Educational Games to Help Your Child Learn Outside of School

Why Games Can Be Just What Your Child Needs

If you’re a parent watching your child struggle with homework, zoning out during lessons, or feeling overwhelmed by school stress, you’re not alone. Learning doesn’t always have to look like a desk, a worksheet, and a deadline. In fact, one of the most powerful ways to help your child truly understand — and even enjoy — learning is to reconnect with something children are hardwired to do: play.

Play-based learning is not a new idea, but it’s often overlooked once kids hit a certain age and school becomes more about results. Yet for children aged 6 to 12, their curious, active minds still thrive on playful discovery. Educational games — when carefully chosen and thoughtfully used — can reignite your child's joy of learning and even support areas where they’re struggling.

Let’s explore how you can turn ordinary moments into learning opportunities, without feeling like you’re adding a second shift to your parenting job.

Learning Beyond the Classroom — With Intention

First, a little reframing: you don’t need to recreate school at home. You don’t need to buy shelves of materials or study up on educational theory. Informal learning — the kind that happens during a card game, a nature walk, or while listening to a story — can be just as effective and often much more enjoyable.

Research shows that children retain more when they’re emotionally engaged and feel safe to make mistakes. Games provide a low-pressure, high-engagement space for just that. Whether it’s a math card game, a word puzzle, or a cooperative board game that encourages planning and focus, you can use games to reinforce where they need help — without making it all feel like extra homework.

In fact, check out our guide on building your child’s independence through informal learning at home to get inspired further.

Games That Don’t Feel Like “Educational” Games

Let’s be real — the label “educational game” can send some kids running in the opposite direction. So the key here is integration. Find games that feel fun first, and then look for the learning opportunities embedded within.

For example:

• Math Games: Try games like Yahtzee or Uno to practice counting, probability, and quick decision-making. Even baking together can involve measuring, fractions, and timing.
• Literacy Games: Word-building games like Bananagrams or Boggle can sharpen spelling and vocabulary in a relaxed setting. Or, turn story time into creation time by inventing endings to their favorite audiobook characters’ adventures.
• Strategy Games: Games like Catan Junior or cooperative mystery games involve planning, sequencing, and communication — all key executive functioning skills.
• Active Games: Learning isn’t limited to the table. Charades, scavenger hunts, or DIY obstacle courses often include following directions, categorization, and problem-solving.

Need more ideas? Our roundup of fun and creative learning activities is full of hands-on ways to keep things fresh.

Turning Downtime Into Learning Time — Without Screens

Sometimes, after a long school day, your child just wants to zone out. Rather than introducing more stimulation, this can be the perfect moment to shift toward quiet, engaging audio-based learning. Kids’ audiobook and audio series apps like LISN Kids allow children to immerse themselves in storytelling while strengthening listening comprehension, vocabulary, and imagination — all without needing to stare at a screen.

Available on iOS and Android, the LISN Kids App offers original stories for children ages 3 to 12 across different genres — fantasy, science, adventure, and more. It’s a simple, meaningful way to blend literacy into their free time without pressure or distraction.

Supporting the Child Behind the Struggle

Learning challenges, whether academic or emotional, can often mask a deeper need: connection. When a child feels seen and supported, they’re more motivated to persevere. Games can become tools not only for academic reinforcement but for strengthening your relationship with your child — moments of shared attention and laughter that remind them they’re not alone in this.

Over time, these consistent, light-hearted learning moments build confidence. You may find that your child gradually carries a little more ease and curiosity back into the classroom. If reading is a sticking point, our article on sparking your child’s love for reading without pushing them offers gentle ideas that truly work.

Building a Routine That Works for You

You don’t need to do it all perfectly. A few minutes here and there, a game night once a week, a story before bed — these moments add up. The pressure to be your child’s teacher in addition to being their parent can feel overwhelming, but you are already doing more than enough by simply showing up and caring.

If you’re looking to design a rhythm that works for your family, start with a few of these curated educational activities to do at home and see what sparks joy — for both of you.

Above all, remember this: the goal isn’t to replace school. It’s to help your child feel capable, curious, and connected — and playful learning is one of the best ways to get there.