Bookishly Fun Puzzles and Games for Kids and Teens
by Dena McMurdie
If you’re looking for some screen-free activities to keep your kids occupied, happy, and out of your hair, you’re in luck. My kids love books of puzzles and games. We use them as boredom busters while my kids are out of school, on vacation, or during quiet time. Here are some fantastic books and puzzles that you’ll want to have on hand.
-
Bluey: A Jigsaw Puzzle Book
Available from:This unique board book contains four puzzles inside! Little Bluey lovers will enjoy reading the short story and assembling the nine-piece puzzles featuring their favorite TV character. It’s an excellent book to have on hand for quiet activity.
(Ages 0-3)Also available from: -
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Explores Outdoors
Available from:Get outside and explore the outdoors with The Very Hungry Caterpillar! Each card in this 52-card deck features artwork from Eric Carle and an activity or suggestion for young children to connect with nature. From listening to the wind to collecting leaves and watching birds, these cards are the perfect boredom buster for summer.
(Ages 3-7)Also available from: -
Grumpy Monkey Party Time! Puzzle
Available from:Jim Panzee’s young fans will love assembling this 50-piece puzzle shaped like his face. The bright colors, familiar character, and unusual finished shape make it an excellent activity for kiddos looking for something fun to do.
(Ages 3-7)Also available from:
RELATED: Hidden Fun! The Best Seek-and-Find Books for Kids
-
Go Fish: A 3-in-1 Card Deck
Available from:Oliver Jeffers’s books have become a childhood staple, and young fans can now play their favorite games with this deck of cards featuring their favorite characters. The large cards make it easier for kids to hold them as they play Go Fish, Concentration, and Snap.
(Ages 4-8)Also available from: -
Alice in Wonderland: A Puzzle Adventure
Available from:Kids will spend hours poring over this big book filled with Alice-inspired puzzles, codes, and mazes. The gorgeous, intricate artwork contains visual puzzles, easter eggs from the original story, and plenty of screen-free fun for kids. It’s a must-have for any Alice in Wonderland fan!
(Ages 7-9)Also available from: -
Rewordable Card Game
Available from:Word nerds and card game lovers alike will love this word-building game. Each card contains a sequence of 1-3 letters, which you combine to create a new word or build on someone else’s word. Strategies, rewards, and point stealing make this game a blast!
(Ages 7 and up)Also available from: -
Would You Rather? Family Card Game
Available from:Get ready to giggle your way through this rib-tickling card deck. Each card contains a “Would you rather?” question for players to answer. Whether you want to start a friendly competition or have some hilarious conversations, this card deck is a must-have!
(Ages 8-12)Also available from:
RELATED: Risky Quizness! Fun Trivia Books for Kids Ages 8 – 12
-
What’s Inside a Flower? Puzzle
Available from:Tweens and teens ready for a challenge will love this colorful 500-piece puzzle from the New York Times creator of Women in Science. The vibrant artwork offers a peek inside a flower, from the roots to the petals. It’s perfect for science, plant, and puzzle lovers.
(Family)Also available from: -
Punderdome
Available from:Welcome to the Punderdome, where bad jokes, Dad jokes, and punny humor determine the winner. This simple and easy-to-play game is perfect for family game nights, sleepovers, or video chat competitions. It will quickly become your go-to game!
(Family)Also available from: -
The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth Puzzle
Available from:Explore the Earth’s ecosystems with this 500 piece jigsaw puzzle. Perfect for kids (and adults) that love science and nature, this puzzle makes a fantastic rainy day activity. So the next time you’re stuck inside with nothing to do, take this puzzle out and start snapping pieces together.
(Family)Also available from: -
Women in Science Puzzle
Available from:Fans of the popular book Women in Science will love the matching puzzle. Meet some of the most influential female scientists in history as you piece together this 500 piece jigsaw puzzle. It’s a great activity to do as a family or individually.
(Family)Also available from:
You might also like:
- https://www.readbrightly.com/boredom-busting-activity-books-for-kids/
- Unconventional Drawing Books for Kids
- The Best Coloring Books for Kids of All Ages
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.