Free After-School Activities

There are many studies that suggest puzzles are good for the brain, help improve confidence, build motor skills for the young and improve creative problem solving for all. There is no scientific conclusion though.

One thing I learned as a parent is that puzzles and games are fun for the family!

The free printable pages below are ones chosen as options to replace screen time.

Great ideas to get kids doing something creative and fun. All totally FREE!

Instant Detective Game

Printable Game- Enter the names of the players and click Print! Like being inside the game of Clue - but on your feet! Each player is both a detective and also a witness to certain events. Kids move around and exchange information, slowly figuring what happened until someone solves the crime. Great instant easy game for family gatherings too!

Players: 4 - 24

Ages: 7 - 107

Setup Time: 2 Minutes

Play Time: About 1 hour

Currently 100% FREE!

2 minutes to set up, an hour of problem-solving fun!

Free Coloring Pages

Coloring helps with relaxation as well as developing our artistic side.

Any number of kids

For any age

Setup in 1 minute

10-30 minutes

Free Printable Mazes

Mazes and labyrinths are a great way to build some serious brain power! They can help with executive functioning and problem solving to fine motor skills and confidence. But most importantly, they're also really fun. Take a peek at our collection of free printable mazes.

Best to have a sheet for each kid.

For any age

Setup in 1 minute

10-30 minutes

Free Printable Connect the Dots

This is fun for learning number progression and for finding out the secret drawing.

Best to have a sheet for each kid.

Ages 5-10

15 minutes

Worlds Best Brain Teasers

Dice Games

Spontaneous Outdoor Activities

A list of outdoor activities that you can do right away without planning.

Death Stalker Checkers

2 Players

Ages 8 and up

Setup in 2 Minutes

30 Minutes

Footer text short version

Card Games

Puzzles like mazes, Sudoku, crosswords and hidden pictures can be a meditation, a nice break to focus on something where a result may be seen or felt. Coloring a fun sheet can be enjoyable to all ages. There is research being done that focuses on the “Aha moment”. These studies show that when our creativity and logic skills are sparked, these can lead to more creative thinking.

David Corcoran, science editor at The New York Times points out that having a good laugh can help you solve a puzzle. "When you're trying to solve a puzzle that requires that 'aha!' moment, that insight where something just seems to pop into your brain, it really helps to be in a playful frame of mind."

That mindset can help you "spot connections or see things in the background that you might not otherwise pick up if you were feeling sober or serious."