Digital escape games are a fun way to start a unit, or to review at the end of a unit.  They can also be used to learn about a cultural or historical event.  This game will have your students reading carefully and paying attention to the smallest details in order to complete the challenge and unlock the locks.  

This item includes:

• Access to a website where your students can play the game
• Complete teacher's guide to playing the game
• Answer key so you can help students if they get stuck!

Your students will enjoy learning without even realizing that they are learning!  The challenging game format will get them excited about finding the code to unlock each lock - and the format of the clues for each lock will have them paying close attention - there's no way to solve the puzzles  without being 100% focused! 

Topics in this game include:

• Krewes
• Throws
• The Cajuns
• King's Cake
• Calculating the Date of Mardi Gras (note that the game is updated each year, so be sure to download the updated teacher guide so you'll have the correct answer key!)

Prep is very easy - you just need to share the website URL with your students.  You may want to test the site before you use it, just to make sure nothing is blocked by your district.  As some of the clues can be challenging to unlock, you may choose to help your students with the trickier ones.  With the teacher guide, you will have the answer key - so you can help guide students towards the correct answer by giving them hints, or if you have limited time, you can adjust the game by reducing the number of locks they need to unlock - just give them the answer(s) to help the activity fit your time constraints.