Free Back to School Maze Printable for Making New Friends

This free back to school maze printable is a fun first day of school activity that helps students make new friends while building classroom connections.

Designed for 1st grade and 2nd grade students, this interactive back to school maze gets kids moving around the classroom as they talk to classmates and discover things they have in common.

Instead of completing a traditional worksheet at their desks, students work their way through the school maze by finding classmates who match different clues and unlocking doors along the path.

It’s one of my favorite first day of school activities because it encourages conversation, boosts confidence, and helps students feel comfortable in their new classroom from day one.

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How This Back to School Maze Printable Works

This back to school maze printable combines a traditional maze with a fun classroom icebreaker activity. Instead of simply finding a path on paper, students work their way through the maze by finding classmates who match different descriptions.

To complete the first day of school maze, students must “open” doors by talking to their peers and discovering who fits each clue. They only need to unlock 8 doors to reach the finish line, making it an easy and engaging activity for the first week of school.

Friendship Questions and Clues in the School Maze

As students work through the school maze, they’ll search for classmates who:

• Has blue eyes
• Ate cereal for breakfast
• Has a brother
• Plays basketball
• Has brown eyes
• Went on vacation
• Has a cat
• Went to a water park
• Has been to a different country
• Can speak a different language
• Lives with 5 or more people
• Has won a trophy
• Has a sister
• Has 2 or more pets

Each prompt encourages conversation, helps students discover shared interests, and makes it easier to build new friendships.

How to Use This First Day of School Maze

This free printable back to school maze is perfect for classrooms, homeschool groups, and co-ops. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download your copy.

• Print enough worksheets for each student.
• Explain that each maze door can only be opened by finding a classmate who matches the description.
• Encourage students to ask questions, listen carefully, and include everyone.
• Once students have completed the maze, bring the class back together.
• Invite students to share something interesting they learned about a classmate.

Why Use This Back to School Maze Activity?

This first day of school activity does more than keep students busy. It helps children feel comfortable in a new classroom while encouraging meaningful interactions from day one.

Benefits of this back to school worksheet include:

• Encourages conversation and social skills
• Helps students make new friends
• Builds classroom community
• Supports critical thinking and problem-solving
• Promotes inclusion and teamwork
• Increases confidence through structured interaction
• Creates a positive tone for the school year

It’s a simple, low-prep back to school icebreaker that gets students talking, moving, and connecting right away.

More First Day of School Activities

Looking for more first day of school activities? These free printables help students get to know one another, build classroom connections, and ease into new routines during the first week of school.

• My favorite things printable – A quick way for students to share their interests and spark conversations.
• All about me worksheet – Helps kids reflect on who they are and gives you a snapshot of each student.
• Back to school coloring sheets – Low-prep coloring activities that help students settle into the classroom while celebrating the new school year.
• My favorite color activity sheet – A simple, calming task that’s great for easing into classroom routines.
• First day of school headband craft – A hands-on activity that doubles as a fun keepsake.
• Get to know you questions worksheet – Encourage thoughtful conversations and help students connect right away.

Get Your Free Printable School Mazes Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free PDF.

Last Updated on 23 June 2026 by Clare Brown