12 Great Games That Can Help Your Kids Learn New Skills
These days, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities for your child to dive into — honestly, way more than we ever had growing up!
Thanks to the rise of all things tech, kids now have incredible resources right at their fingertips. Think platforms like Khan Academy or a treasure trove of brilliant YouTube channels. But beyond the usual suspects, there’s another great way for kids to learn: through play.
You might not think of games as an educational tool at first, but trust me, there are some truly fantastic options out there that teach kids in fun, creative ways. In this post, we’re walking you through 12 of the best games to spark learning and curiosity in your child. Let’s find the perfect one for your family!
1. Minecraft: Education Edition
We all know Minecraft has taken the world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. But did you know there’s an official educational version of the game used in classrooms worldwide?
Minecraft: Education Edition transforms those familiar blocky landscapes into exciting learning adventures. Kids can explore math, science, coding, engineering, and so much more. If your child is already a Minecraft fan (or even if they aren’t—yet!), this is such a fun way to sneak some extra learning into their screen time.
2. Wordle
Simple, quick, and sneakily educational—Wordle is a favorite for good reason!
Your child will work on vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills as they try to guess a five-letter word in just six tries. Each guess gives them color-coded hints, so they can see how close they’re getting. It’s a great pick for kids to play in short bursts, and they’ll grow their word bank without even realizing it.
3. Prodigy Math
Math can be one of the trickier subjects for kids, but Prodigy Math flips the script by turning math practice into a thrilling adventure.
With epic battles, quests, and exploration, Prodigy makes tough concepts feel exciting and approachable. Kids can work at their own pace and build confidence as they go—perfect for children who might feel a little anxious about math.
4. ThinkFun Gravity Maze
If your child loves hands-on problem solving, ThinkFun Gravity Maze is a fantastic pick.
This marble-powered game challenges kids to build towers and create paths for the marble to reach its destination. It’s super fun to do together as a family, and it quietly builds early engineering and physics skills. Plus, it sparks creativity and curiosity about how things work!
5. Chess
Some games never go out of style, and Chess is definitely one of them.
It’s timeless, and with good reason—it helps children think ahead, consider consequences, and develop patience. Even though it can get complex, the basic rules are easy to learn, making it a great brain workout for kids (and adults, too!).
6. CodeCombat
Let’s face it: coding can feel overwhelming, especially for kids just starting out. That’s where CodeCombat shines.
This browser-based game teaches real programming languages like Python and JavaScript through a fun, fantasy-themed game world. Players level up their characters, solve mazes, and tackle logic puzzles—all while learning to code!
7. Osmo Genius Starter Kit
If you’re looking for something truly unique, check out the Osmo Genius Starter Kit.
Osmo blends physical play with digital learning using interactive game pieces and an engaging app for tablets. Kids will build problem-solving skills in subjects like math and English while having a blast arranging real-world pieces that come to life on the screen. It’s a win-win for engagement!
8. DragonBox Algebra
Algebra doesn’t have to be intimidating. With DragonBox Algebra, kids dive into a colorful game world where math feels like part of the adventure.
They’ll solve puzzles and explore new concepts almost without realizing they’re learning algebra! If your child has been struggling with math confidence, this game could be a total game changer.
9. Outschool Game-Based Classes
The Outschool platform offers tons of interactive, game-based learning experiences.
Rather than sticking to one game, Outschool opens up a whole world of options, from reading comprehension games to beginner coding classes. There’s truly something for every interest and age level, making it easy to find a class that clicks with your child.
10. Endless Alphabet
For little learners, Endless Alphabet is a fantastic choice.
This delightful app helps kids build their vocabulary using fun puzzles and animations that bring words to life. It’s especially great for ages 3–7, keeping early readers engaged while reinforcing new words with playful visuals and sounds.
11. Bananagrams
Fast-paced, travel-friendly, and tons of fun, Bananagrams is a spelling game kids will love.
Players race to build words from letter tiles as quickly as they can. It’s like a speedier, more energetic version of Scrabble! Bonus: the tiles come in a super cute, banana-shaped bag, making it perfect to bring along for family trips or playdates.
12. Toca Life
The Toca Life games series is packed with interactive games that focus on social and emotional development.
Rather than academic drills, these games help kids explore real-life experiences through play—whether they’re running a hair salon in Toca Hair or cooking up fun in Toca Kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to nurture creativity and social skills in younger children.
Extracurricular learning is such an important part of growing up, but it doesn’t have to feel like extra work. When you make learning fun, kids naturally stay curious and engaged.
Whether your child gravitates toward creative play, problem solving, or adventures in math and coding, there’s something on this list that will spark their interest. Try a few, see what resonates, and most of all—have fun learning together!
