Learning Tools: Problem Solving and Puzzling

Building model airplanes. Powering through math problems. Salvaging a burnt cake. Kids, teens, and adults wrestle with challenges like these every day. Will your kids be ready? Give them practice strategizing, thinking, and reasoning with these fabulous picks for learning.

Browse Learning Tools: Problem Solving and Puzzling

  • ItzaZoo Review
    ItzaZoo

    Exciting learn-to-read game incorporates your drawings.
    AGE
    4
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Windows
  • JumpStart Preschool Magic of Learning 1 Review
    JumpStart Preschool Magic of Learning 1

    Great educational games on iPad for young kids.
    AGE
    4
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: iPad
  • I Spy Castle Review
    I Spy Castle

    Explore a castle by doing hidden object and other puzzles.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Nintendo DS
  • Quantum Conundrum Review
    Quantum Conundrum

    Fun first-person puzzler combines physics with brainteasers.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360
  • Nancy Drew: Alibi in Ashes Review
    Nancy Drew: Alibi in Ashes

    Solve Nancy's latest mystery with help from her friends.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Windows
  • Portal 2 Review
    Portal 2

    Inventive and enjoyable spatial puzzler with mild violence.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Mac, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360
  • Scribblenauts Remix Review
    Scribblenauts Remix

    Vocabulary-building word puzzle game shines on iOS.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
  • Sid Meier's Civilization V Review
    Sid Meier's Civilization V

    Excellent strategy game is educational and accessible.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Windows
  • Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings Review
    Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings

    Fab expansion to historical sim adds religion to the mix.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
  • Endless Space Review
    Endless Space

    Tough, fresh strategy game is like Civilization in space.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: Windows
  • Machinarium Review
    Machinarium

    Challenging robot adventure surprises with touching story.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: iPad
  • Professor Layton and the Last Specter Review
    Professor Layton and the Last Specter

    Captivating puzzle game makes doing brainteasers a blast.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Nintendo DS
  • Age of Empires Online Review
    Age of Empires Online

    Classic real-time-strategy game now online with great charm.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: Windows
  • StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Review
    StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

    Exceptional strategy sequel with some mature themes.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines
 

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