The Spiderwick Chronicles is a game based on the film of the same title. The player takes on the roles of the Grace siblings: Jared, Simon, and Mallory. Each character has unique skills and abilities. Additionally, there is the character of Thimbletack, a small spirit who, thanks to his small size, can explore the narrow passages in the Spiderwick estate.

The gameplay primarily involves exploring the estate, completing a series of tasks that involve searching for items such as the ends of a garden hose or keys. In addition, the player will solve puzzles and fight mythical creatures such as trolls and goblins. Each character uses unique weapons, such as slingshots, baseball bats, and water guns filled with vinegar. Players can gain special abilities and restore health by catching fairies with a special net, which are scattered throughout the game stages.