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Key Takeaways:
- Problem-solving activities help kids build confidence and resilience through experimenting, making mistakes, and then trying again.
- Hands-on and play-based activities help children think critically and improve their communication skills.
- Parents and teachers can support kids by asking open-ended questions, praising effort, and creating a safe learning space.
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Critical thinking is especially important as children grow, develop, and learn how to make decisions and overcome challenges. One of the best ways to nurture critical thinking is through problem-solving activities for kids. They help by encouraging creative thinking, exploring new ideas, and finding different solutions.
Problem-solving may sound challenging at first, but it’s actually an excellent way for kids to learn a new essential life skill while having fun! In this article, we’ll cover the different activities you can do with your children to build their critical thinking.
Benefits of Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
There are several benefits kids can gain from doing problem-solving activities. They develop essential thinking and reasoning skills for children that go beyond the classroom.
One study found that activities based on scientific process skills (such as observing, experimenting, and testing ideas) were able to improve students’ problem-solving abilities significantly [*]. Other research has also shown that simple pattern play encourages children to observe, compare, and communicate, which strengthens their cognitive and creative thinking skills [*].
These studies show us that problem-solving tasks enhance critical thinking and nurture curiosity, persistence, and confidence. Ultimately, these are skills that empower children to approach challenges with a growth mindset, now and later in life.
Problem-Solving Activities for Kids at Home
Problem-solving activities for kids are easy to do at home or in the classroom. Here are 12 that you can try with your children or students:
1. Puzzles
Puzzles are a classic problem-solving activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. It is an excellent way for children to learn analytical thinking, patience, and perseverance. Puzzles also encourage children to look at a problem from different perspectives and try different ways of solving it to arrive at the solution. You can try different puzzles and see which one your kids like the most, whether it’s the ever-popular jigsaw puzzle, crosswords, or even Sudoku.
2. Board games
Board games are a fun way to strengthen children’s critical thinking skills by encouraging teamwork as well as planning and communication skills. This is also a great way to become closer as a family through the process of playing the game, which is intentional time spent connecting. There are many types of board games to choose from, from dice games to deck-building games and even role-playing games.
3. Construction and building games
Construction toys, such as building blocks and Legos, challenge children’s creativity, spatial reasoning, and logic to build structures. Kids also learn how to think critically by solving practical issues like stability and balance through the design of their structures.
4. Memory games
Memory games are designed to enhance skills such as concentration, pattern recognition, and recall. Games such as Battleship, Picture Bingo, or even a simple memory card game can improve your child’s critical thinking skills.
5. Riddle solving
Riddles are a great way to challenge kids’ brains. Riddle-solving develops logic and other critical thinking skills, as it encourages children to think laterally, using indirect approaches and thinking outside the box.
Classroom Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
6. Science experiments
Science experiments don’t have to be overly complex to promote critical thinking in young minds. Simple activities such as making a model volcano erupt or even creating a simple circuit will teach kids to solve scientific problems. Science experiments improve kids’ critical thinking by giving them the opportunity to observe, infer, and reason.
7. Marshmallow tower
The marshmallow tower is rooted in STEM, an interdisciplinary field that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, teaching students how to solve real-life problems.
In this activity, students use dry spaghetti noodles and marshmallows to build a tower that is as tall and structurally sound as possible. Provide kids with string and tape as well, so they can find creative ways to make their tower tall and stable.
The goal is to place several marshmallows on top of the tower without making it collapse. It teaches children teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
8. Community problem solving
Community problem-solving empowers children to get involved with their communities and brainstorm practical yet creative ways to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s a dangerous intersection or figuring out how to minimize food waste at schools, this activity allows kids to propose real-world solutions and also fosters their sense of social responsibility.
9. Role-play scenes
Role-playing is an activity that stimulates children’s imaginations and is a perfect way to encourage problem-solving. One activity you can try is setting up a mock convenience or grocery store where children can simulate buying and selling items. This teaches them how to handle money and deal with customers who want something else or claim that a product is defective.
This activity develops critical thinking skills, especially decision-making and adapting to unfamiliar situations. It also teaches your child empathy as they interact with their “customers.”
10. Egg-drop challenge
The egg-drop challenge is a fun activity that will test kids’ creativity. The aim is to engineer a solution that will prevent something from breaking, in this case, an uncooked egg. To do this activity, you’ll need eggs and other materials, such as bubble wrap, cloth, cotton, and more. The goal is for kids to make something that will protect the egg from breaking when it falls.
This activity can be done individually, but doing it in teams can foster teamwork and healthy competitive spirit. More than just being a fun challenge, this also has practical lessons for kids. As they learn how to prevent eggs from breaking, they also learn how to handle other breakable items, such as bottles, glasses, or delicate items like fruit.
Outdoor Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
Outdoor activities are essential for critical thinking in kids because they present an opportunity to solve real-world challenges. Here are some of the best outdoor problem-solving activities for kids.
11. Scavenger hunt
The scavenger hunt is a favorite outdoor activity for kids of all ages. Set up the activity in an area where you can hide specific items that your kids or students can collect. Create certain tasks they need to accomplish along with collecting the items, and set a time limit.
Your backyard, garden, classroom, or playground (if you are working with students) is the perfect setting for this activity. This is a fun way for kids to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills that will enhance their critical thinking abilities.
12. Human knot
The Human Knot teaches kids trust, communication, leadership, and cooperation. This team-building activity requires kids or teens to split up into two groups. Without the other group seeing, one group forms a circle. Each person in the circle extends one hand to hold someone else’s across the circle, then they repeat the same action with someone else using the other hand. Once everyone has done this and they are sufficiently tangled, the other group must work to untangle them. This is best played with five to 12 players.
13. Minefield
This activity was created by Dr. Krista Welz and Melissa Welz. In this activity, one student goes through a “minefield” blindfolded. The only way they can navigate the minefield successfully is by relying on their classmates’ verbal instructions. Guiding a classmate through the minefield is an excellent exercise in teamwork and effective communication.
14. Obstacle course
Going through an obstacle course is a fun way for kids to get exercise and stay active. Aside from the physical benefits, this activity also trains young minds to practice real-world problem-solving skills that enhance critical thinking.
If you’re working with students, then try setting up an obstacle course using the equipment in your school’s playground. Any obstacles that include climbing, running, balancing, and even crawling will challenge kids to use their physical fitness, coordination skills, and determination.
15. Crossover
The Crossover puts a twist on how kids can win. For this particular activity, kids are divided into four groups, but the only way they can achieve the objective is if they cooperate and prioritize teamwork.
Each team is given two mats (cardboard, carpet tiles, or construction paper work well). The goal is for everyone to move from point A to point B without anyone touching the ground. However, only two people can stand on a mat at a time, so teams must figure out how to move themselves and the mats to get them across the room.
The first team to reach the other side wins, but the real value of the activity comes from solving the problem together and the process of trying and making mistakes.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
Building critical thinking skills for kids goes beyond just the problem-solving activities themselves. It’s more about how parents, guardians, and teachers guide children and respond to them in the process. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of these activities with your kids.
Encourage trial and error, not perfection
Aiming for the best or even perfection in these activities may seem ideal, but it actually promotes inflexible thinking and the fear of making mistakes. Instead, let your children learn best through experimentation. Encourage them to think freely and try different ways of problem-solving, even if they don’t work at first. This trial-and-error mindset recognizes mistakes as part of learning, and it allows children to improve in tasks that require flexibility in thinking [*].
Ask open-ended questions
It can be tempting to give your kids the answer after one or two tries. However, this doesn’t promote learning or resilience. Rather than giving the answers right away, try asking open-ended questions such as, “What do you think might happen if we try this?” or “It’s okay that this didn’t work. What do you think will work next time?” These questions allow kids to be curious and think more deeply about multiple solutions.
Allow kids to explain their thought process
When kids explain how they solved a problem, it shows their thinking process and helps them reflect on their reasoning. This strengthens their communication skills and teaches them to think critically and reflect on their own logic.
Praise effort, not just success
Praising effort teaches children that getting the correct answer isn’t the only thing that matters. Growth is developed through persistence, hard work, determination, and creativity. Affirming kids’ efforts motivates them to keep trying, even in the face of tough challenges. Studies also show that children who were praised for their effort rather than just their innate intelligence enjoyed their tasks, showed more persistence, and were more likely to believe that they can develop their abilities [*].
Create a safe space for making mistakes
Making mistakes or failing can make anyone feel vulnerable, especially children. This is why creating a safe space for their problem-solving activities is so important. When kids feel safe, they are more likely to take risks in their learning. Create an environment where mistakes and missteps are just as welcome as successes and learning opportunities. Kids will feel more confident and show more willingness to try new problems without fear.
The Bottom Line
Critical thinking skills don’t just happen overnight. They are a result of continued effort and continuous growth through learning opportunities, such as the problem-solving activities above. These activities work well with kids because they make learning fun and meaningful. Having a supportive environment that welcomes mistakes, experimentation, and exploration encourages kids to solve more problems with confidence, a skill they can carry into adulthood. More than just a skill, it ultimately becomes a mindset that empowers kids to approach each challenge in life with curiosity and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids start problem-solving activities?
Children as young as three to six years old can start problem-solving activities. Research has shown that children in this age range can benefit cognitively when given problem-solving tasks that are appropriate to their developmental stage [*].
How often should I introduce problem-solving activities?
Doing problem-solving activities regularly is best, as frequent exposure helps children develop persistence and helps them practice their reasoning and thinking skills. Try to do problem-solving activities several times a week.
What if my child gets frustrated easily?
Getting frustrated when doing problem-solving tasks is normal, and it can even lead to further growth when handled with care. Supporting your child’s self-regulation skills, such as helping them identify their emotions, teaching coping strategies, and scaffolding from adults [*], can help them manage frustration.
References
- Gültekin S & Altun T. Investigating the Impact of Activities Based on Scientific Process Skills on 4th Grade Students’ Problem-Solving Skills. 28 April 2022.
- Parapat A, Widya R, Rambe A, et al. Children’s Problem Solving Abilities In Pattern Play Material. 26 November 2024.
- Ger E & Roebers C. Training kindergarten children on learning from their mistakes. 8 July 2024.
- Platte D, Xu K, Groot R. The Effect of Fostering a Growth Mindset in Primary School Children: Does Intervention Approach Matter? 6 March 2025.
- Valdes G, Figueredo O, Sanchez A. Integrating computational thinking in children aged 3 to 6: challenges and opportunities in early childhood education. 25 August 2025.
- Grand Canyon University. What Is Scaffolding in Education and How Is It Applied? 19 September 2023.
