Free Back to School Maze Printable | Let’s Make Friends!

Back to school maze printables are a fun, low-pressure way to get kids talking and moving on the first day.

Instead of sitting still with pencil-and-paper tasks, this interactive maze gets students up and talking to their classmates.

It’s one of my favorite first day of school worksheets for 1st and 2nd grade.

By the end, kids will have opened “doors” on the page and likely made a few new friends in real life too.

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What Is the Back to School Maze Activity?

This first day of school maze printable uses a fun classroom twist: students move through a “maze” by finding classmates who match 15 different descriptions.

To reach the end, they only need to “open” 8 doors, each unlocked by chatting with someone new.

Classmate Prompts Behind Each Maze Door

To move forward, students must find peers who match these clues:

• 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 clue encourages conversation and helps kids get to know each other.

How to Use This First Day of School Worksheet

This interactive maze is free for personal or classroom use. Scroll to the bottom of the page to grab your copy. Here’s how to use it:

1. Print enough copies for your class.
2. Explain that each “door” can be opened by finding a classmate who fits the description.
3. Encourage students to ask questions, listen, and include everyone.
4. After completing the maze, have students return to their seats and reflect.
5. Host a quick group discussion and celebrate the connections made.

Why Use This Back to School Icebreaker?

This maze isn’t just a fun first day activity, it’s a simple way to get kids talking, moving, and feeling more comfortable with each other. Here’s what makes it so effective:

• Encourages social interaction and teamwork
• Supports strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Helps break the ice in a low-pressure way
• Promotes inclusion and appreciation of diversity
• Builds confidence through structured, positive engagement
• Sets a cooperative tone for the school year ahead

More First Day of School Activities

Looking for more ways to keep the day fun and meaningful? Try these favorite printables:

• 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.
• 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 the Free Printable Mazes Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

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

Last Updated on 7 May 2025 by Clare Brown