How to Play
How it Works
The hunt will be available June 1 - August 15, 2026! Puzzles are available to download by going to www.solvingfun.com/fairfax. Scroll down and click on the green "Puzzles" button to start solving, or click here. Puzzles are divided into regions, just like FCPS. Solve one region or do them all! If you don't have a printer, you can solve directly on a tablet, or Fairfax County Libraries offer printing for 15 cents a page. Also, you can visit your local school to get them printed.
With a group of friends or family, solve the puzzles at your own pace. Enter each puzzle answer on the puzzle pages. Each puzzle will lead you to a location in Fairfax County where you will find a clue (the dot on the map is not meant to be the exact location, but it will be close by). When you get to the clue location, hunt for a sign with a blue word on it (sample below). These are clues for each region's final puzzle and the hunt's meta-puzzle. Each region will have five clues for a final puzzle.
The clue signs will not be hidden or buried and are on public land within Fairfax County. You will not need to damage anything to find them. Write down the clue (word(s)) you need and leave the signs for future solvers. Put together the clues found at each location and figure out the final answer. If you solve all the regions, there is one meta-puzzle that uses all the final puzzle answers and clues.
As you solve and discover, take photos and share using #fcpspuzzlehunt and tag us @solvingfun @fcpsva. Submit them on your entry form, or email them to us at community@solvingfun.com.
Prizes
At the end of the hunt, enter your answers for a chance to win a prize! Submit your entry by filling out the form anytime between June 1 and August 15, 2026. It is free to enter. One entry per person. All winners will be notified around September 1, 2025. Each participant who completes a region's final puzzle will receive a certificate. For the participants who complete the entire hunt, all 6 regions and the meta-puzzle, there will also be a drawing for grand prize packages from Fairfax County Public Schools Safe Routes to School and Solving Fun.
Fairfax County Regions
The puzzle hunt is divided into 6 regions. Solve one or solve them all. Not sure of your local region? Click here for more information.
Trails
While this hunt is all about solving puzzles and finding clues, we encourage solvers to take their time to solve throughout the summer and visit the sites where clues are located. This is a great opportunity to explore wonderful places and practice biking and hiking on the trails throughout Fairfax County. Here's a trail map to help you plan your adventure!
Safety Reminders
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals and Fairfax County Public Schools want all of our community members to be safe and have fun. Be mindful of all laws and safety regulations as you explore the county. Clues are posted in visible areas and on public property. If you experience an emergency, call 911.
Safety Tips
While exploring Fairfax County, here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.
• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Things happen unexpectedly.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for drivers in all directions,
including those turning.
• Watch for drivers entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• When possible, walk with a parent, sibling, or a group of friends.
• Stay off your phone and other electronic devices that may distract you.
• Wear a helmet when riding. Bike in the direction of traffic.
• Be sure to follow trail rules when at parks.
• Visit locations during the day and with pals.
Before riding, check your ABCs and helmet.
A reminder to play it safe while it's hot out there, here are some helpful tips.
Solving Tips
Puzzle Hunt puzzles are meant to have a variety of challenge levels for all solvers to enjoy together. Work collaboratively and share ideas while solving. Some puzzles may seem too easy and others may feel impossible. We hope you enjoy a positive amount of struggle, and it's ok to get stuck. Here are some strategies we recommend:
Take a break and come back, give your mind a reset.
Ask a pal for help, not everyone has the same strengths and experiences.
There's a hint page with hints for each puzzle (use only as needed).
Reach out to us anytime on our chat feature of www.solvingfun.com or email. We love hearing from solvers and are here to help!
Have fun!
We hope you love our Puzzle Hunts. If you are having fun solving, check out our other puzzle products or email us to create a custom hunt for you.
