The FestiTale workshop
Inside our workshop
An idea can look good on paper. We only find out whether it works outdoors and during play when we give it a try. The Ahrensburg route taught us a lot. Here is what happened, and what we are still working on.
As of week 40 · 2026
Ahrensburg: what the first walk taught us
We walked the first version with four children. Right at the start, something was wrong: the view the story depended on could not be seen from there. Later, the children were supposed to look for a feature that was missing from that spot. One part of the route could not be walked safely all the way through. We did not want to give the route to families like that.
We revised the route and walked it ourselves. It is safe to walk, and the local edition is playable. A family who do not know us are trying the paper version. We have not received their feedback.
What has changed
Which age is it right for?
Week 36 · 2026
Each of our five finished stories comes in three levels for ages 5–7, 8–10 and 11–13; your family chooses the level, and the story stays the same. Only playing will show whether the tasks and help suit each age, where the children can make progress on their own and when a hint helps. You can find the current status beside each adventure.
Checking your test card
Week 36 · 2026
Enter your card’s code on the redemption page. If the card has expired, the page shows the date until which it was valid.
Saving your feedback
Week 36 · 2026
Your answers should reach us in full. That is why we have changed how the website saves the feedback form. If something gets stuck when you send it, please tell us.
What else has happened
- Week 37 · 2026: We now keep decisions and next steps in one place. That helps us show you where things stand.
- Week 36 · 2026: You can find our social media profiles at the bottom of every page.
- Week 36 · 2026: The imprint and privacy notice are available from every page. They now also include information about our social media links and emails.
What we look for in an adventure
With every booklet, we ask ourselves: Do the children get to discover something that moves the story along? Can the grown-ups join in? Does it all come together at the end? These questions guide our work.
A story that moves forward
Every task should change something. The children find a clue, help someone or get closer to their shared goal.
Things to do together
Sometimes they look closely. Sometimes they try something out, talk about what they notice or make a decision together. The things they handle should belong in the story, too.
Help for grown-ups
Whoever reads aloud should be able to join in. So the booklet needs clear notes: What should you have ready? What do you read aloud? How can you help if the children get stuck?
An ending that fits
What the children discover and collect along the way should matter at the end. The story, pictures and materials need to fit together.
The play session decides
We can plan a lot at a desk. We only learn whether a hint makes sense and a task is fun when people play. That is why feedback from families matters to us.
The booklet comes with you
After redeeming your code, you print the booklet. Then you have the story with you, whether you play at the table or outdoors.
What comes next
These are the things we plan to work on. None of them is finished yet:
- Play one adventure from start to finish: With the football adventure, we want to see how the opening, the tasks, the grown-ups’ part and the ending work together.
- Give grown-ups better guidance: The preparation notes should explain what to have ready, when a hint might help and what to do if something is missing.
- Try the levels: Each of our five finished stories has a level for ages 5–7, 8–10 and 11–13; your family chooses the level, and the story stays the same. We want to try them with families to see whether the tasks and help suit each age.
Before we release another story, at least one family who do not know us should have played it. We will not sell any adventures before 1 February 2027. Even after that, sales will begin only when the necessary checks are complete.
Stay curious
If you would like to hear when we launch, join the waiting list. And if you have a question or an idea for an adventure to play together, write to us.