Games That Boost Executive Functioning
Check out these games that sneakily support executive functioning skills like impulse control, flexible thinking, and task initiation.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning skills are a set of mental processes that help people be successful in life.
The list of executive functioning skills includes time management, planning and organization, emotional regulation, working memory, focus, impulse control, and mental flexibility.
(For more on executive functioning skills, read this article.)
While these skills develop over time (and some not fully until a person’s mid twenties), you can build these skills in kids with routines, activities, and feedback.
Can those activities include games? You bet!
Board games, card games, and active games are an enjoyable (and sneaky) way to boost executive function in kids.
Let the games begin!
Executive Functioning Board Games
If you needed another reason for a weekly family game night, you’ve got it!
Certain board games can improve executive function by calling for impulse control, problem-solving, focus, and planning.
Ticket to Ride
This game is all about planning and strategy. Players plan the train routes and collect key cards to connect cities.
This game is best for upper elementary through high school. If you have early elementary kids, try the Ticket to Ride Junior.
Do you like Ticket to Ride? Try Settlers of Catan. It boosts the same executive functioning skills.
Blokus
Blokus is another game of strategy that calls for spatial reasoning skills. Players compete to fit their tiles together like Tetris.
The game is easy to learn and has just one rule. You can teach someone to play it in under a minute.
For a game that blends elements of Blokus with Ticket to Ride, try Carcassonne. You build a medieval community with strategic tile placement.
Jenga
Jenga boosts executive function by requiring focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control.
You have to pull the block carefully in order to prevent the tower from collapsing.
Other games that promote the same executive functioning skills are Animal Upon Animal (it’s so cute!) and Tetra Tower.
Clue
Clue helps with working memory and logical problem solving.
Are your kids too young for Clue? Try Clue Junior. There is no murder and the gameplay is simplified. Or try Outfoxed, a game for preschoolers.
Mastermind
Mastermind is another game that requires focus, working memory, and problem-solving skills.
A game that works similar executive functioning skills is Guess Who?
Executive Function Card Games
Card games are a handier way to boost executive functioning skills (pun fully intended).
Memory
Memory literally helps the executive functioning skill in its name: working memory.
You can make your own free memory matching game of unicorns, dinosaurs, or mermaids.
Do you want other free games? Check out our Freebies Library!
Spot It
Spot It requires quick thinking and the executive functioning skill of impulse control to find the given object on a cluttered card.
Do you already own the regular Spot It? Try the Spot It Animal Edition.
Uno
Uno requires impulse control (waiting your turn) and emotional regulation (when a color is changed last minute).
If you have older kids, try SkipBo. It requires more strategy than Uno.
Sequence
Sequence is both a card game and a board game. Players must plan their route to create a line of tokens (like Connect Four but with cards).
Shadow Mysteries
This game for middle school and up is like Clue but in a card game.
You have to solve riddles and puzzles to win the game.
Enchanted Plumes
Enchanted plumes is a beautiful card game that requires problem solving and working memory.
Players collect and assemble cards to create a full peacock’s plume.
Executive Function Active Games
These movement games will improve executive functioning skills.
Simon Says (Multi-Step)
Boost working memory by playing Simon Says. For an added twist, give multi-step commands (like touch your toes and then pat your head).
Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light pushes kids to use impulse control lest they move ahead of the call of “Green light!”
Capture the Flag
This group game requires strategy and flexible thinking.
Freeze Dance (with Commands)
Do freeze dance with a twist. When the music stops, freeze in the last dance pose you saw someone else do.
The Floor Is Lava
This active game requires planning and flexible thinking.
Using Games to Improve Executive Function
Whether you play board games, card games, or active games, it is easy to mix fun and targeted learning together.
