Problem Solving Games

Problem solving games are one of my favorite ways to support executive skills with elementary-aged kids and older.

These are the kinds of games I often use in sessions when we’re working on things like planning, flexible thinking, memory, and problem solving. They give kids a chance to think through challenges, try different strategies, and adjust when something doesn’t go as expected—all in a way that feels engaging and low-pressure.

They also connect really well to learning about the cerebrum—the part of the brain responsible for thinking, decision-making, and problem solving. When kids are actively working through a game, they’re using these higher-level thinking skills in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Problem solving games also create natural opportunities to build frustration tolerance. When something doesn’t work right away, kids practice sticking with it, managing that feeling of frustration, and trying again with a different approach. That process is just as important as finding the solution.

Here are most of my favorites to use. Kids generally love the challenge, and oftentimes want to skip to the hardest level first, but I usually make them pass off some of the easier levels first so they get the hang of it first.

And like I said before, these are more for elementary kids and older.