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IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIZED FUN FAMILY TIME
As requested by families, we have compiled a list of physical games and activities focused on problem-solving, logic, flexible thinking, planning, concentration, spatial insights, and visual perception. To maximize the benefits of these games, we encourage families to play together and empower children to tackle more challenging levels on their own. Setting a schedule for device-free family time, where all electronic devices are put away, allows you to fully engage with these games and each other. This unplugged playtime is crucial for fostering family bonding and promoting your children's cognitive and social development.
Remember, in the journey of learning, struggle is not a sign of failure but a stepping stone to success. It's through these challenges that our children develop resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills. As their guide, your role is crucial. You are the one who can identify when your child is about to give up and find strategies to keep them interested. Sometimes, you may solve a level with your child, highlighting key strategies you may have used and encouraging kids to apply those strategies. Your guidance is what will help them overcome these challenges and succeed.
Please don't push too hard that your child loses interest. Keep a game aside and revisit it after a few days of break if your child doesn't want to play it. It's normal for kids to find it too hard after a certain level. Take your time and have patience. It's optional to complete all levels. The key intent is to develop resiliency, independence, and imagination while solving problems. Through these games, you can encourage kids to apply seven problem-solving techniques. You can learn about these techniques here.
Please play with your child as their friend—not as a parent with authority and pre-determined goals. Explore the world together with them. Take the time to understand their mindset, strengths, and weaknesses. This understanding will not only help you guide them effectively but also deepen your connection with them. Celebrate their success when they complete a very hard level by doing another fun/physical activity for them, such as making their favourite ice cream at home.
Please note that we have added links to Amazon Canada. However, please shop around to get the best deal for these games. We encourage you to refrain from buying digital versions of these games, as this defeats the purpose.
These games will help your child and become an important tool to improve family bonding. Have a wonderful summer!
Physical Fun Games
Jump In by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for all ages.
Can you help the rabbits jump to safety? Use other rabbits, mushrooms and even the moving foxes to jump around and hide the rabbits in their holes. This is one of the best gifts you can give to a child. If you are an adult, you will get addicted to this game as well.
It is a must-have game for each household!
Kanoodle 3D Brain Puzzles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for all ages.
To encourage spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and critical and strategic thinking skills in kids, Educational Insights' Kanoodle games are ideal for brain-challenging fun. In reality, these are excellent immaterial of the age.
There are many variations of this popular game. Pick any to get started.
Walls & Warriors by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for all ages.
Position the walls and protect your warriors!
Brain power is needed to protect your castle in this exciting game. Can you arrange the walls on the game board to protect the blue warriors within the castle and keep the red invaders out?
Younger kids may find this difficult. However, it's an excellent game for developing 3D geometric thinking through fun problem-solving.
Laser Maze by ThinkFun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for all ages.
It’s a logic maze game that teaches STEM skills. Laser Maze requires you to use mirrors, beam-splitters, and a little science and brainpower to direct the laser through a series of mind-challenging mazes and light up the target.
This is a relatively easy game, but it is costlier than most other games on this page. However, Kids love this game a lot, so it's worth buying it.
Apple Twist by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for all ages.
Three hungry caterpillars want to eat from the same apple. Can you bend them into shape so that they all can fit? This logic game requires flexible thinking! The caterpillars are adjustable…and so is the apple game board!
With 60 challenges from easy to expert, Apple Twist offers plenty of food for thought!
Gravity Maze by ThinkFun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for everyone
It’s a maze game. It’s a marble game. Actually, it’s a gravity-powered logic maze game that builds reasoning skills and visual perception. The best part is – it’s fun to play and learn! Use the challenge cards to strategically place towers and create a path for your marble to reach the target. With 60 challenges to test your skills, this fun maze game is definitely a marble run for brainiacs!
Penguins on Ice by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for everyone.
Use your mind to keep the penguins on ice!
Can you pack the ice so that every puzzle tile can fit on the game board? Can you also make sure that all the penguins are in the right spot?
Penguins on Ice is the first game where the puzzle pieces become the puzzle!
Because in this original brain game every puzzle piece can be shape-shifted!
SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for everyone.
Unlock the mystery of Shashibo! Each Shashibo is powered by 36 rare earth magnets. 1 cube transforms into over 70 shapes. Combine 2 or more Shashibos to build larger shapes and create more possibilities. Can you master the shape shifting box?
Great fidget toy for kids and adults alike.
Bunny Boo by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for kids aged 2-5.
Is the rabbit looking through the round hole or through the star-shaped one? Is it standing on top of the yellow, the red or the blue block?
Bunny Boo is a fantastic and fun introduction to concepts such as above/below, inside/outside, visible/hidden, etc.
Little Red Riding Hood by Smart Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This game is suitable for kids aged 4-7.
Can you lay all the pieces on the board so that you build a path for Little Red Riding Hood to reach Grandma’s house?
Then you can play the game with the Wolf! But beware, he might get there faster! Try to solve these challenges by making two paths to Grandma’s House: one for Little Red Riding Hood, and one for the Wolf.
Math Magic
Math Made Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book contains inventive illusions and mind-melting magic that will amaze you, your friends, and your family.
You will also explore some fundamental mathematics powering the tricks. Learning and entertaining go hand in hand with magic. Understanding the secret techniques, combined with fantastic presentation and practice, can make any trick unbelievable.