5 Fun Puzzles & Activities For Your Brain

There are many things you can do that could potentially help improve your memory, focus, and critical thinking skills.

Puzzles have been around since 250BC when historians found a puzzle created by the great scientist and mathematician Archimedes. Puzzles are great ways to keep your brain sharp while also providing some much needed relaxation.

In addition to the traditional puzzle, there are so many other excellent activities that involve firing up the various parts of your brain, including memory, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Here are five of our favorite puzzles and activities that are great for all ages.

1. 2000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

If you're in the mood for something super challenging and are familiar with hard puzzles, this one is for you. You have 2000 pieces to put together to create a masterpiece. It might take you hours or days, depending on your skill-level or how many people you have participating.

After you have finished building your puzzle, you can also frame your puzzle. There are so many great puzzles that make stunning wall art and conversation pieces.

2. Wood Craft Kits

From building the batmobile to a birdhouse or jewelry box, there are so many different options.

The great thing about craft kids is they come with everything you need. There is no need to scramble around trying to dig up paint, brushes, wood glue, or cut pieces. Everything is included in the kit. There are fantastic kits for all ages.

3. Big Jigsaw Puzzle

Putting together a big jigsaw puzzle is a fun activity for all ages but especially young kids! They go from easy to moderately difficult puzzles.

There is nothing better than seeing a child squeal with delight at putting the final piece in their big jigsaw puzzle!

4. Family Games

Family games can be anything from a sport-themed board game to choosing a variety of easy to moderately difficult puzzles to complete. Whatever activity you can do as a family that everyone can participate in would absolutely qualify and be a memorable family game.

Some families peel the labels off of soda cans or ketchup bottles and ask everyone to rate their favorites with a brand reveal after everyone has voted. When figuring out a family game, be creative! The possibilities are endless.

5. Puzzle Marathon

A puzzle marathon can be done with a bunch of different easy to moderately difficult puzzles. Depending on the ages and number of participants you could also throw in a hard puzzle or two, but they should generally be no harder than moderately difficult puzzles.

Set a specific amount of time and see how many puzzles each person or if you have teams, each team, gets finished. The prize? A brand new puzzle or gift card to get more puzzles!

When is the last time you put together a puzzle? If it has been a while, start with easy, work up to moderately difficult puzzles, and then before long, you will be up to the super challenging ones.