Brain games for kids

Brain games for kids: sudoku, futoshiki, mazes, memory, chess, the Tower of Hanoi and pattern games. Suggestions by age for 4–12 and free PDFs.

What do brain games teach?

Brain games build attention, planning, patience and logical thinking. They lay a strong foundation for the problem-solving questions children meet at school.

12 brain games by age

Ages 4–5

• Picture sudoku
• Memory cards
• Pattern games
• Spot the difference

Ages 6–8

• 4×4 number sudoku
• Mazes and path finding
• Number pyramid
• Ordering puzzles

Ages 9 and up

• 6×6 sudoku
• Futoshiki and magic squares (free PDF)
• Chess
• Tower of Hanoi and other games

How to start?

1. Choose an age-appropriate game: Picture games for ages 4–5, 4×4 numbers for 6–8, 6×6 and strategy games for 9+.
2. Learn the rule together: Play the first round together and let your child explain the rule.
3. Play short and often: 10–15 minutes a day, a few days a week.
4. Increase difficulty step by step: Move up a level once they solve it comfortably.

Free PDFs (by age)

Ages 4–5 · Ages 6–8 · Ages 9 and up

See also logic games for kids and screen-free learning activities.

📄 Shape Patterns, Ages 4–5 (free PDF)

Levelled next steps: packs

• Picture Sudoku 4×4 Pack — 48 puzzles, ages 6–8
• Number Sudoku 6×6 Pack — 48 puzzles, ages 9–12
• Way Home Mazes — 30 mazes, ages 6–8

All packs are A4 PDFs with solutions; prices include VAT, payment via Payhip.

Start for free

• Free activity PDFs — download and print right away.
• Puzzle of the Week — three new puzzles every Monday.
• Puzzle of the Day — one a day on screen.
• For more printable puzzle packs (A4 PDF with solutions, prices incl. VAT).