The 3D and giant multi-storey versions bring something new to the classic. Instead of a flat board, counters travel up and around a tall structure, with the snakes and ladders running between levels, which children find far more exciting to watch. Larger garden versions scale the whole thing up for outdoor play, so the game moves from the kitchen table to the lawn on a sunny day.

Difficulty varies a lot, so read the age guidance and the suggested group size. A game aimed at families with younger children keeps the clues fairer and the reading lighter, while a harder title will have adults scratching their heads. Working through the puzzles together is good fun, and there is a real sense of satisfaction when the last lock clicks open.

For a hand-picked selection of Christmas games and stocking-filler puzzles for every age, browse the seasonal range at escape room puzzle educational games for kids.

Playing time is worth checking before you start. Many escape games run for around an hour to ninety minutes, so it helps to set aside a clear evening rather than squeezing one in. Some are single-use, where you mark or fold the components as you go, while others can be reset and passed on to friends once you have finished, which is handy if you want to share the fun.

The Genius Square has become a favourite for families and solo puzzlers who want a game that sets up in seconds and plays differently every time. You roll the seven dice, place a blocker on each grid square the dice point to, then fit the nine coloured shapes into the space that is left. There is always at least one solution, and often more than one, so nobody gets stuck on an impossible board.

To compare word games by pace and age suitability, and see which reward speed versus vocabulary, take a look at the word games at brain games for adults.