10 fun learning games for kids to boost skills

If you've ever tried getting your kids to sit down for an "educational moment," you know that sometimes it feels like you're trying to teach a kangaroo to stay still. It’s no small feat!

---

Thankfully, kids are naturally wired to learn through play, which is where educational games come in to save the day.

The beauty of learning games is that they sneak in the teaching part, so your little ones are having fun without even realising they’re soaking up valuable skills. It’s like hiding veggies in their spaghetti – but for their brain.

Whether you’re looking for ways to give your child a leg-up on their school subjects or just want to avoid hearing the dreaded “I’m bored” for the umpteenth time, learning games are a fantastic way to combine fun with a dash of education. And trust me, they’re not all flashcards and spelling bees these days.

We’re talking about exciting, hands-on experiences that cover everything from maths and memory to creativity and problem-solving.

Benefits of educational games for kids of all ages

---

Educational games aren’t just throwing some toys at kids and hoping for the best. There are solid benefits behind these fun-filled activities that can positively impact your child’s development. Here’s why mixing play with learning is a total win-win:

Develops critical thinking

Educational games often challenge kids to think on their feet and solve problems, which helps sharpen their critical thinking skills. Whether they’re navigating a tricky puzzle or figuring out how to win a strategy game, they’re learning to think outside the box – a skill that will definitely come in handy later in life (hello, teenage years!).

Improves focus and attention

Ever notice how your kid can’t sit still for two minutes unless they’re completely engaged in something? Learning games capture their attention in a way that traditional studying often can’t. When kids are focused on completing a task, like building the tallest block tower or matching pairs in a memory game, they’re strengthening their ability to concentrate.

And let’s face it, that’s a superpower they’ll need once homework becomes a regular thing.

Boosts social skills

Multiplayer games or activities that need teamwork can be brilliant for teaching kids how to cooperate, take turns, and share (even if sharing that last piece of cake is still up for debate). They learn the value of collaboration and patience, skills that are just as important as anything they’ll learn in school.

Encourages independence

Games where kids to make decisions, complete levels, or solve challenges on their own foster a sense of independence. They start feeling more confident about their abilities and begin to trust their own judgment. Plus, they learn the sweet taste of victory when they figure something out by themselves – and that’s way more rewarding than just being handed the answer.

Promotes a love for learning

One of the best things about educational games is that they help kids associate learning with fun. Instead of thinking of schoolwork as a chore, they start to see the joy in discovering new things. When learning feels like playtime, they’re more likely to develop a lifelong curiosity – something we all want for our kids.

---

Top learning games for kids

---

Learning games are a fantastic way to turn playtime into an educational experience. Here are some of our favourite ideas and activities:

Mathematics games

Mathematics games make learning numbers, counting, and basic arithmetic enjoyable (or close to it – it’s still maths). These games typically involve problem-solving, number recognition, or logic puzzles that are perfect for building foundational math skills in children. They can range from simple counting games for younger kids to more advanced strategy-based games for older ones.

Examples:

• Dice or card games that involve adding or subtracting numbers
• Number bingo or matching games where kids identify numbers or equations
• Simple board games where children need to solve math problems to progress

Age Range: 4+

Building blocks games

Building blocks are timeless educational toys that encourage kids to explore, create, and construct. These games challenge children to use their imagination while developing important spatial awareness and fine motor skills. As they stack, balance, and experiment with different structures, they’re also learning basic engineering and problem-solving.

Examples:

• Wooden or plastic building blocks that can be stacked into towers or buildings
• Magnetic tiles that connect to form 3D shapes and structures
• Interlocking block sets that allow for more complex designs and constructions

Age Range: 2+

Puzzle games

Puzzle games are a brilliant way to engage children’s minds in critical thinking and problem-solving. These games involve everything from fitting pieces into a jigsaw puzzle to solving more abstract logic problems. Puzzles come in varying difficulty levels, making them suitable for a wide age range. From toddlers learning shape recognition to older kids tackling complex brainteasers.

Examples:

• Traditional jigsaw puzzles with varying numbers of pieces
• Shape-sorting puzzles for younger kids where they fit blocks into matching holes
• Logic puzzles that require kids to solve a series of challenges to progress

Age Range: 3+

General knowledge games

General knowledge games encourage kids to expand their understanding of the world. These games typically involve questions, trivia, or activities across topics such as geography, history, or science. Playing these games helps kids learn new information in an exciting, engaging way – and could even assist future reading comprehension skills in the classroom.

Examples:

• Trivia games that ask questions about different subjects
• Geography-based games where children identify countries, capitals, or landmarks
• Science-themed activities where kids can learn about animals, space, or the environment

Memory card games

Memory games improve common core skills like short-term memory, focus, and attention to detail. They also help children with new concepts like pattern recognition and visual processing, which are important skills for reading and learning in general.

• Matching games where kids turn over cards to find pairs of pictures. These can also be good literacy activities for kids
• Number or letter memory games where children match corresponding symbols
• Story-based memory games where kids recall details after hearing or seeing a story

Age Range: 3+

Art and creativity games

Art and creativity games let children express themselves through drawing, painting, building, and crafting. These games are perfect for stimulating imagination and creative thinking while helping kids develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for writing skills, plus the ability to tackle more complex topics.

Examples:

• Drawing or painting activities that encourage free expression or following guided prompts
• Crafting kits that involve cutting, gluing, and assembling different materials
• Interactive games where kids can create their own stories, characters, or designs

Age Range: 4+

Online educational games for kids

In our tech-driven world, online educational games have become a fantastic part of your child’s learning journey. These games can cover everything from sight words to maths skills and even coding, and can often be tailored to your child’s skill and grade level.

Examples:

• Interactive maths games where kids solve problems to progress in the game
• Reading and phonics games that help children practise letter sounds and word recognition
• Coding games that introduce kids to the basics of programming through simple, fun projects

Age Range: 5+

---

Learning games for toddlers (Ages 1–3)

---

For young toddlers, learning through play is all about exploration and discovery. At this age, children are developing essential skills like hand-eye coordination, fine motor abilities, and language recognition.

They’re naturally curious and love anything that involves movement, colour, and sound. The key to toddler-friendly educational games is simplicity and sticking to what kids love – games that are engaging but not overwhelming. Here are some ideal types of learning games for this age group and the benefits they offer:

Sensory play games

Sensory games are fantastic for toddlers, as they help them explore their world through touch, sight, and sound. These games often involve different textures, colours, and materials that stimulate a toddler’s senses and curiosity.

Examples:

• Touch-and-feel books or games with textured surfaces
• Squishy, stackable sensory balls or shapes
• Simple sound or musical toys where toddlers can press buttons and hear different notes or sounds

Shape sorting and stacking games

Shape sorting and stacking games introduce toddlers to basic concepts like shape, size, and colour recognition. That might look like fitting pieces into matching holes or stacking objects in the correct order, helping toddlers develop problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

Examples:

• Shape sorters with large, easy-to-handle pieces
• Stacking rings or cups in varying sizes and colours
• Chunky puzzles with simple shapes that fit into corresponding slots

Cause-and-effect games

At this age, toddlers are just beginning to understand the concept of cause and effect – the idea that their actions can lead to certain outcomes. Games that allow toddlers to push buttons, pull levers, or stack blocks to see a result are perfect for this stage of development.

Examples:

• Push-and-pop toys where pressing a button makes a character or object pop up
• Activity centres with buttons that trigger sounds, lights, or movements
• Simple rolling ball ramps where toddlers can drop a ball and watch it roll through a maze

Colour and sound recognition games

Games that focus on introducing toddlers to basic concepts like colours, numbers, and sounds are excellent for early learning. These games can be as simple as identifying different coloured objects or pressing buttons that produce different notes or words.

Examples:

• Colour-matching games where toddlers group items of the same colour
• Musical toys that teach rhythm and sound recognition through pressing keys or shaking rattles
• Simple counting toys where toddlers press or move objects while counting aloud

Movement-based games

Toddlers are in a phase where movement is key to their learning (and they just can’t sit still). Games that encourage active play, such as rolling balls, dancing, or catching objects, help them burn off energy while developing physical coordination and motor skills.

Examples:

• Rolling or soft balls for indoor play
• Games that encourage movement, like “catch the bubbles” or “dance to the music”
• Simple bowling sets or soft targets they can knock down

How to choose the right game for your kids

---

With so many educational games out there, picking the right one for your child can feel a bit like searching for the perfect pair of socks in a laundry basket – overwhelming, to say the least.

But don’t worry, there are some simple tips that can help you narrow down the options and choose games that will both entertain and educate your little ones. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Consider your child’s interests

The first step to finding the perfect game is understanding what your child is naturally drawn to. Do they love solving puzzles? Are they always creating new designs with blocks? Or maybe they have an artistic streak and love to draw. When a game taps into something your child already enjoys, they’re more likely to stay engaged and want to play it repeatedly.

2. Match the game to their developmental stage

Age appropriateness is key when it comes to learning games. Games that are too easy will quickly lead to boredom, while those that are too difficult can cause frustration. Check the age recommendations and consider where your child is in terms of their cognitive, social, and emotional development. A good game will challenge them just enough to keep things interesting without making them want to throw the pieces across the room.

3. Look for games that promote active learning

The best educational games are those that encourage active participation. Avoid games that are too passive, where kids are simply clicking through screens or watching things unfold. Instead, opt for games that require them to think, problem-solve, create, or collaborate. Whether it’s figuring out how to solve a puzzle or working with a friend to build something amazing, these kinds of games do wonders for cognitive and social development.

4. Balance fun and learning

If the game feels too much like schoolwork, your child might not be that excited about it (and fair enough). The trick is finding games that balance fun and learning. A good learning game will disguise educational content in a way that makes it enjoyable.

5. Check the game’s replay value

No one wants to buy a game that gets old after just one play. Look for games that offer variety, with multiple levels, different challenges, or endless creative possibilities. Games that can grow with your child are ideal, as they will continue to offer new opportunities for learning as your child’s skills develop.

6. Multiplayer or solo?

Think about whether your child prefers to play alone or with others. Some games are perfect for independent play, helping kids learn how to problem-solve and make decisions on their own. Others are designed for group play, teaching important social skills like cooperation, sharing, and teamwork. It’s great to have a mix of both types to suit different moods and situations.

7. Watch for screen time

If you’re opting for online or digital games, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on screen time. Educational apps and games can be a great learning tool, but moderation is key. Make sure screen-based games are balanced with physical and hands-on activities to keep things varied and healthy.

8. Read reviews or try before you buy

If you’re unsure about a game, take the time to read reviews from other parents or, if possible, let your child try a demo version. Sometimes the best way to know if a game is the right fit is to see it in action. Pay attention to whether your child seems genuinely engaged and if the game holds their attention over time.

Sources

---

Healthy Children, The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive, March 2023
Western Australia Department of Education, Play-based learning, n.d