Ran my first session of Cryptid Creeks recently with my spouse (35F, playing Ali the Misfit), daughter (14F, playing Ruby the Musician) and son (13M, playing Ark the Sailor). I've played a lot of Carved from Brindlewood mystery games, and we loved Gravity Falls, so I have been anticipating this one for quite some time.
We started off with "The Traditionalist's Curse", and they all made their way to Shingleford Elementary to split up and investigate ("I know you've heard never to split the party, but this isn't that sort of game."). Ali ran in the hallways at the behest of her Eerie, Jack, and ended up getting in a bit of trouble for running (and lying about it) later. Ruby befriended Toni the Janitor, and found out about a clue in the dumpster on a mixed success, then went dumpster diving for it (Misfortune: Gross). Ark snuck into the office and listened at Ms. Izbat's door to her watching movies (enthusiastically, "the Bee Movie!") He also had his first sighting of the Peddler.
They failed their roll to Answer the Question, and the consequence was Ms. Izbat storming out of her office and threatening to call their parents. They will find the consequences of that at the start of next session. We ended on the River Phase, where Ruby got to craft a song and Ark did some fishing. They all grocked onto the rules very quickly, which are explained very clearly with multiple examples in the book.
I'm so happy that this game has already exceeded my expectations. Feel like I'm leading a blessed life, being able to sit at the table and run an engaging CfB for my family that is at least partly inspired by our favourite show. I'll be introducing the Coldsteel Curse next week. To potential buyers - if any of the touchstones resonate with you (Gravity Falls, Stranger Things, The Goonies, tec.) - this game will overdeliver at your table. It gives you all the tools to look like a genius GM with minimal prep.