Fancy a puzzle with your morning cuppa? The Locker Riddle is a brain-teasing math puzzle that’s brilliant for kids and adults alike — it looks tricky at first, but it’s a great way to show children that maths can be genuinely fun.
Grab a pen and paper, get comfy, and see if you can work it out before the video reveals the answer.
The Puzzle
Your rich, eccentric uncle has just passed away, and you and your 99 nasty relatives have been invited to the reading of his will. He wanted to leave all of his money to you — but he knew that if he did, your relatives would pester you forever.
So instead, he’s left a riddle. Solve it, and the inheritance is yours.
Can you figure it out? Educator Lisa Winer explains the puzzle and walks through the solution in this short video.
Why Kids (and Grown-Ups) Love This Puzzle
Riddles like this one are a great way to get children thinking logically without it feeling like “schoolwork.” It encourages:
- Pattern recognition and number sense
- Step-by-step logical thinking
- Patience and persistence with a tricky problem
- A bit of friendly family competition over who gets there first
Try pausing the video before the answer and working it out as a family — it’s a lovely one to do together on a rainy afternoon or a long car journey.
More Puzzles and Maths Fun
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our other maths-focused features, including ideas for making maths fun at home and a roundup of cool maths games and websites for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Locker Riddle suitable for kids?
Yes — while it involves some maths thinking, it’s presented in a fun, story-based way that works well for older children and teens, and adults too. Younger children may need a parent to help talk through the logic.
Do I need to be good at maths to solve it?
Not necessarily. The riddle is more about logical thinking and spotting patterns than complex calculations, so it suits a wide range of ages and abilities.
Where does this puzzle come from?
The version featured here was created and explained by educator Lisa Winer as part of a TED-Ed lesson.
Can I use this as a family activity?
Absolutely. It’s a great screen-time-with-a-purpose activity — watch together, pause before the reveal, and see who can work it out first.
Related Articles
- Making Maths Fun!
- 7 Cool Math Games Websites for Kids
Enjoyed This Puzzle?
Save this article to try again later, or share it with a friend who loves a good brain teaser. And if you’re after more family activity ideas, puzzles, and things to do, browse our family life hub for fresh inspiration.
Get More Ideas Like This
Want fun activities, puzzles, and parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter and get our favourite ideas each week — no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
—
