74% of parents in the United States admitted that their kids, aged 2 and older, spend 5-6 hours each day glued to screens. 

It’s no surprise when we consider that even children aged 8-10 spend around 6 hours daily in front of a screen, and as they grow older, the numbers skyrocket to 9  hours per day. 

With numerous studies highlighting the negative effects of excessive screen time, such as the development of virtual autism and delayed cognitive functions in younger kids, it’s clear that we need a solution.

This is where brain games come in! Introducing your kids to captivating and interactive activities not only enhances their cognitive skills but also offers a way to limit their screen time. 

In this article, Moonpreneur will discuss the 10 best brain games for kids that are entertaining and equally educational. 

Whether you’re looking for an exciting activity for a rainy day, a way to stimulate your child’s mind during vacations, or simply a break from the digital world, our list of brain games is your go-to resource. 

Gadget-Free 10 Brain Games for Kids

1. Memory Match

In this game, the player has to memorize the position of the cards and match them accordingly. As children immerse themselves in the game, they exercise their memory muscles, honing their ability to recall information and strengthen their cognitive processes. 

One of the remarkable features of “Memory Match” is its adaptability. The game comes in various themes and difficulty levels, ensuring that children of different ages can enjoy it. 

2. Sudoku 

Sudoku, invented in the late 1970s by Howard Garns, is a numeric puzzle game with powerful cognitive benefits. With its simple appearance, Sudoku challenges players to think logically and solve problems. 

By applying systematic reasoning, players must fill a grid with numbers, ensuring that each row, column, and box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. This engaging game stimulates critical thinking, logical deduction, and problem-solving skills, making it a fantastic exercise for the brain.

3. Chess 

Chess is an age-old strategy-based game that promotes critical thinking, planning abilities, and analytical skills. Through this game, kids learn to anticipate future moves, evaluate options, and make strategic decisions, fostering their ability to think ahead and develop logical reasoning. 

Additionally, chess enhances concentration and patience, as players must remain focused and exhibit endurance throughout the game. While online platforms provide convenience, using a physical chess board allows kids to fully engage with the tactile and visual aspects of the game, enhancing their overall experience and learning.

4. Word Search 

Word search puzzles are a fantastic way to boost vocabulary, pattern recognition, and visual perception in children. They involve finding hidden words in a grid of letters, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. These puzzles come in different themes, such as animals, sports, or nature, catering to various interests.

5. Tangrams 

These are ancient Chinese puzzles that teach spatial reasoning and enhance geometric understanding in kids. The player has to use seven geometric shapes to create different objects, animals, and shapes. 

Tangrams encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and visualization skills. You’ll find many interactive digital games with this concept, but sticking to the physical game is the best practice for children. 

6. Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic game that improves listening skills and memory. One person acts as “Simon” and gives instructions for specific actions. Children must follow the instructions only when “Simon says” is uttered before the command. 

This fun game enhances attention, comprehension, and the ability to follow directions accurately.

7. Puzzle Games 

Puzzle games, such as jigsaw puzzles, provide children with hours of entertainment while developing spatial awareness, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. They come in various themes and difficulty levels, so choose one suitable to your child’s interests and age group. 

8. Tower of Hanoi 

Tower of Hanoi is a mathematical puzzle that improves logical thinking and problem-solving abilities in kids while also teaching them patience and planning. 

It consists of three rods and a set of differently-sized disks. The game aims to move the entire stack of disks from one rod to another, following specific rules. 

9. Rubik’s Cube 

Engaging with the Rubik’s cube promotes patience, persistence, and logical thinking, fosters cognitive development, and sharpens analytical skills in young minds. It’s a fun way to keep children engaged for hours, be it during playtime, traveling, or whenever they feel bored. 

10. Coding Games 

While we all want children to enjoy life without relying on digital screens, some digital exposure is needed to equip them with the necessary skills. 

Online coding games introduce children to computer programming while developing logical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills.

Conclusion

The 10 brain games mentioned above offer a diverse range of challenges, promoting memory, problem-solving, critical thinking, and other cognitive abilities. 

By incorporating these games into children’s routines, you can actively contribute to their mental growth while ensuring they have a blast. Watch with delight as your little ones eagerly embrace each challenge, conquer obstacles, and develop the resilience necessary to thrive academically and in every aspect of life. 

These brain games are the key to unlocking their full potential while keeping the excitement alive.

Moonpreneur is on a mission to educate and ignite the flames of entrepreneurship through our holistically created online STEM programs, which will help kids master the futuristic sciences such as Robotics, Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!! 

Register for a free 60-minute robotics and Coding workshop today!