Space Mission Quest: Find the Lost Star

Ages 4–9 · 8 picture or riddle clues · rocket part on every card · free printable

A free printable space treasure hunt for ages 4–9: every clue card gives young astronauts a rocket part. Build the rocket on the launch pad, count down from 10 and blast off to find the lost star.

Two ways to play: picture clues (ages 3–6) show the next hiding place, and riddle clues (ages 6+) hide the picture and the place name behind a riddle. Your setup sheet always lists where every card goes.

The story — read it out loud

Mission Control calling! A little star fell out of the sky and landed somewhere in our home. Astronaut, your mission is to follow the clues, collect every rocket part, build your rocket on the launch pad and fly the star back home. Ready? 3, 2, 1... blast off!

Choose the clue style

Picture clues · ages 3–6Each card shows a big picture of the next hiding place — no reading needed.Riddle clues · ages 6+No pictures or place names on the cards — just a riddle to solve.

Make it fit your home

Tap a hiding place to switch it on or off (4–12 places). New places are added at the end; the last place is where the treasure waits.

Include rhymesInclude fun missions

Treasure spot (revealed by the launch pad sheet):

A4 or US Letter · setup checklist, 10 cards, the launch pad sheet, blank draw-your-own clues and a certificate

The clue cards

START · Clue 1
rocket part 1
Look under the bed!
Every astronaut needs rest —
look under the bed for your quest!
Clue 2 of 8hidden under the bed
rocket part 2
Look by the window!
Look outside at the big blue sky —
the window has a clue nearby!
Mission: Float like an astronaut in slow motion!
Clue 3 of 8hidden by the window
rocket part 3
Look next to a lamp!
Shining bright just like the sun —
look by the lamp, this one's fun!
Clue 4 of 8hidden next to a lamp
rocket part 4
Look on top of the washing machine!
Spinning round like planets do —
the washer has your next clue!
Clue 5 of 8hidden on top of the washing machine
rocket part 5
Look on the fridge!
Brrr! As cold as a comet's tail —
look on the fridge to follow the trail!
Mission: Count down from 10, then blast off!
Clue 6 of 8hidden on the fridge
rocket part 6
Look on a kitchen chair!
Buckle up in your rocket seat —
look on the chair, that's really neat!
Clue 7 of 8hidden on a kitchen chair
rocket part 7
Look on the bookshelf!
Books of planets, moons and stars —
look on the shelf, from here to Mars!
Clue 8 of 8hidden on the bookshelf
rocket part 8
Look under a pillow!
Soft as a cloud in outer space —
lift the pillow and search that place!
Mission: Moonwalk backwards 5 steps!
Unlock · Card 9hidden under a pillow
Ready for launch!
Build your rocket on the launch pad, count down from 10 to 0 — blast off! — then open the launch pad flap.
Treasure · Card 10hidden under a sofa cushion
Mission complete!
You found the lost star! Welcome back to Earth, Astronaut!

The finale: Ready for launch

Each clue card carries a rocket part to cut out. On the launch pad sheet the parts go on their numbered outlines, then everyone counts down from 10 — and the folded flap reveals the treasure spot.

The treasure waits under a sofa cushion — a spot that isn't one of the clue stops, so the pieces really matter.

Where to hide each card

Give card 1 (the START card) and the launch pad sheet to your child.
Hide card 2 under the bed.
Hide card 3 by the window.
Hide card 4 next to a lamp.
Hide card 5 on top of the washing machine (never inside).
Hide card 6 on the fridge.
Hide card 7 on a kitchen chair.
Hide card 8 on the bookshelf (bottom shelf).
Hide the unlock card (card 9) under a pillow.
Hide the treasure card (card 10) and your treat or gift under a sofa cushion — the launch pad sheet reveals this spot.

How to play

1. Pick a quest and print. Choose a story, swap any hiding places that don't fit your home, then print the cards on A4 or US Letter paper and cut them out.
2. Hide the cards. Follow the parent checklist (it's also the answer key): hide card 2 at the first place, card 3 at the next, and so on. The checklist tells you where the treat or gift goes.
3. Read the story and go!. Read the story out loud and hand over card 1. Picture clues show where the next card is hiding — no reading needed; riddle clues make older kids think it out.

Tips

Hide the cards in reverse order: start with the treasure, finish with card 2.
Keep every clue at kid height and in safe spots — never near the stove, stairs or an open window.
For non-readers, point at the picture and ask: "Where is this in our house?"
Big kids can switch to riddle clues — or read the rhymes out loud and help hide the clues for a younger sibling.
Want a talking clue? Record a message with a free voice card and hide it at the last stop.

More home quests

Keep the memories from your quest

Save your kid's treasure maps and drawings — with their voice — in Jerry's Artbox.