It can be tough to focus in a constantly moving and changing world. But concentration is the key to success in school and beyond. Fortunately, there are several concentration games for kids that can help.
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Kids who can focus and stay on task have an advantage over those who struggle. That is why it’s crucial to help kids develop concentration skills early on. This blog post will list fifteen of the best games to improve concentration and focus. So let’s roll!
Looking for more Math games and ELA games to educate and engage your kids? Here are more online educational games for kids to check out!
List of 15 Focus and Concentration Games for Kids
We have divided the list into four sections: learning games, board games, physical games, and indoor games. With so many options, you are sure to find the perfect game to help your child concentrate and focus.
Learning Games to Enhance Development in Children
The best way to help kids concentrate is to make games out of learning. Here are a few of our best learning games:
1. Simon Says
This is a classic game that is easy to learn and can be played anywhere. The object of the game is to follow the instructions of “Simon,” who gives commands such as “jump in place” or “touch your nose.”
The catch is that you can only perform the action if the instruction is preceded by “Simon says.” This concentration game helps kids learn to follow directions and focus on the details.
Age Group: 4+
2. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are not only great for concentration, but they also help kids with vocabulary and spelling. As they strive to figure out the answers, these games put their brain to the test, making them some of the best cognitive workouts.
They help you focus better and lower your risk of developing dementia. You can find age-appropriate crossword puzzles online or in newspapers.
Age Group: 7+
Related Reading: Best Puzzles For Kids Of All Ages
3. Jigsaw Puzzles
Some jigsaw puzzles are designed for adults that are bigger with more pieces, but there are also many puzzles designed specifically for kids. These puzzles usually have larger pieces and fewer total pieces than traditional puzzles, making them easier for little ones to complete.
Solving a jigsaw puzzle requires concentration, focus, and problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect activity to help kids wind down after a long day at school.
Age Group: 2+
4. Riddles
Riddles are excellent concentration builders because they require you to think quickly and come up with the right answer, pay attention, and think on your feet. They also help improve your vocabulary and spelling skills. It can be played with friends or family members, making it great for social interaction as well.
Age Group: Varies for children
Simple & Fun Board Games Kids Will Love!
With so many electronic devices vying for our attention, it can be tough to focus on one thing. That is why we love board games! Not only are they concentration builders, but they also get you away from screens and into the real world. Here are a few of our favorites:
5. Chess
Chess is one of the oldest and most popular board games, and is often said to be one of the best games to improve concentration and focus. This game requires strategic thinking, planning, and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves.
As you play chess, you will develop concentration skills that will help you in other areas of life. Kids can play this game with friends, family members, or even on the computer. Kids as young as six can learn to play chess, making it a great game for the whole family.
Age Group: 6+
6. Battleship
This board game is a concentration game played with two players, each with their own naval force. The objective is to sink all the opponent’s ships by correctly guessing their location on the board.
To play, each player places their ships on half of the board. The ships can be placed horizontally or vertically but cannot overlap. Once the ships have been placed, the players take turns guessing the location of the other player’s ships. If players guess correctly, they get to mark a hit on their opponent’s board.
The first player to sink all of the other player’s ships wins the game. Battleship is a great concentration game for kids because it requires them to think strategically and plan ahead.
Age Group: 8+
7. Checkers
Strategy games for focus and concentration like checkers are excellent for helping kids learn to focus and think ahead. In checkers, players have to plan their moves several steps in advance to win. So, it’s a great game for teaching kids concentration and strategic thinking skills.
Checkers can be played with two players. Each player has twelve checkers of the same color. The board is divided into squares, and the checkers move around the board according to specific rules. The game’s goal is to capture all of the opponent’s checkers or block them so they can’t make any more moves.
Age Group: 4+
8. Scrabble
This classic board game is a concentration-building game that can be played among two to four players. The game’s objective is to score points by making words with the lettered tiles.
With more than 100,000 words in the game, there are endless possibilities for concentration-busting fun! So if you are looking for a game to improve your kid’s concentration and vocabulary, Scrabble is the perfect game!
Age Group: 8+
Physical Games that Encourage Team-Work & Athleticism
Physical games are a great way to have kids get up and to move while also helping their concentration. These games help improve coordination, balance, and focus—all important concentration skills. Here are a few of our favorites:
9. Red Light, Green Light
The classic game of Red Light, Green Light is a great way to build concentration in kids. It helps them improve their ability to focus while also teaching them about following directions. To start playing, one person is chosen to be the traffic light. That person stands at the head of the line of kids standing about 20 feet away.
When the traffic light says “green light,” the kids can move toward the traffic light. But when the traffic light says “red light,” the kids must stop in their tracks. The first person to reach the traffic light wins!
Age Group: 4+
10. Musical Chairs
This concentration game is a classic for a reason—it’s lots of fun! It also does a great job of teaching kids about focus and concentration. With this game, you need one less chair than the number of kids playing. The chairs are placed in a circle, and the kids walk around outside the circle as music plays.
When the music stops, everyone rushes to sit in a chair. Whoever doesn’t get a seat is out of the game, and one chair is removed from the circle. The game continues until there is only one person left—the winner!
Age Group: 3+
11. Freeze!
This focus and concentration game is similar to musical chairs. Only, instead of sitting in a chair when the music stops, the kids have to freeze in whatever position they are in. Whoever moves before the next round of music starts is out of the game!
This game is great for teaching kids about concentration and focus as they have to use their bodies to control their movements. It’s also a lot of fun and can be played with kids of all ages.
Age Group: 3+
12. Hula Hoop Relay
No matter how old you are, sometimes it’s just fun to hula hoop! This game is a great way to get kids up and moving while also promoting focus and concentration.
To play, divide kids into teams of two and line them up behind a start line. Place a hula hoop at the finish line. The first player in each team must race to the finish line, hula hoop for 10 seconds, then race back and tag their teammate. The next player then does the same thing. The first team to finish wins!
Age Group: 5+
Indoor Games to Improve Focus
Not all concentration games for kids have to be physical or played outdoors; there are plenty of indoor concentration games that kids can enjoy! These games help improve focus and attention span while also being lots of fun.
Related Reading: Creative Indoor Activities for Kids to Have Some No-Screen Fun
13. Sudoku
Sudoku is a logic-based concentration game that kids (and adults!) love. The objective of the game is to fill in a 9 x 9 grid so that each row, column, and 3 x 3 section contains all of the numbers from 1 to 9. This may sound easy, but it can be quite challenging!
Sudoku is a great game for kids as it helps improve concentration, logic, and problem-solving skills. It’s also a lot of fun, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself playing along with your kids!
Age Group: 8+
14. I Spy
This classic concentration game can be played anywhere, making it perfect for kids who are on the go. To play, one person (the “spy”) chooses an object within view of everyone else. The spy then says, “I spy with my little eye something that is . . .” and describes the object. The other players then have to guess what the object is.
I Spy is a great concentration game for kids as it helps improve observation skills and attention to detail. It can be played with kids of all ages, making it perfect for family game night!
Age Group: 3+
15. Spelling Bees
Spelling bees are great for boosting concentration and building memory. It can start easy for small kids with simpler words and slowly introduce more complex words. They help improve focus and concentration while also teaching kids important academic skills.
The New York Times has an online version of the game for kids. It can be played on a computer or on a mobile device, making them perfect for kids on the go.
What Are the Benefits of Focus and Concentration Games for Kids?
Brain games for concentration offer a variety of benefits that can help to improve a child’s memory and focus. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
1. Improve a Child’s Cognitive Abilities
One of the primary benefits of concentration games is that they can help improve a child’s cognitive abilities. These games can help children to better process information and think more critically.
2. Enhance Working Memory
In addition to improving cognitive abilities, concentration games for kids can also help to enhance working memory. This type of memory is responsible for storing and recalling information in the short term.
3. Help with ADHD
Brain and concentration games for kids can also be beneficial for children who struggle with focusing due to ADHD. These games can help to improve focus and attention span. Not only can this make it easier for children to complete tasks, but it can also help them feel more calm and relaxed.
Related Reading: Best Brain Teasers for Kids to Enhance Focus & Memory
Let’s Get Mental!
Whether you’re looking for concentration games for kids to play at home or on the go, we hope you found some inspiration from our list. You can use these games to improve concentration while also having lots of fun with your child. So get out there and start playing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it important for kids to be focused or concentrate on tasks?
Concentration is important for kids because it helps them to better focus on tasks, pay attention in school, and remember what they’ve learned. Additionally, concentration skills can help children avoid distractions and stay on task.
What can I do to help or improve concentration in my kids?
There are several things you can do to help your child concentrate. Some concentration tips for kids include setting goals, taking breaks, and avoiding distractions. Additionally, it’s important to remember that concentration is a skill that takes time and practice to develop.
