Fun Ideas For Problem Solving Activities

Problem solving skills are really important for children to learn, not just to help them win games and complete puzzles (although that’s important to!) but to support the development of more complex thinking in the brain, sequencing, critical thinking and solution finding. Solving problems also helps with growing their confidence and independence. The childhood years are the most formative in developing critical thinking, so helping them stretch and flex those areas of their brain early on in their development will set them up for a positive approach to problem solving in their later lives. Supporting this learning skill early on can also help foster an interest in subjects with problem-solving at their root, such as maths, engineering, science and many others.

We’ve put together some ideas for supporting problem solving and critical thinking development – don’t forget, free play is just as important as guided play when it comes to your child’s overall development, so let them lead the way in the activities they enjoy and don’t push ones that they lack interest in.

Wooden Puzzles – Puzzles are a go-to problem solving toy. Look for chunky pieces and fun, colourful designs to keep your little one engaged as they try to solve it.

Stacking Cups – Colourful cups are a timeless toy that children love. Getting the tower right, with the cups in size order, involves trial and error and the reward of toppling the tower gives a reason to complete it!

Complete the Shapes – Draw shapes on coloured paper, or with chalk on the ground and leave one side blank for them to complete, helping them get to grips with using drawing implements as well as basic shape theory.

DIY Puzzles – Print out images of family and friends and turn them into DIY puzzles by cutting out figures or shapes. Stick them to thin card for more durability, or use postcards or birthday cards.

Shape Sorters – Sorting  by size and colour helps them to recognize shapes and understand how they fit together. This improves their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.

Building Blocks – Encourage children to build specific structures, like towers or bridges. This boosts creativity and critical thinking as they figure out how to make stable constructions.

Scavenger Hunt – Hide a toy and play ‘Hot And Cold’ to hunt it down to get them up and active and using their problem-solving skills to complete the task. Older children will enjoy following simple clues.

Mazes – You might have a maze nearby or keep an eye out for pop-up events that feature puzzles and mazes near you – critical thinking meets an active day out. Try this directory for one near you!

Activity Books – Activity books are usually suitable for children ages 3 and upwards and give a fun way to start them holding a writing implement as well as complete simple puzzles. Explore our Activity Books here.

Obstacle Course – Inside or outside, setting up an obstacle course encourages children to think about the best way to navigate a path. Use pillows, boxes or outdoor equipment to create fun, active challenges.

Cooking – Cooking is a fun activity to do together, with a delicious reward. Mixing a measuring to get a recipe right also supports their ability to use logical sequencing.

Matching Games – Any cards suitable for snap or that have more than one of each design can be used to play a basic memory game. Lay the cards face down and turn two at a time, taking another turn if you find a match.

Memory Games – Support the development of their short-term memory further by showing a selection of items and then removing one or two, asking them what’s gone missing.

Pattern Recognition – Use beads or coloured blocks to create patterns and have children replicate or continue the pattern. This helps with recognising and predicting sequences.

Board Games – Supporting both their social development and critical thinking, board games help children understand cause and effect and making choices to try and gain a specific outcome. Explore all our board games and puzzles.

Colour Mixing – Paints offer creative fun as well as a chance to practise trial and error as they mix colours to achieve the wanted effect. Provide a simple colour wheel for older children to show how primary colours make secondary colours.

Activity Cubes –  Let children explore activity cubes with cogs, keys, and doors. These toys teach cause and effect, and the concept of trial and error.

Interactive Books – Choose books with flaps, textures, or other interactive elements that require children to solve small puzzles as they read.

Storytime – As characters in stories face problems, talk with your child about how they might solve the problem themselves. This way they can explore more complex social and real-world problems and how to approach them.

Gardening Projects – Involve children in simple gardening tasks, like planting seeds and caring for plants. This teaches them to follow steps and understand the process of growth and problem-solving in nature.

We hope these suggestions will encourage you to explore opportunities for nurturing your family’s problem-solving abilities. Critical thinking and finding solutions are crucial skills that are valuable in so many aspects of life – even into adulthood.

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