How to Make an Object as Goal Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 20th type of maze construction is the Object as Goal maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Object as Goal Maze - A maze of any construction that has a goal of an object. The object can be within the maze or at the end of the maze.

How to Make an Object as Goal Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose a simple square.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal (The object)

For the below example I chose a corner start and a goal of Ohio, the Object as Goal. In this case I made the goal in the center, but it could have also been after a typical maze exit with the object placed there.

Step 2 - Draw the Maze Paths

Draw the walls starting from the entrance and working towards the goal. Remember to keep at least one pathway open as a possible solution. The maze design can be of any type, in this example I used a standard path maze, as long as the goal is an object.

Step 3 - Complete the Maze

Connect the solution pathway to the goal object to complete the construction of the maze.

Step 4 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red).

In many ways the Object as Goal maze is a sibling of the Escape Maze when the object is placed inside the outer walls. Instead of working from an internal start to the outside goal in and Escape maze you reverse it and move from an External start to an internal Goal.

Additional Object as Goal Maze Examples

Another example of the Object in Goal maze can be seen below where the solver must reach the grasshopper in center of the maze. This is also an example of a Draw and Cut construction where the pathways are created by cutting thru the walls of a series of boxes within boxes.

And here is an example of a more traditional Object as Goal maze. This is also a good example of a Kids maze with a simple solution and subject matter appropriate for children. Here the Object Goal is a flower. But this example also has an object as Start !!

And my third example is another easy maze made for children. This Walrus maze has an object as both the Start and Goal, each also enclosed inside the outline of the maze,

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Dual Entrance/Exit Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 19th type of maze construction is the Dual Entrance/Exit maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Dual Entrance/Exit Maze - A maze that can be solved moving in either direction. The start and the goal are interchangeable. The construction of the maze happens in two directions to prevent “backwards solving” or starting from the goal to help solve a maze.

How to Make a Dual Entrance/Exit Maze

• Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

• Step 1.5 - Choose both of the Start/Goals

For the below example I chose the dual start/goals of Cleveland and Cincinnati. I add the double arrows in each location to designate that this is a dual entrance/exit maze. There is also an option to add directions if you think they are necessary ( I do not believe they are), but once the maze is completed anyone who has seen a maze before will know what to do. And, there is no way for them to make a mistake solving the maze since they can start where they want !

• Step 2 - Draw the Maze Paths

A Dual Entrance Maze is constructed in 2 directions at the same time, unlike traditional single start mazes. This helps the maze maker create a more complex maze since the solver will have choices to make regardless of the direction chosen. A Dual Entrance maze also can be made with any construction type. For the example below I used a standard path maze. I also prefer designing pathways coming from each possible entrance.

Continue drawing maze walls, remembering to leave open possible pathways for a solution.

And more walls.

• Step 3 - Complete the Maze

Connect pathways from each side of the design to create a solvable pathway and complete the construction of the maze.

• Step 4 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red). This is a good time to try solving the maze in each direction just to see if you notice anything off in your design. The first few times you make a dual entrance maze you may notice that one way is more difficult to solve than the other. That is normal and you will improve your designs with practice.

Additional examples of Dual Entrance/Exit Mazes

Below is another example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze. This particular Heart maze is also a good example of a horizontal maze. I think vertical mazes are a great construction method to use for this type of maze. Why ? They just work. Try solving this one. If you hit a dead end solving from one entrance try the other one. What do you think ?

A second example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze is this much more difficult Croissant Maze. The shape of the pastry made the dual entrance construction fit well. I also used a standard equal construction for the pathways.

Well I may as well use a grid maze for my third example. This Hamburger Maze in greyscale is a rework of my original full color standard maze of the same drawing. It is also an example of a maze that can be dual use as a coloring page.

I did a 3 part blog series on maze constructions if you want to design your own type of maze. Part 1 includes the dual entrance/exit.

Part 1 - Starting and Ending a Maze - Speaks to the 9 most popular ways to start and stop a maze

Part 2 - Maze Path options - Explores the 12 different pathway options for a maze

Part 3 - Conditional Path options - Speaks to 11 different conditional options to add to a maze to make it more enjoyable

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Find Items Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 18th type of maze construction is the Find Items maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Find Items Maze - A maze that requires the solver to visit specific places within the pathways or find items along the way before reaching the goal. To properly solve the maze restrictions may exist on where the solver goes first, second, etc.

How to Make a Find Items Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

Step 2 - Draw the Solution with Items

Draw a loose outline of the maze, remembering to leave holes in the walls for later path creation. Leave Items the solver needs to discover along the maze path, in this example different colored balls. I used a standard path maze for the example but most constructions of mazes will work for Find Item mazes.

Step 3 - Complete the False Paths

Complete false paths from the openings you left in step 2 to complete the maze.

Step 4 - Add Directions for the Solver

This step can be completed at any time. Ask the solver to find the items in the maze. Let them know of any conditions - Do they need to collect them in order ? Can they backtrack and visit a path more than once ? If there is no backtracking the false paths in Step 3 do not need to be dead ends. They can be paths that lead to false backtracking situations.

Step 5 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red).

Additional Find Item Maze Examples

Another example of the Find items maze is the map of France below from my Countries of Europe maze book. Each country requires the solver to visit cities along the way to the goal, the capital of the country, in this case Paris. Maps work well for this maze type. Here the directions are on top are link the items to specific cities on the map.

For my second example I have made a Find Items maze for an older child. The format works very well for mazes meant for kids, including the use of fun objects/animals to create more enjoyable mazes. In this case a grasshopper and leaves.

And a third example specifically made for kids using pretzels. Although not said in the instructions this maze can be made more difficult by adding the phrase “you may not visit a spot more than once”.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Depth Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 17th type of maze construction is the Depth maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Depth Maze - A maze that uses multiple colors to create a layered effect and give the maze depth. Can be used with any wide path maze style to give the maze more visual interest.

How to Make a Depth Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the Goal of Cincinnati.

Step 2 - Draw a Maze

Unique for this type of maze is the huge step of “Draw a complete maze”. A depth maze works best with pathways that are wide so layers do not block progress. If you need help drawing a maze, you are on the correct site to find “How to Make a ______ Maze”!! I used a standard path maze for this example. I would say key to making this maze is using wide pathways. So any maze construction that does that will work.

Step 3 - Choose a Background Color

This could be done as you design the initial maze. Choose a color that will become the background maze. It should be a contrasting color to the top layer.

Step 4 - Copy and Shift the Maze in a new Color

Take the background maze, copy it, and shift it in two directions while selecting a contrasting color to the background. Ensure that the shift you have made does not block any needed passageways that solve the maze. For this example I used black for the top layer and shifted the maze to the NE. Notice how the burgundy background color appears darker with a black layer above it (the burgundy has not actually changed). Adjust the shift until you have a look you want.

Step 5 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in lime).

Additional Depth Maze Examples

Here is another example of a Depth maze. I wanted to include it because the maze was made with multiple layers to create the depth. If you zoom in there are actually 5 layers under the top black layer, 3 small red layers are separated by 2 thicker lime layers.

And here is an example of a depth maze using a grid maze to start. I include this example to show a different type of maze and show that I did the steps in a different order. Notice how the pathways between the grids are NOT layered because I drew the pathways after layering the grids.

I think this maze type looks great when used for mazes made at an angle, Check out this maze done at a 45 degree angle. This coloration also is a reverse of other examples with a bright color layered on top of the color black, creating a shadow effect.

My last example of a Depth Maze is based off of a gridded Escape Maze. For this example I made the entire maze, then shifted the maze to create 3 layers (black, red, black). Notice how on one maze the shifting effects how the paths thru walls are shown. Because the solid line is shifting also it creates a straight edge on the top of any horizontal cut and the right of any vertical cut. With a quick drawing and some copy and pastes you could change these to also be layered, which I did on maze 2. Can you see the difference below and was it worth the work ?

Depth Maze

Depth Maze

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.