problem solving puzzles for kids

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45 Fun and Clever Brain Teasers for Kids with Answers!

Written by Laney Kennedy

Reviewed by Sarah Tino, M.Ed.

Engage and motivate your students with our adaptive, game-based learning platform!

• Game-Based Learning
• What brain teasers are
• The benefits of brain teasers for kids

Math brain teasers for kids

Sometimes keeping your students engaged during a (long) school day feels like a losing battle. How do you gain their full attention while teaching the skills they need to succeed? How do you turn tough and intimidating concepts into fun, entertaining lessons that actually spark life in the classroom? 

Brain teasers for kids are a great form of game-based learning that not only entertain children but also inspire some creative thought in the classroom. People of all ages can indulge in these playful — yet challenging — activities.

And some examples of when teachers might want to use brain teasers are on a bulletin board in the classroom, as a partnered activity to start a new concept or lesson, or during a rainy day indoor recess box.

We’ve gathered 45 examples of brain teasers for kids with answers, organized by category:

Table of Contents

Language brain teasers for kids :

Riddles ; Language associations ; Lateral thinking problems.

Math brain teasers for kids :

Math riddles ;  Pattern problems ;  Prodigy.

Visual brain teasers for kids :

Spot the difference ;  Rebus puzzles ;  Optical illusions ;  Stroop effect test.

Use the list below to find the perfect brain teaser for your class!

What are brain teasers?

Before you explore our examples, you might be wondering what brain teasers actually are.

Cambridge Dictionary defines a brain teaser as “a problem for which it is hard to find the answer, especially one which people enjoy trying to solve as a game.”

Brain teasers are a type of puzzle — and as the list below reveals, they come in many different forms. Often presented as a riddle, question or activity, brain teasers require a little extra brainpower to solve.

It's important to note that if you have any English language learners in your class, brain teasers for kids might pose a challenge for them. If that's the case, they might need you to walk them through the brain teaser more closely, or you can find ones that better suit their language level.

Brain teasers for kids differ from other complex or abstract problems because they’re usually done for fun. Although you can use them to analyze problem-solving and critical thinking skills, they’re often used as an amusing activity to encourage logical and lateral thinking , or thinking “outside the box.”

45 Brain teasers for kids

We’ve compiled a list of language, math and visual brain teasers to get your students thinking. Get inspired by the examples below — including answers!

Language brain teasers for kids

When you hear the term “brain teaser,” a riddle is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Riddles are perplexing — sometimes misleading — questions or statements that require creative thought to solve.

Riddles are usually fun, and plenty of them can add some humour to your classroom.

Enjoy our list of riddles for kids below!

a) Billy’s mother had five children. The first was named Lala, the second was named Lele, the third was named Lili, the fourth was named Lolo. What was the fifth child named?

b) Choose the correct sentence: “The yolk of the egg is white” or “the yolk of the egg is white.”

c) It’s as light as a feather, but the strongest person can’t hold it for more than five minutes. What is it?

d) The more there is, the less you see. What is it?

e) What gets more wet while it dries?

f) You can find it in Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, but not in Venus or Neptune. What is it?

g) It likes food, but water kills it. What is it?

h) What’s full of holes but can still hold water?

i) Which is heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks?

j) How far can a dog run into the woods?

k) You’re driving a city bus. At the first stop, three women get on. At the second stop, one woman gets off and a man gets on. At the third stop, two children get on. The bus is blue and it’s raining outside in December. What colour is the bus driver’s hair?

l) There are three houses. One is red, one is blue and one is white. If the red house is to the left of the house in the middle, and the blue house is to the right of the house in the middle, where’s the white house?

m) It’s at the center of gravity and you can find it in Venus, but not Mars. What is it?

n) What goes on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening?  (This is from the classic myth,  Oedipus and the Riddle of the Sphinx )

o) What travels faster: heat or cold?

p) A man was walking in the rain in the middle of nowhere without a coat or an umbrella. He got soaked, but not a single hair on his head was wet. How can this be?

q) A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed in town for three days and rode back out on Friday. How is this possible?

b) Neither. Egg yolks are yellow, not white!

f) The letter “R”

h) A sponge

i) Neither. Both weigh a pound!

j) Halfway. Once it reaches halfway, it’s running  out  of the woods.

k) Whatever colour your hair is. Remember, you’re driving the bus!

l) In Washington, D.C.

m) The letter “V”

n) A human. The times of day represent stages of human life. At the beginning of life, a baby crawls on four “feet.” As a person gets older, they walk on two feet. Later in life, a person will walk on three “feet” (two feet, plus a cane to help them walk).

o) Heat travels faster because you can catch a cold!

p) He was bald.

q) The horse’s name was Friday.

As a bonus, use these riddles to challenge preconceived notions and get students thinking about natural bias .

a) Two boxers are in a match scheduled for 12 rounds. (Pure boxing only - no kicking, UFC takedowns, or anything else). One of the boxers gets knocked out after only six rounds, yet no man throws a punch. How is this possible?

b) A father and son have a car accident and both are very injured. They are taken to separate hospitals for treatment. When the boy is taken in for an operation, the surgeon says, “I can’t do this surgery…. this boy is my son!” How is this possible?

a) The two boxers are women.

b) The surgeon is the boy’s mother.

2. Language associations

These brain teasers for kids explore the complexities of the English language. Use them to boost student knowledge of sounds, words, spelling, categorization and more.a)  Word association : find a word that associates with the following sets of words.

• Cake, swiss, cottage
• Glasses, screen, day
• Cream, cube, cap
• Knife, fly, cup

b) Find the mystery word . Replace the third letter of each word with a new letter to create a different word. When read vertically, the new letters will reveal the mystery word.

For example, the word MA K E could become MA R E, MA L E, MA T E and so on. It’s your job to figure out which one works to create the mystery word. 

Hint: It’s something you’ll find outside.

c) Find rhyming pairs . Unscramble the words below so that each pair of words rhymes.

• RBAE & HREAS
• WNROED & UTRHNDE
• TUGHAT & HBTUGO
• ODULC & ODOG

Mystery word: FLOWER

• BEAR (or BARE) & SHARE
• WONDER & THUNDER
• TAUGHT & BOUGHT
• COULD & GOOD

You can also use printable brain teasers for kids like this one:

Image source: Spelling Words Well

Answer: The “happy word” is SMILE.

3. Lateral thinking problems

Lateral thinking problems require creative thinking with an indirect approach.

These questions require logic and careful thought to solve. The most notable example of a lateral thinking problem is the classic Monty Hall problem .

Here are two examples of lateral thinking problems kids can try to solve.

a) The river crossing problem

Image source: Popular Mechanics

A farmer is travelling with a fox, a goose, and a bag of beans. During his journey, he comes across a river with a boat to cross it.

The farmer can only fit one thing in the boat with him at a time. If left alone together, the fox will eat the goose or the goose will eat the beans. How does the farmer get everything across the river safely?

b) The light bulb problem

There are three light switches outside of a room-- labeled number one, number two, and number three. The door to the room is closed and you can’t see in. All three switches are off.

You need to figure out which switch belongs to which bulb. You can use the switches however you want to, but can only enter the room once. How do you do it?

a) Here’s the step-by-step solution:

• The farmer brings the goose across the river first (if he leaves the goose alone, it will either eat the beans or be eaten by the fox).
• The farmer brings either the fox or the beans across and leaves the other one alone.
• Now the farmer has two items on the other side of the river, including the goose. If he leaves the goose again, the same problem will occur. So, the farmer must bring the goose back to the other side.
• The farmer brings the other item back (either the fox or the beans) and leaves the goose alone again. The fox and the beans are now on the other side of the river.
• The farmer returns and brings the goose across the river again.

b) Turn on the first switch and leave it on. Turn on the second switch for a few minutes, and then turn it off again. When you enter the room, one light bulb will be on. You’ll know it goes with switch one because you turned it on. Another bulb will be hot. You’ll know that goes with switch two because it was on for a little while. The bulb that’s off and cold goes with switch three because you didn’t touch it.

Like math puzzles , these brain teasers for kids can increase engagement with math content and inspire your students to work on math concepts and problems outside of regular lessons.

1. Math riddles

These riddles are just as amusing as the ones above, but they’re math-focused . Use them to give students some extra math practice and encourage resourceful thinking.

Math riddles

a) Divide 30 by ½ and add 10. What’s the answer?

b) A clerk at the butcher shop is six feet tall and wears size 10 shoes. What does he weigh?

c) A farmer has 19 sheep on his land. One day, a big storm hits and all but seven run away. How many sheep does the farmer have left?

d) Your sock drawer only contains 18 white socks and 18 blue socks. How many times do you need to reach inside the drawer and take out a sock to guarantee a matching pair?

e) You planted sunflower seeds in your back garden. Every day, the number of flowers doubles. If it takes 52 days for the flowers to fill the garden, how many days would it take for them to fill half the garden?

f) Using only addition, how can you use eight eights to get the number 1,000?

g) When Ashley was 15, her mother was 37. Now, her mother is twice her age. How old is Ashley?

a) It's 70. You’re dividing 30 by ½, not by two. Thirty divided by ½ is the same thing as multiplying it by two, which is 60. Plus 10 makes 70!

b) Meat. He works at the butcher shop, so he weighs meat for a living.

c) Seven. The riddle says  all but seven  run away, meaning there are seven left who didn’t.

d) Three times. On the third time, you’ll get either a white or a blue sock to match with one of the other two you’ve already grabbed.

e) It would take 51 days. If the number of flowers doubles every day, half the garden would be full the day before, on the 51st day.

f) 888 +88 +8 +8 +8

g) Ashley is 22. Her mother is 22 years older, so when Ashley is 22, she’s now half her mother’s age.

2. Pattern problems

These questions require students to identify a pattern before they can answer a particular question. Kids must use creative and logical thinking to find the answers.

4 + 4 = 168

5 + 5 = 2510.

b) What makes this number unique: 8,549,176,320?

c) Solve the pattern puzzle below. Find the missing number to replace the question mark.

Image source: Genius Puzzles

d) Solve the following:

Image source: AOL

a) The missing number is 3612. The answer is the number multiplied by itself and then the number added to itself. Six multiplied by six is 36, and six plus six is 12.

b) It contains each one-digit number, zero through nine, listed in alphabetical order.

c) The missing number is 17. Each number in the circle is the sum of the numbers in the opposite quadrant. In this case, the numbers are eight and nine — added together makes 17.

d) The answer is 14 (or 16), if you’re on the other side of the debate .

3. Prodigy Math Game

This math activity is a bit different from others on the list. It’s not a traditional brain teaser, but it can also be used as a fun, skill-building alternative to traditional math class.

Prodigy is a game-based learning platform that takes your students on an online fantasy adventure while they answer standards-aligned math questions. It’s engaging and effective at teaching necessary skills. 

Prodigy's free teacher tools help you differentiate learning, send assessments in-game and even collect student insights!

Visual brain teasers for kids

1. spot the difference.

This ever-popular activity might remind you of your own childhood — and kids still love it! Spot the difference puzzles require lots of deduction and attention to detail.

Here’s an example of a printable spot the difference activity.

Image source: Tim’s Printables

2. Rebus puzzles

A rebus is a visual word puzzle that uses lateral thinking to find its intended meaning. The word or phrase is depicted with a visual illustration, including letters and words. Students must think creatively to figure out the meaning from the clues they’re given. 

Image source: Wikipedia

Image source: Stack Exchange

a) Top secret

b) Think outside the box

Visit the link below if you want more fun rebus puzzles for your students:

3. Optical illusions

Get tricky with your students! Optical illusions use visual tricks that alter the perception of what you’re really seeing. Students will love trying to figure out what’s really going on in these examples.

a) How many legs does the elephant have?

Image source: Optics For Kids

b) Are the two squares different colours?

Image source: Brain Den

b) They’re exactly the same colour. If you place your finger over the spot where the squares meet, you can see they’re the same. Try this impossible paper puzzle if you want a more hands-on optical illusion. You can make one to show your class, then have students make their own as a fun brain teaser to show friends and family.

4. Stroop effect test

The Stroop effect was discovered in the 1930s by John Ridley Stroop. During the test, you’re given a list of colour names, with each word being a different colour than what they describe.

The test involves saying the colour of a word, rather than reading the word itself. Your mind must process the two conflicting pieces of information, which slows down reaction speed and requires careful thought to get through.

Image source: The Crafty Classroom

Benefits of brain teasers for kids

You know your students enjoy them, but did you know there are plenty of additional reasons to make brain teasers a regular activity in the classroom?

A study on the attention spans of six-year-olds found children who were given brain teasers were more attentive than those who were not — showing brain teasers were effective at boosting children’s attention spans.   

Brain teasers for kids can also:

• Strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Encourage lateral thinking and build new perspectives
• Improve cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed
• Inspire teamwork and communication
• Engage students and motivate them to learn
• Provide necessary breaks from traditional class work

How to use brain teasers in the classroom

In addition to their many learning advantages, brain teasers are a great way to break up the day and engage your students. Here are just a few ways you can use brain teasers for kids as a teaching strategy and maximize the benefits in your classroom:

• Engagement-boosting activity before or after lessons
• Bonus questions in assignments and tests
• Optional “free time” activity
• Encourage team building — split students into groups to solve them together
• Supplement lessons — choose brain teasers about the subject you’re teaching

Final thoughts on brain teasers for kids

No matter what subject or skill you want to focus on, a brain teaser is a great addition to traditional teaching methods. Plus, it’s something students will actually be excited to do.

Remember that brain teaser are designed to be fun for kids. it’s not about finding the right answer, but the mental exercise they get from trying to find the solution.

Use any of the brain teasers in this list whenever you need a boost of energy in your classroom. Bonus points if you can stump any adults!

Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy – a game-based learning platform for math that’s easy to use for educators and students alike. Aligned with standards across the English-speaking world, it’s used by more than a million teachers and 90 million students.

Math and Logic Puzzles

If you REALLY like exercising your brain, figuring things 'round and 'round till you explode, then this is the page for you !

Whosoever shall solve these puzzles shall Rule The Universe!

... or at least they should ...

Frequently Asked Questions

• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Reasoning skills
• Logical approach
• Relating math to the actual world
• Applying math on practical situations
• Develops child’s reasoning skills and makes them a logical thinker
• Makes them a problem solver by relating math to a practical situation
• The child starts thinking analytically which helps them to get different approaches to a particular problem
• Learns to understand the 'why' behind the 'what'
• Puzzle cards also help the child to keep up the engagement level and develop their interest in maths
• By working on puzzle cards, a child’s brain develops to a much higher extent when compared to their grade level
• Brain teasers
• Math riddles
• Picture puzzles
• Logic puzzles
• Number puzzle
• Crossword puzzle
• Geometry puzzles

• All courses

Brain Teasers for Kids (with Answers)

Are you ready to test how smart your kids are? 3,500 various kids brain teasers, riddles, math and logic puzzles await you!

Warm-up brain twisting questions for kids

What does a snowman eat for breakfast?

Snowflakes.

Which side of a turkey has the most feathers?

The outside.

What always goes to bed with its shoes on?

What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

What can you keep after giving it to someone?

What is seen in the middle of March and April?

The alphabet "r".

Look in my face, I am somebody; Look in my back, I am nobody. What am I?

What never gets any wetter no matter how hard it rains?

How many men were born last year?

No one, only babies were born.

How long is the answer to this question?

What can you keep but cannot share and once you share it, you can’t keep it anymore?

What ends everything always?

The alphabet "g".

What are two things you cannot eat for supper?

Breakfast and Lunch.

Choose the difficulty level

Brain teasers by logiclike are suitable for children of all ages, fun and challenging brain teasers for kindergarten and school.

Solving riddles and brain teasers for 15-20 minutes per day improves children's performance in primary school!

Easy  |  Numbers  |  Logical  |  Mathematical  |  Fun  |  Hard

Easy riddles for preschoolers

Guess the item Choose a shape that: - Isn't big and isn't green. - Has angles.

The blue square.

Not an elephant, but gray. Choose all the answers that fit.

The wolf and the key.

Explore other brain puzzles, good riddles and logic questions by Logiclike team.

Number Puzzles

The numbers can't be bigger than 20. Which digits can a circle be equal to?

Solve the Kakuro puzzle. Start from the bottom horizontal row.

Are you ready for more number puzzles and riddles for kids ?

Logical Puzzles for kids

Name the opposite to Night: Sun, Day or Light?

What's changed? Color, shape, size?

Have eyes for even more cool logic puzzles for kids and parents!

Math Puzzles with answers

Max read from page 7 through page 17. How many pages did he read?

Take some more math brain teasers for kids .

Fun brain teasers for schoolchildren

Olive's mom has five daughters: Bella, Annie, Martha, Kate... What is the fifth one's name?

Max took two good shots and gained 4 points. Annie took two good shots and gained 6 points. Which balloons are left?

Hard logical riddles for kids

The rooms were numbered in orderly fashion, starting from the number 1. 41 digits were used in total. How many rooms were numbered?

By how much will any two-digit number multiply when written down twice in a row?

The LogicLike team created and put unique brain teasers and puzzles into a logical order. Easy to hard math and logic brain teasers for kids and their parents, 3D thinking, number puzzles, and more.

Become a part of our amazing community of kids and adults, families and friends, and solve puzzles and brain teasers from everywhere!

More riddles, puzzles and brain teasers for kids

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25 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

Problem-solving activities for kids : Explore 24 fun problem-solving games and activities, and learn effective tips and strategies to teach kids problem-solving skills. If you want to explore problem-solving strategies more in-depth, you can also grab our workbook “ Problem-Solving for Kids ” (printable resource).

Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to challenges or complex situations.

A systematic approach to problem-solving tends to include defining the problem, gathering information and data, generating potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, making a decision, and implementing the chosen solution.

Effective problem-solving often requires critical thinking, a good dose of creativity, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It may also involve identifying patterns, breaking down a problem into manageable chunks, and applying our logic to develop solutions.

Problem-solving is present in everyday situations and across all fields: business, science, personal life, and education. There is not one single aspect in our lives where we don’t need to apply our problem-solving skills.

Table of Contents

• Problem-solving steps
• Development of problem-solving in childhood
• Benefits of developing problem-solving skills
• 10 Tips to teach kids problem-solving skills
• 10 Examples of problem-solving strategies
• 25 Problem-solving activities and games for kids

Problem-Solving Steps

Some key components of problem-solving include:

• Identifying the problem Recognizing and defining the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Analyzing the problem Investigating and understanding the underlying causes, factors, and relationships related to the problem.
• Generating solutions Generating potential solutions or strategies to address the problem.
• Evaluating all possible solutions (Pros and Cons Analysis) Assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences of each solution. Considering the positive and negative aspects of each solution.
• Decision-making Selecting the best solution based on our analysis and judgment.
• Implementing the best solution Actioning our chosen solution
• Monitoring progress and results
• Reflecting on the outcomes Reviewing and evaluating the outcomes of the implemented solution, learning from the experience, and making adjustments if necessary.

Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Childhood

Children begin to develop problem-solving skills from a very early age, and these skills continue to develop and refine throughout childhood and adolescence.

Babies soon learn about action and reaction. And, as early as eight months, they begin to acquire an understanding of cause and effect (they shake a rattle, it makes a sound; they push a toy, it falls)

Between 13 and 24 months, they start solving simple problems through trial and error and engage in symbolic play using their imagination.

As children progress into middle childhood (ages 7-11), they develop more advanced problem-solving skills. They become capable of understanding multiple perspectives and can consider multiple factors when solving problems. They start using logic and reasoning to solve increasingly complex problems.

During adolescence (ages 12 and up), problem-solving skills continue to develop. Teenagers can generate and test hypotheses and use deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at solutions.

Each child will develop their problem-solving skills at their own pace. Some children may show advanced problem-solving abilities at an earlier age. Others may require more time and experience to develop these skills fully.

Benefits of Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Children

Problem-solving skills in children are crucial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It equips them to approach challenges, think critically, make informed decisions, and find creative solutions. 

The benefits of good problem-solving skills in children include:

• Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence Identifying, analyzing, and solving their problems contributes to our kids’ sense of competence .
• Fosters Independence and Autonomy When our kids are able to problem-solve on their own, they take one more step toward independence
• Academic Success Problem-solving skills contribute to academic achievement, as they help students analyze and solve complex problems across various subjects.
• Cognitive Development Problem-solving fosters cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and abstract reasoning.
• Critical Thinking Problem-solving enhances critical thinking abilities, enabling children to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed judgments.
• Creativity Problem-solving promotes creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore multiple solutions.
• Emotional Resilience Problem-solving skills enhance emotional resilience by enabling children to manage and cope with challenges effectively, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
• Improved Social Interactions/Relationships Problem-solving abilities contribute to better social interactions, conflict resolution , and peer collaboration, promoting healthy relationships.
• Future career success Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the workplace and can positively influence future career success.

10+ Helpful Tips to Teach Kids Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is an important part of their cognitive development. It helps them develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

But how can we help our kids and students to develop this essential skill?

We can help our kids and students develop and improve their problem-solving skills in many ways.  These are some helpful tips that you could consider:

• Model problem-solving behavior When you see yourself in a problem-solving situation, verbalize your thought process: “I wonder how I should address this issue. I guess my alternatives could be… They all have positives and negatives….”
• Let them participate in the problem-solving situation “Could you help me solve this puzzle?”
• Provide real-life problem-solving situations Real-life scenarios make problem-solving more meaningful for kids. For example, discuss how to resolve a conflict with a sibling or how to make the morning routine smoother.
• Teach them how to break down problems Show them how to break down complex problems into manageable sub-problems.
• Practice brainstorming Create brainstorming situations where all the family (or the classroom) can contribute to solving a problem
• Teach the value of perseverance Sometimes, we must stick to a situation and persevere before finding a solution. Encourage kids to persevere through challenges and setbacks, emphasizing that mistakes and failures are opportunities for learning.
• Encourage critical thinking Encourage kids to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and evaluate possible outcomes.
• How could we make your school lunch healthier but still yummy?
• How could we reuse/recycle all this paper?
• What could we do to help you remember all the steps in your night routine?
• Encourage reflection When they can find a solution for a problem, don’t jump to solve it for them. Encourage them to reflect on the problem and find and evaluate alternatives. And after a problem is solved, think about the whole process and the learnings. “How did this work?” “What did you learn” “Do you need to change anything?”
• Foster creativity Provide them with opportunities for imaginative play, creative projects, and brainstorming sessions.
• Teach the value of teamwork Teach kids the importance of working together to solve problems. Engage them in group activities or projects that require teamwork and collaboration. This helps kids learn the value of different perspectives and work together towards an objective while they practice their communication skills.
• Teach decision-making skills Teach kids how to approach problems systematically by going through the steps we have mentioned in our first section.
• Encourage both structured and free play. Structured play can help you create good problem-solving situations, while free play will foster creativity.

Developing problem-solving skills is an ongoing process that will also continue in adulthood. Provide your kids with guidance and support, and celebrate their efforts and achievements along the way.

10 Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies

There are different strategies that can help us solve a wide range of problems. Here are some commonly recognized problem-solving strategies:

1 . Trial and Error : This is the first problem strategy that we ever learn. We start using trial and error strategies in infancy, and it continues serving its purpose in many situations. This strategy involves trying different solutions or approaches and learning from the errors or failures until a successful solution is found.

2. Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules that guarantees a solution to a specific problem. It is a systematic approach to problem-solving that follows a predetermined set of instructions.

3. Heuristics: Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that help simplify problem-solving by providing quick and efficient strategies. While heuristics can be effective in many situations, they may also lead to biases and errors.

4. Divide and Conquer: This strategy involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable chunks or steps that make the overall problem easier to tackle.

5. Working Backwards: This strategy involves starting from the desired outcome and working backward to determine the steps or actions needed to reach that outcome. We often use this problem-solving strategy when we set goals.

6. Analogical Reasoning: Analogical reasoning involves drawing parallels between the current problem and a similar problem that has been solved in the past. By applying the solution from the previous problem to the current one, individuals can find a solution more efficiently.

7. Brainstorming: Brainstorming gets lots of brains working on the same problem. It is a great collaborative problem-solving strategy that can bring different perspectives and experiences to the table and may result in lots of creative ideas and solutions. 

8. Decision Matrix: A decision matrix is a systematic approach to evaluating and comparing different options or solutions. It involves creating a matrix that lists alternatives and the criteria for evaluation. It assigns weights or scores to each criterion to come up with the optimal alternative.

9. Root Cause Analysis: Sometimes, we need to understand what is causing a problem before we can attempt to solve it, as different causes may require different approaches (for example, when you are sick, your doctor may need to understand what is causing the problem before prescribing a medicine)

10. Simulation and Modeling: Simulation involves creating a simplified representation or model of a problem situation to gain insights and test different scenarios.

Our choice of strategy will depend on the problem, available resources, and our own personal preferences and circumstances. We may also need to combine strategies or apply different ones to different aspects of a complex problem.

(Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy  here )

Best Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Play-based activities are centered around play and are designed to engage children in active learning and exploration. And fun problem-solving activities are a great way to develop children’s critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills.

In this section, we will review some problem-solving games and activities that will engage your kids’ critical-thinking skills and creativity.

1. Puzzle Games Puzzles are a fun activity for children of all ages. Young children will enjoy simple puzzles, while older children (and adults!) can have fun with more complex ones. Encourage them to use logical thinking and problem-solving strategies to complete the puzzles.

2. Crosswords A crossword is another fun type of puzzle and a good source of mental stimulation.

3. Sudoku Sudoku is a popular logic-based puzzle that involves filling a grid with numbers.

It can be extremely easy or very challenging, adaptable even for young learners.

Let’s go now for a couple of building challenges!

4. Build the Tallest Tower Give the child a set of materials (Legos, building blocks, wooden blocks, or other construction materials) and ask them to build the tallest tower they can. This simple game will encourage them to problem-solve as they build and figure out how to make the tower stable.

5. Build Towers with Different Materials Ask your child to build three different towers with different materials. Then assess how stable they are and how much weight they can hold. Analyze the pros and cons of using each type of material.

6. Treasure Hunt Set up a treasure hunt with clues leading to hidden objects or rewards. Children will have to follow the clues and solve puzzles to find the ultimate prize. This activity encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

7. Scavenger Hunt Playing Scavenger Hunt can be a fun way for our kids to put their creative problem-solving skills to good use. Provide them with clues and puzzles that they must solve in order to find the next clue.

8. Mystery Bag Fill a bag with random objects and ask children to come up with creative uses for each item. Encourage them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions.

9. Memory Game While memory games primarily focus on memory retention and recall, they can indirectly contribute to problem-solving skills by developing cognitive abilities such as attention, information processing, and adjusting their strategies.

10. Role-Playing Scenarios Create role-playing scenarios where children have to solve a problem or make decisions. For example, pretend to be stranded on a desert island and ask them to decide what items they will take and how they will survive.

11. Role-Play Social Situations Work in developing social skills with social problem-solving situations.

12. Brainstorming Sessions Choose a topic or problem and hold brainstorming sessions where children can generate as many ideas as possible. Encourage them not to limit themselves (even if alternatives feel unfeasible!)

13. Team Building Activities and Games Engage children in team-building games like building a balloon tower. Each team member will need to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together to complete the project.

14. Escape Rooms An escape room is a super fun team problem-solving activity.

In an escape room, participants are locked inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish tasks within a given time limit in order to “escape” from the room.

15. Science Experiments Conduct simple science experiments that involve problem-solving. For example, in the classic “sink or float” experiment, children predict and test which objects will sink or float in water.

Problem-Solving Board Games

There are many board games that will test our kids problems solving activities. These are just a few examples:

16. Cluedo Players must solve a murder mystery by deducing the murderer, the weapon used, and the location of the crime. Players collect and examine clues to eliminate possibilities and make logical deductions.

17. Codenames Another classic game where players are split into two teams and must guess words based on clues from their teammates.

There are many codenames games available, including themes like Disney or Harry Potter.

18. Mastermind Game In this strategy game players take turns setting and solving secret codes

19. Scrabble Scrabble is a classic word game where players form words on a game board using letter tiles.

Kids must use their problem-solving skills to analyze the available letters, consider the best word combination and strategically place those words to score the highest points.

Learning Problem-Solving with Card Games

Card games provide opportunities for kids to develop problem-solving skills such as strategy, memory, pattern recognition, decision-making, and observation.

Just a couple of examples:

20. Uno Uno is a classic card game where kids match cards based on color or number. They need to assess their cards, strategize and make decisions about which cards to play to get rid of their cards while also considering the cards in their opponents’ hands.

21. Go Fish Go Fish is a classic card game where players try to collect sets of cards by asking other players if they have specific cards. Players need to remember which cards they have and make decisions about who to ask and what sets to pursue.

22. Coding Challenges Introduce children to coding activities using platforms like Scratch (or ScratchJr for younger kids), Code.org, or Tynker. Coding involves problem-solving and logical thinking, and children can create interactive stories, games, or animations.

23. Outdoor Problem Solving Take children outside and present them with challenges that require problem-solving, such as building a shelter using natural materials or finding their way through an obstacle course.

24. Problem-Solving Worksheets Help your child follow a systematic approach to problem-solving with these helpful worksheets

25. Goal-Setting Activities for Kids Learning to set goals and make plans to achieve them is also a problem-solving activity. I have several resources to teach kids about goal-setting that I will list below:

• Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
• SMART Goals for Kids
• Goal Tracker Thermometer

Remember to provide guidance and support during these activities while encouraging children to think independently and come up with their own solutions.

Problem-Solving Worksheets

Looking for kid-friendly examples of problem-solving strategies ?

This workbook explores the following  problem-solving strategies  (with child-friendly examples and activities):

• Trial and Error
• Heuristics (Clever shortcuts)
• Divide and Conquer
• Working Backwards
• Brainstorming
• Decision Matrix
• Root Cause Analysis
• Systematic problem-solving

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12 Fun maths puzzles for kids

Math puzzles for kids are a great way to encourage a love of math, regardless of your child’s ability.

Author Christina Levandowski

Expert Reviewer Jill Padfield

Last updated: August 29, 2023

12 Fun math puzzles for kids

Math puzzles for kids are a great way to encourage a love of math, regardless of your child’s ability. 

Published: August 29, 2023

Math puzzles can help challenge and inspire kids to appreciate their own math skills!

• Key takeaways
• Math puzzles help children develop life skills – Math puzzles build confidence and critical thinking skills that help kids figure out problems in everyday life. 
• There are a variety of math puzzles available – Whether your child loves number games or prefers to play with shapes, there’s a math game to engage any child.
• Math puzzles can make learning math fun – Math puzzles are more like games than tedious math problems, which makes them much more fun for kids.

Table of contents

What are math puzzles?

Types of math puzzles, our 12 favorite math puzzles.

While some kids absolutely love math, many struggle with it. This struggle can make learning math difficult, and sometimes even deter kids from doing their homework or participating in class. 

But you know what almost every kid loves? Puzzles! By combining math lessons with logic puzzles, you can teach essential skills without kids even realizing that they’re learning! Let’s take a peek at some fun math puzzles for kids.

Math puzzles are challenges that require math skills and logical reasoning to solve. They are great tools to help children learn basic math concepts in a fun way.

Some of the most versatile math puzzles include:

• Brain teasers
• Math riddles

Number puzzles

Teachers can use math puzzles in the classroom, but they can also be useful at home, especially with careful guidance from a parent or guardian! Another plus: math puzzles keep the brain active, helping kids develop cognitive skills beyond mathematical reasoning.

Benefits of math puzzles

Math puzzles don’t just help kids learn to enjoy math. They also help them to develop important life skills. 

Below are some of the ways that math puzzles aid child development: 

• Math puzzles boost mental math skills. Math puzzles require kids to perform simple math problems in their head. In the beginning, they might feel more comfortable using a pen and paper to work out the problem. However, over time, you should notice your child using their memory and their critical thinking skills to solve puzzles in their head.
• They foster problem-solving skills. Math puzzles challenge children to think creatively about the problem they’re facing. This skill can be transferred to everyday activities, such as decision-making and even managing emotions. 
• Many math puzzles enhance logical reasoning. When playing math puzzles, children need to follow a set of specific rules or steps, to come up with the correct answer. This process helps children to organize their thoughts.
• They help students build persistence and patience. Math is a concept that many children find difficult to grasp. Even worse, they can find it boring. Math puzzles add a fun element that encourages children to persist at a problem because it feels more like a game than a chore.

There are as many math puzzles as there are different types of learners, which is amazing! Take a look at the different types of math puzzles to see which one your child might enjoy the most: 

Number puzzles are very similar to any other puzzle your child might enjoy. The main difference is that there is an added number element. They have a range of numbers in different rows and columns, often with blank spaces to be filled in. Children need to work out the specific number pattern to solve the puzzle. 

Shape puzzles

Shape puzzles use different shapes to encourage logical thinking. They generally work by getting children to understand the characteristics of a shape and fitting them into a larger image or design. 

Alternatively, shapes can replace numbers in a math problem, with each shape representing a different number. To solve the problem, children are given certain information and they need to work out the number that each shape represents. 

For example:

In this example, each heart represents the number 4 because 12÷3=4.

Logic math puzzles

Logic puzzles require children to use logical thinking and deduction to work out the answer. They can range from simple brain teasers to more elaborate spatial problems. However, the concept remains the same. 

For example, students might be given a scenario like this: 

You have 14 pairs of socks altogether but 7 pairs are in the washing basket. How many are left in your drawer?

Students would need to deduct 7 from 14 to find the answer, which is 7.

Sequence and pattern puzzles

Sequence and pattern puzzles are brain teasers that help children learn basic math skills. The idea is for children to understand the pattern of shapes or numbers that have been provided, to find the next one in the sequence.

The next shape in this sequence is a diamond (because the sequence goes circle – circle – diamond.)

Explore math puzzles with DoodleMath

Want to do more math puzzles? DoodleMath is an award-winning math app full of math puzzles that are proven to double a child’s rate of progression with just 10 minutes of use a day!

Filled with fun, interactive questions aligned to state standards, Doodle creates a unique work program tailored to each child’s needs, boosting their confidence and skills in math. Try it free  today!

Now that we know the basic types of math puzzles, it’s time to get into specific games. Encourage your child to work through each problem step by step. You might be surprised at how much fun they have! 

Type of puzzle: logic math puzzle

In a Sudoku puzzle, the aim is to fill in the missing numbers in a 9 x 9 square. Each row, column, and block should contain the numbers 1-9 without any repetitions. For younger children, different colors or shapes can be used to explain the concept.

2. Magic square

Type of puzzle: number puzzle

The aim of a magic square puzzle is to fill in the blank cells, just like Sudoku. However, the sum of each row, column, and diagonal needs to add up to the same answer.

3. Math riddles

Type of puzzle: Logic math puzzle

In math riddles, children are given scenarios that require deductive reasoning to solve. The goal is to use logic and ‘read between the lines’ to get to the correct answer. 

Here is an example of a math riddle:

When my dad was 31 years old, I was 8 years old. Now he is twice my age. What is my age now?

The difference between the two ages is 23 years because 31 – 8 = 23. So, the child must be 23 years old for her dad to be twice her age. 

If you work out the difference between 8 and 23, the answer is 15 (23-8=15). 

31+15=46, so her dad would be 46, which is 2×23.

KenKen is a grid-based game similar to Sudoku. The main difference is that KenKen requires arithmetic to solve. The aim is to fill in the blank cells in a grid using only certain numbers. 

For example, in a 4×4 grid, you can only use numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. In a 6×6 grid, all numbers between 1 and 6 can be used. Numbers can’t be repeated in any row or column but can be used elsewhere. 

Unlike Sudoku, a KenKen square is further broken down into smaller boxes, known as cages. Within these are mini math problems that need to be worked out in order to solve the whole puzzle. The great thing about KenKen is that children can start with a small 3×3 puzzle and work up to a larger one once they get the hang of it.

5. Domino puzzle board

A domino puzzle board combines the fun of dominos with math. The aim is to fit all 28 domino pieces onto a puzzle board. Each space on the board has a number, but a domino can only be placed on that space if the numbers on the domino piece can be multiplied to equal the board number.

Simpler versions of this game include creating a domino square, where all sides add up to a certain number:

2048 is an online ‘sliding block’ puzzle played on a 4×4 grid. The object is to combine the numbers on the grid by sliding them up, down, left, or right, to reach the number 2048. When two blocks with the same number touch, they merge to create a bigger number. The game is won when you reach 2048.

Play online here . 

Kakuro is a crossword puzzle using numbers. Each ‘word’ needs to add up to the number provided in the clue. Only single digit numbers can be used (1-9) and a single number can’t be repeated in a ‘word’. 

8. Join the dots

Join the dots is a game that helps children see patterns in a group of dots, using their logical skills. Nine dots are arranged in a square and the object is to connect all the dots using four straight lines without lifting your pencil. This may sound like a simple concept, but it requires a bit of ‘out-the-box’ thinking!

Type of puzzle: shape puzzle

Tangram is a Chinese puzzle game that consists of a square cut into seven geometric shapes. The idea of the game is to rearrange the pieces to make other shapes, just like a puzzle! You are given an image of a certain shape and the goal is to rearrange the pieces to create this shape or pattern without overlapping any of the pieces.

Str8s is a simple logic game played on a grid, with numbers separated into compartments. The aim of the game is to create ‘straights’ within each compartment. This means you need to have consecutive numbers but they don’t need to be in order, such as 3, 4, 5, or 7, 9, 8.

In Str8s, there are also numbers in black squares, which can’t be used in that particular row or column. Just as in Sudoku and KenKen, the same number can’t be used more than once in any row or column.

11. Tower of Hanoi

The Tower of Hanoi is a logic-based game created by mathematician Edouard Lucas in 1883. There are disks of different sizes stacked on top of each other on a pole. There are also two additional poles that can be used when needed. 

The aim of the game is to have all of the disks stacked in the same order on the third pole, without ever putting a larger disk on top of a smaller one. 

The minimum number of moves needed to complete the puzzle depends on the number of disks you have. The equation used is:

Number of disks x 2 + 1 = 

So, at least 7 moves are needed to complete the puzzle below because there are 3 disks (3 x 2 = 6, 6 + 1 =7)

12. Number series

Type of puzzle: sequence and pattern puzzle

In this game, children are given a certain set of numbers in order. Their job is to work out the sequence being used to continue the pattern. 

For example, if you had the numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12, the next answer would be 15, because the numbers are following the 3 times table.

FAQs about math puzzles for kids

We understand that diving into new information can sometimes be overwhelming, and questions often arise. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted these FAQs, based on real questions from students and parents. We’ve got you covered!

The great thing about math riddles is they use real-life scenarios that children can relate to. In addition, they vary in complexity so they can be used for children of all ages. Here are some fun (and educational) math riddles for you to try out:

1. If there are 4 apples and you take away 3, how many apples do you have?

(Answer: You have 3)

2. Which number stays the same no matter how many times you multiply it? 

(Answer: 0)

3. I am more than 10 but less than 15. I am one more than the number of months in a year. What am I?

(Answer: 13)

4. Fill in the blanks; 4, 8, 12, _, 20, _, 28

(Answers: 16 and 24)

Yes, mental math can be highly beneficial for students of all ages! It not only helps them develop a quicker and more accurate approach to solving math problems, but it also improves their overall math comprehension and confidence. 

Mental math can be especially helpful during exams or timed assessments when a calculator may not be allowed. Furthermore, students who excel in mental math often find it easier to grasp advanced mathematical concepts, and perform better in higher-level math courses.

Math logic puzzles are a common form of math puzzles, involving logical reasoning. Traditional logic puzzles generally have a grid of numbers, with certain numbers missing that need to be filled in. Sudoku is one of the most popular logic puzzle games. Other examples include brain teasers, elimination grids, and arithmetic puzzles.

Math puzzles make learning math more enjoyable. They also tend to reduce the fear associated with math equations because they are more like games than exam questions. Children that regularly practice math puzzles can develop a range of transferable skills including problem-solving, logical reasoning, and mental arithmetic.  

Lesson credits

Christina Levandowski

Christina has written for hundreds of clients from small businesses to Indeed.com. She has extensive experience working with marketing strategy and social media marketing, and has her own business creating assets for clients in the space. She enjoys being an entrepreneur and has also started pursuing investment opportunities as time permits.

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15 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids & Teens: Critical Thinking

What is one of the most important skills all students must learn? Is it math or coding? Reading? Writing? While all these skills are indeed vital to success, the one skill that underlines all disciplines is problem solving. All lines of work need great problem solvers to find tomorrow’s solutions, and students of any age can be honing their problem-solving skills. Check out some of these fun problem-solving activities for kids and teens below!

Problem-solving activities for elementary school kids (ages 5-10)

From traditional paper-and-pencil activities to online tools, below are some great activities for kids ages 5-10.

1. Coding Courses for Kids

It’s never too early to start learning the foundational concepts of computer programming! There are a number of courses appropriate for young students to start building their problem solving skills, including the award-winning Scratch Ninja course . For the uninitiated, Scratch is a user-friendly colorful drag-and-drop coding tool developed by MIT for making awesome games and animations while learning important coding logic. Or, for students who are visual learners, try a Minecraft Redstone Engineering course to find out how to build awesome inventions! There are many free coding classes to start with, to find your child's interests.

2. Tower Building

Turns out that kindergartners might be better engineers than grownups (at least according to this experiment)! The challenge was as follows: given 20 pieces of spaghetti, a yard of tape, and a yard of string, build the tallest possible tower that can support 1 marshmallow on top. After various groups of people tried it from Stanford and other universities, kindergartners ended up beating them for creating the tallest tower. Challenge your student to see how tall they can make their tower too!

3. Crosswords

Whether taken out of the newspaper or off of the web, crosswords are a useful logic puzzle for kids to work on. Crosswords encourage students to use context clues, as well as their reasoning skills by eliminating possible options as they progress. Plus, it’s easy to vary the difficulty of the puzzles, as well as find fun, themed crosswords for different holidays! There's even a Thanksgiving crossword for your student to try.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

There’s nothing like a good, ole’ fashioned puzzle to challenge the mind. Each person takes a different approach to puzzle solving, whether they organize their pieces first, find all the corners, or do something totally different. Exploring different strategies for solving puzzles is an effective introduction to independently creating strategies for problem solving. This is a solid choice for students who are visual learners.

An age-old classic, LEGOs are a fantastic way to combine creative skills with problem solving. Students need to follow sequential steps and visualize to create their LEGO designs. It’s even better when students go beyond the kit instructions to create their own LEGO build, as students will have to learn to utilize limited resources while coming up with a structured plan for designing their idea. LEGO Mindstorms is a popular starting point.

Problem-solving activities for middle school tweens (ages 11-13)

Middle schoolers (ages 11-13) will want to be challenged more with their activities, and these are some effective activities for encouraging growth.

6. Middle School Coding Courses

By the time they reach middle school, students will be ready to take on more advanced coding concepts, regardless of their prior coding experience. For those who have no prior coding experience, the Accelerated Scratch course is an excellent option, as it will introduce students to basic coding concepts while allowing them to make their games and animations. Students with some prior coding experience may want to try the Minecraft Code to Mod course, builds upon basic coding concepts like loops, conditionals, and more while building students' creativity and critical thinking.

7. Birthday Ordering

An activity commonly done at summer camps, the silent birthday lineup is an excellent problem-solving activity for groups. The goal is for students to line up in chronological order based on their birthdays, without talking at all. Working in total science requires students to think outside the box to accomplish their goal, and to prioritize teamwork. Try timing the students to see how quickly they can get it done, then let them reflect on the activity afterwards to see what strategies worked and what didn’t.

8. Event Planning

Have students plan their own event, like a fundraiser, a social, or a competition for their coding club . This will require students to collaborate by delegating tasks, coordinating supplies, budgeting, and more. Even planning something as simple as a pizza party still requires some logistical planning, and students will benefit from struggling through the process. Plus, they can get to enjoy the results of their work when the event finally arrives!

Arduino circuit boards are an excellent choice for children interested in engineering. Because Arduino is widely-popular, there are countless tutorials demonstrating its capabilities, such as creating a controller, custom RGB lighting, robotics, or more. Once students learn the basics, they can use Arduino boards to come up with creative solutions to their own problems. This is an excellent idea for highly-motivated kids who like to work by themselves.

Sudoku is an excellent number puzzle and a great problem-solving exercise. It requires students to evaluate multiple possible options as they try to fill in the puzzles, so students need to be able to create an organized approach to be successful. There are various difficulty levels for sudoku, so students can start easy, then advance as they become proficient at solving the puzzles.

Problem-solving activities for high school teens (ages 14+)

High school (14+) is a good time to incorporate group work into the activities, as students will need to learn to work collaboratively for their future in college and beyond.

11. Coding for Teens

Once reaching high school age, students are ready to tackle the complexities of text-based coding. This is where students can focus on their interests, whether it be web design , AI, app design , and more. Create & Learn’s Python for AI course is a good option, as Python is one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Students interested in game design might try the Roblox Studio course , which teaches students how to program their own Roblox games (or try the Beginner Roblox Game Coding course if they have limited previous coding experience.)

12. Robotics Club

Many different school programs offer robotics teams and robotics competitions , using tools such as VEX robotics . Robotics is a great way to combine computer science, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving skills. If there is no robotics team at your student’s school, consider trying a robotics kit such as the Makeblock mBot Ranger .

13. Egg Drop

This classic experiment is a lot of fun for students, and makes for a good competition as well. Students must build some sort of structure that will prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height (like the top of a staircase). It works best when students are restricted with the resources they can use; for instance, define a “ budget ” for parts that they can’t exceed, or give everyone the same materials to work with .

14. Debate Club

Whether deciding public policy or the best ice cream place in town, having the ability to engage in meaningful debate is critical. Debate forces students to self-analyze, listen, and think critically before making decisions. These skills benefit students’ futures by making them strong, independent thinkers. Check out these speech and debate competitions . And here are some tips for starting a debate club .

15. Science Fair

Science fairs pose an excellent opportunity for exploring the scientific method, both through creating personal projects and checking out other students’ presentations. By encouraging students to come up with their own projects, they must identify some question or problem and find a way to solve it. This can be the most challenging kind of problem-solving, as it requires the student to take initiative in finding their own ideas, but also can be the most rewarding. Try the Google Science Fair Competition .

Enjoy problem-solving activities for kids

And there you have it: problem-solving activities for students from elementary through high school age. Of course, there are many more ways to build critical-thinking abilities like problem-solving. For more ideas, check this list of awesome after-school enrichment activities !

Written by Create & Learn instructor Dominic Occhietti. Dominic is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he studied music performance and computer science. He thoroughly enjoys teaching, whether that be coding classes, French horn lessons, or even downhill skiing lessons!

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17 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

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As a child, I would spend hours putting together puzzles… whether it was 3-D puzzles or figuring out a crossword. I also loved it when teachers would give the class an open-ended question and we had to work in groups to figure out the answer in our own way.

Even something as simple as playing checkers with my brothers gave me the chance to use strategy as a way to win the game. I honestly believe that it’s so important for kids to solve problems at a young age, as it helps them think critically and outside the box.

Table of Contents

So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?

I think these kinds of activities are so important for kids to do because it helps them learn how to think analytically and solve problems on their own. It's a great way to get kids to use their imaginations and be creative.

Rote memorization simply does not have the same effect. This type of learning is great for learning facts like historical dates, but it’s not going to help kids figure out how events in history happened and the results.

We take these problem-solving skills into college, the workforce, and travel . My ability to problem solve since childhood has certainly got me through many sticky situations while in a new city or country.

Additionally, problem-solving helps children learn how to find creative solutions to challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom . These activities can also be fun and used in cohesion with school or playtime.

17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

1. marble mazes.

This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc.

To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles. First, draw a maze on a piece of paper using a pencil.

Make sure to create a start and finish point. Then, place the marbles at the start of the maze. The goal is to get the marbles from the start to the finish by tilting the paper and using gravity to guide the marbles through the maze.

Another example of a marble maze can involve using toilet paper rolls taped together to create a three-dimensional maze. The larger the maze, the harder you can make it.

Check Price on Amazon!

If you are not into the DIY method, you can always buy a toy maze on Amazon. A good 48 piece puzzle is the Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor puzzle.

2. The Tower Challenge

Building a tower gives kids the chance to think about gravity, structure, and balance.

To do this activity, you will need some building materials like legos, blocks, or even toilet paper rolls. The challenge is to see how high they can stack the materials without the tower toppling over.

This can be done individually or in teams. An activity like this is good for younger kids and is the building block to learning about harder topics like engineering.

3. The Egg Drop Challenge

The egg drop challenge helps kids learn how to engineer a solution that prevents something from breaking. It requires them to think critically about which materials will best protect something fragile like an egg when dropped from a height.

To do this activity, you will need some eggs and various materials such as straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, etc. The goal is to construct a device that will protect an egg from breaking upon impact.

This can be done individually or in teams . Teams can even have a competition for the best egg drop device.

As children begin handling, shopping for, and cooking their own food, activities like this will help them understand how to handle breakable items like bottles, eggs, delicate fruit,.etc. Ideally, this is best for age groups 8 and up.

4. The Penny Drop Challenge

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think about physics and how different materials affect sound.

To do this activity, you will need a penny ( or another coin), a cup, and various materials such as paper towels, cotton balls, etc.

The goal is to drop the penny into the cup without making any noise. Begin by placing different materials into the cup and then drop the penny into it. The children should also drop the penny from different heights into the same material to see if/how the impact from a higher drop affects sound.

Group kids into teams or let them try it on their own.

Kids should make note of what type of sounds are made when the penny hits different materials. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in science and physics.

5. The Balloon Race Challenge

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s principle . It also requires them to think creatively about how to design a balloon-powered vehicle.

To do this activity, you will need balloons, straws, masking tape, and markers. The goal is to design a balloon-powered vehicle that can travel a distance of at least 10 feet. Kids can begin this activity by sketching out their designs on paper.

After they have a basic design, they can begin building their vehicle from various materials. Then kids can explain why they think the balloon traveled or did not travel as far as it did.

6. The Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallows are not only delicious, but they are also soft and malleable. So kids can have fun using it for some construction projects.

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think creatively about how to build a structure using limited materials. It also helps them learn about engineering and work as a team.

To do this activity, you will need marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure possible using only marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. If you don't have spaghetti noodles, use something similar like pretzel sticks.

You may even want to establish certain rules like each team can only use a certain number of marshmallows or noodles. A time limit can also make it more fun and challenging.

For more fun activities, check out our post on problem solving exercises for team building .

7. The Balloon Pop Challenge

If you remember your childhood, you probably remember popping balloons for fun at times. But this activity is different because it requires kids to use strategy and critical thinking.

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about patterns and problem-solving. It is also a lot of fun for kids who like popping balloons. The goal is to create a device that will allow them to pop a balloon without using their hands.

To do this activity, you will need balloons and various materials such as straws, string, paper clips, etc.

8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

As mentioned earlier, puzzles are a great pastime – especially in childhood. Kids must think critically about how to put the pieces together to create a certain picture. It also helps them learn about shapes, colors, and other concepts.

You can take a medium to large picture and cut it into pieces. If you have younger kids, you may want to make the pieces larger. However, if you have kids closer to the 8-11 age range, you should be able to provide a challenge and make the pieces smaller.

9. Copy the Block Model

For this challenge, you can build a model out of blocks for the kids to copy. Put kids into groups and make sure each group has the same number of blocks you used for your model.

Make your model block as simple or complex as needed for your child's age group.

Set a time limit and make sure each group starts at the same time.

10. Team Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is great for kids because they have to search for items and use investigative skills. It is also a lot of fun and can be done both indoors and outdoors .

To do this activity, you will need to create a list of items for the kids to find. The items can be anything from common household items to things you would find outside.

These types of activities can also revolve around a theme like a holiday, movie, or book. For example, if the kids are fans of “Harry Potter” you can make a list of items to find that are related to the movie.

11. Obstacle Course

This activity requires kids to think creatively about how to get from one point to another while maneuvering around obstacles. If you have outdoor space, this can be done with common objects such as hula hoops, cones, etc.

If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can use common household items to create an indoor obstacle course. For example, you can use chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.

Begin by setting up the course and then timing each child as they complete it. You can also have them race against each other to make it more fun.

Obstacle courses are also great because kids get to be physically active while they are thinking critically.

12. Reading Storybooks

There are many great benefits for kids that read storybooks.  One of the excellent benefits is the ability to problem-solve.  When they read the stories in the books, they see scenarios that cause them to be attached to the various characters they read about. 

So, when they encounter a real-life problem, it is often productive to ask a child how their favorite character would solve that problem.  Your kids can also be encouraged to come up with various options and possible outcomes for some of the situations they may encounter. 

This not only helps kids solve various problems but become more independent as well. 

13. Ask Them Open-Ended Questions

A good way to improve a child's ability to think critically and creatively and improve their ability to solve problems is by asking open-ended questions.  It also helps them to develop healthy personalities .

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  In addition, the solution requires more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer.  Furthermore, it allows kids to put some extra thought into their responses. 

Here are some examples of open-ended questions you may want to ask. 

• What did this experience teach you?
• Was this easy?  What was easy about it?
• What this difficult?  What is complicated about it?
• What may happen next in this situation?
• How did you come to this solution?
• What, if anything, would you do differently next time?
• What can we do to make things more fun next time?

14. Build Various Structures with Toys

Whether wooden blocks, LEGO blocks, or engineering blocks… giving your kid blocks to build whatever their minds can dream up is fun.  In addition, it requires them to think about how they will make a structure, put the pieces together, and creatively ensure the building's function and design. 

You may also want to challenge them to build something more complicated and watch them use their brain power to make it happen. 

15. Acting Out Skits

Impromptu activities like acting out skits help kids identify problems, develop solutions, and execute them.  This process works with multiple kids being divided into teams. 

First, you will want to write down different situations, such as resolving a disagreement between siblings or dealing with bullying on the playground on a piece of paper.  Second, you will fold the paper and place it in a hat or bowl.  

Third, each team will pick a scenario out of the hat.  Finally, you can give the kids a few minutes to discuss their solution and act out. 

16. Solving Moral Dilemmas   

In this simple game, you will help your kids solve simple dilemmas they may find themselves in.  You could write down a situation your child may find themselves in and help them learn the moral way to solve the problem.   

For instance, “The cashier gave them an additional $5 change back on my purchase.  What should they do?”  Another scenario could be, “I saw my friend cheating on a test.  Should I tell on them or let it go?”  A third one could be, “I caught my friends stealing some gum from the store.  What should I do?” 

After writing down the dilemmas and placing them in a bowl, get each child to select one and read it aloud.  Finally, you will help them devise morally correct solutions to the moral dilemma. 

17. Animal Pairing Game  

This is a fun and creative game to help your kids with focus, critical thinking, and team building skills .  In addition, this activity requires an even number of players to participate (4, 6, 8, etc.) 

Before starting the game, you will want to write the names of different animals twice, each on a separate slip of paper.  Then pass out the slips of paper to each individual or team member, instructing them not to share with anyone the name of the animal they received. 

Then the children will perform activities the animals might do without talking or making sounds.  Some of these activities might include:

• The way the animal cleans or grooms itself
• The way the animal sleeps
• The way the animal fights
• The way the animal eats or drinks
• The way the animal walks or runs

The goal is for each child to successfully pair up with the other child who has selected the same animal.

How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood

Children are not born with problem-solving skills. It is something that needs to be learned and developed over time .

From babies who learn how to communicate their needs to toddlers who figure out how to get what they want, to children who are starting to understand the consequences of their actions – problem-solving is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Some of the benefits of teaching problem-solving skills to children include:

• Improved critical thinking skills
• Better decision-making skills
• Enhanced creativity
• Improved communication and collaboration skills
• Increased confidence

There are many ways to teach problem-solving skills to children. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples. It is important to find activities that are appropriate for the age and abilities of the child.

With practice, children will develop these skills and be better prepared to face challenges in both childhood and adulthood.

Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids

These are just a few ideas to get you started on teaching your child crucial problem solving skills. Perhaps they’ve inspired to come with some of your own, or seek out others? The important thing is to make sure the activity is age-appropriate and challenging enough to engage the kids.

Problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they can be applied to various situations in life. These skills also promote critical thinking, which is an important life skill.

There are many other problem-solving activities for kids out there. In time, you’ll find the ones that work best for your child.  And be sure not to forget about your own needs and self-improvement, both of which will make you a better parent and mentor. Here are some useful activities for adults to get your started.

Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control .

Puzzle Games for Kids

Enhance your child's critical thinking abilities with our engaging puzzle games for kids. Our collection offers a variety of brain-teasers and challenges that promote problem-solving and logical reasoning. Let them embark on an exciting journey of discovery and learning. Start playing for free now!

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Matching Games

Sneaky Shapes Game

Sharpen your observation skills and uncover hidden shapes.

All Puzzles Games

• Picture Perfect Game

Paint, draw, and express your artistic skills in this picture perfect game.

Dive into Sky Boxes Game

Test your stacking skills and reach new heights in this sky-high game.

Play Jumble Mania Game

Test your word skills and unravel the jumble in this exciting game.

• Toss Up Game

Challenge your accuracy and toss objects to hit various targets.

Challenge Two of a Kind Game

Sharpen your memory and find matching pairs in this engaging game.

Challenge Match-Up Puzzles Game

Test your memory and matching skills in this engaging puzzle game.

Play Word Detective Game

Put your word skills to the test and solve puzzles like a detective.

Experience Polyword Game

Dive into the world of polywords and solve challenging puzzles.

Discover Shape Building Arty Crafty Game

Use your imagination and build various shapes in this engaging arty crafty game.

Play Shape Matching Arty Crafty Game

Sharpen your shape recognition skills and complete various shape matching activities in this engaging game.

Fun Puzzle Games for Kids

Explore a world of fun and learning with our engaging puzzle games designed for kids. Our games encourage critical thinking, improve concentration, and promote learning in an entertaining way. 

What are Puzzle Games?

Puzzle games online are interactive activities that engage young minds in solving various problems, patterns, and challenges. These games encourage children to think critically, strategize, and enhance their cognitive abilities while having a blast. From jigsaw puzzles to riddles, our selection offers a stimulating way for kids to explore, learn, and have fun.

What Are the Types of Puzzle Games?

There is a wide variety of games to choose from. Here are a few popular types:

1. Shape Building: Arty Crafty Game : In this game, kids can enhance their creativity as they assemble colorful shapes into beautiful artworks. This type of puzzle game not only entertains but also hones fine motor skills.

2. Word Detective Game : In this game, kids can go on a wordy adventures, solving mysteries, and piecing together letters to uncover hidden secrets. Word detective games are perfect for young wordsmiths.

3. Polyword Game : In this game, kids can challenge their vocabulary and pattern recognition with Polyword games. These brain-teasers provide hours of entertainment while enhancing language skills.

What are the Benefits of Playing Puzzle Games?

Engaging in online puzzle games offers a host of advantages for young minds:

• Cognitive Development: Kids can play puzzle games and enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and cognitive development.
• Patience and Persistence: Puzzle-solving teaches children patience and the value of persistence in overcoming challenges.
• Creativity: Kids puzzle games encourage creativity and imaginative thinking as kids find unique solutions.
• Vocabulary and Language Skills: Word puzzles boost vocabulary and language skills, aiding in effective communication.

What are the Best Puzzle Games?

Discover an array of puzzle-themed games that kids can enjoy on both mobiles and tablets. Here are some top choices:

• Shape Matching: Arty Crafty Game
• Match Up!: Puzzles Game
• Jumble Mania Game
• Sky Boxes Game

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

13 Tantalizing Portable Puzzles for Kids From Teen to Toddler

F ew things absorb a child’s total attention like a good puzzle. So I've tried to bring one with me when we travel since my daughter was tiny. I know; you're thinking "all those pieces; egad!" But there are puzzles for kids that are made for travel. 

Here is a list of 13 puzzles I really like, grouped by age from toddler to teen. They're all great for long flights and are also a good diversion at your destination, should you need one. I love it when there's more than one puzzle in a pack for variety.

Hopefully, these will solve one tough puzzle for you: How to keep your kids from getting bored on long trips?

N eed more gift ideas?

Try these •  building sets  •  table-top games  •  toys  •  crafts kits  that kids can take anywhere.

Gift Guide: 13 Engrossing Puzzles That Travel For Every Age Kid

Tiny travel puzzles for teens.

When I say these are tiny puzzles, I mean these are  tiny puzzles . The three six-by-four-inch jigsaws have 150 pieces each. 

They're a challenge. They're also very portable and compact enough to put together on an airplane tray table (on a long flight). Have your teen pop one or two into their backpack on your next ski or beach getaway.

Ages : 13 and up

4 Brain Teaser Puzzles For Kids & Tweens

Education Insights  makes  Kanoodle  and  SmartGames  has its  IQ series . Both are  brain-teasers  that travel in their own  compact case . 

Try to fit the connected pieces into their base in particular patterns. A booklet with progressively harder problems comes with each set. 

Ages:  9 to 14 years old

SmartGames  also makes a series of  brain-teaser games  that are meant to use the same  problem-solving skills  as  coding . 

The most compact and portable ones are  Asteroid Escape , where you must plot a path for a spaceship through an asteroid belt, and  Atlantis Escape , where you must find a way out of that sinking city.

Ages:  9 to 13 years old

Puzzles To Challenge School-Age Kids

A map puzzle inside a globe.

New from The  Purple Cow , this  100-piece puzzle  is a  world map ,  U.S. map  or  diagram of the solar system . They're about the size of a standard sheet of paper when complete.

The fun part is that the puzzles come in this  globe-shaped tin  that's about  4 inches in diameter , making it easy to pop into a backpack. It could even fit in some side pockets.

The tin is colorful and a unique way to carry a puzzle around. 

Ages : 7 to 11 years old.

Familiar Fairy Tale Puzzles

I've liked  Purple Cow's  amusing 35-piece  Fairy Tale puzzles  for a long time because they come in a  compact, travel-friendly tin . 

If the company made them magnetic like their games, and included a magnetic pad, these would be the most perfect travel puzzles ever. 

For now, their compact tins make them handy to throw in a suitcase for that rainy beach day. The puzzles are about  12-by-8 inches  when complete.

Ages : 5 to 8 years old

Puzzles In A Pouch

Mudpuppy  has 36-piece  jigsaw puzzles to go  in made-for-travel drawstring bags. In addition to the airplane, the puzzles have maps and famous cities, among other non-travel-related themes.

Age s: 5 to 7 years old

2-Puzzle Magnetic Twin Packs

Mudpuppy  also makes small  magnetic jigsaw puzzles . Each kit comes with two 20-piece puzzles and a magnetic mat on which to assemble them. They come in  forest night & day ;  bugs & birds  and  land & sea  themes. 

Ages : 3 to 5 years old

Puzzles in a Book

If you want puzzles that will work on a road trip as well as an airplane, try these  magnetic puzzles  from  BST Shier . 

Each book has two puzzles and folds up to book-size to slips easily into a backpack or your carry-on. Perfect for travel.

Choose from seven themes, including dinosaurs, mermaid and several animals, as well as space.

Travel  Puzzles  For Toddlers

6 puzzles in 1 set of pieces.

I love cube puzzles for toddlers and preschoolers because you have six puzzles in one and a building toy besides.

My favorites have been discontinued so I was excited when readers started buying these  Picasso magnetic cubes .

The magnets allow each picture to have a slightly different configuration, creating a unique challenge that will engage kids for a few years. 

The completed pictures range from 5-to-8 inches square, so the cubes are perfect for small hands and easy to travel with. 

In addition to the animals there are geometric shapes, abstract cubes, childhood scenes and famous paintings. 

Ages : 2 to 4YO

More Puzzles in a Pouch

MudPuppy  (yes, I  really like  this brand!) also has  12-piece pouch puzzles  for your littlest puzzle-solver.

Themes include lions, woodland picnic, tea party, construction site and lions.

Ages : 2 to 4 years old

A Super Slim Puzzle Book

Melissa & Doug  is another brand I relied on heavily when I had a small child. 

These  Take-Along puzzle books  come in  vehicle ,  farm  and  princess  themes, as well as  Paw Patrol . Each has two magnetic puzzles in a slim book that is super easy to pack.

The puzzle pieces themselves are a good size for small hands.

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