47 Free Brain Games and Mental Exercises

Brains don’t like to be bored—just ask anyone who’s new to meditation or awake at 3 a.m. with racing thoughts. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains flourish when they get some exercise, and that exercise also leads to better rest. 

And also similar to our pecs, biceps, or glutes, if we don’t use our brain, we’ll lose it. That’s not an exaggeration: research shows that our brains atrophy just like our muscles do. What’s more, the brain shrinks two times faster in people experiencing mild cognitive decline. Eek!

But don’t panic just yet. A recent study suggests the more we give our brain mental stimulation through mental exercises, the better shape it will stay in as we age. Researchers studied 92 healthy adults aged 65 and over for 10 weeks. Half of the participants played computer games like Candy Crush for 30 minutes a day, while the other half did more rigorous activity in the cognitive-training program BrainHQ.  

After 10 weeks, levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) increased by 2.3% in the BrainHQ group. Researchers found no change in ACh levels in the other group. What does that mean? Well, ACh is important for learning, attention, and memory—and people naturally lose 2.5% of it every decade. 

The research on how much other brain games can measurably improve cognitive health isn’t totally conclusive…yet. But we do know, more broadly, that mental exercises offer clear benefits, like improved memory and mood, especially in older populations. 

So, we’ve put together a guide of free (or at least very low-cost) games and other cognitive activities to give your brain a workout. If you’re not big into apps or computer games, don’t worry: there’s plenty of analog stuff for you to try. We’ve included some web versions of blast-from-the-past childhood games. There are tools to help you work better and smarter. And some ideas on the list—like mindfulness and music—aren’t games or puzzles at all.

We’ve categorized everything according to 12 cognitive skills, making it easy to find what you’re looking for (let’s not tax that brain too much right out of the gate!). No matter how much (or how little) free time you have, we promise you can incorporate at least one of these brain games into your day while you’re waiting in the school pick-up line, tackling chores at home, or winding down after a long day.

How to use this guide

To get the most benefit from this guide, without burning out or feeling like it’s yet another looming task on the to-do list, try this approach:

• Choose 2 short mental exercises (about 5–10 minutes each) and 1 focused exercise (15–20 minutes) per day.
• Rotate categories each day. For example, Monday could be for memory exercises, Tuesday could be for focus, Wednesday might be language, and so on.
• Track your energy, clarity, and enjoyment in the weekly progress tracker. This is just to figure out what you like, what’s challenging, and what might be most effective. It’s not intended to record your score or other performance metrics. 
• Try each activity for a few days before increasing difficulty.
  

How we chose these resources

We followed these criteria when deciding which activities to add to the list:

• Free to access right away with minimal or optional sign-up (and no credit card info required)
• Clear instructions and low friction to make it as easy as possible to get started
• Minimal ads or distractions
• Works on web or mobile when possible
• Possible printable or offline alternatives

Cognitive exercises in 12 categories 

We’ve grouped the activities into 12 specific cognitive needs to allow you to easily pick and mix activities that work your brain in different ways: 

1. Memory
2. Attention & focus
3. Executive function & planning
4. Processing speed
5. Language & word play
6. Visual-spatial & patterning
7. Logic & reasoning
8. Math & numeracy
9. Creativity & divergent thinking
10. Mindfulness & cognitive calm
11. Movement and dual-task drills
12. Social/collaborative brain play

Ready to play some mind games? Let’s go!

Memory exercises

When it comes to aging, memory loss is a particular worry for many people, as it’s a signature symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Exposure to new stimuli from brain teasers or even video games can improve memory encoding and retrieval. Try these memory exercises. 

Dual N-Back (Brain Workshop)

Audio and visual prompts train working memory by recalling a sequence of spoken letters and a sequence of visual positions of a moving square. Download the open source software to your desktop computer. Start with Level 1, then increase difficulty weekly.

• Time: 5–10 min
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/desktop 
• Login: No  
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 2

Number Memory Game (Human Benchmark)

This game boosts short-term recall by challenging you to remember a single-digit number, then a double-digit number, then a triple-digit number, and so on. 

• Time: 5 min 
• Format: Game  
• Device: Web  
• Login: Optional
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Art of Memory: Make a Memory Palace

This self-directed DIY activity uses the method of loci, which is associating information with visual “locations” to improve recall (even Sherlock Holmes had a “mind palace”). Use the rooms in your home to “store” words or facts and mentally walk through the room and practice retrieving them.

• Time: 15–20 min 
• Format: Guide 
• Device: Web
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 3

Short-Term Memory Test (Human Benchmark)

Memorize the placement of tiles in progressively harder sequences.

• Time: 3–5 min
• Format: Test
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

Matching Pairs Printable Cards (Memozor)

This downloadable game is just like the children’s game Memory, but for all ages. Print 12–20 cards, mix and place them face down, then flip two at a time to match pairs.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Printable 
• Device: Paper 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Simon Game Online (Memozor)

This game is another throwback favorite, but on your computer. Improves auditory and visual working memory through repeated pattern building.

• Time: 3–7 min 
• Format: Game
• Device: Web/Mobile
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Spaced Repetition Flashcard App (Anki)

Spaced repetition is reviewing information on flashcards with steadily increasing periods in between each review to test how much information you’ve retained and to transfer that information into long-term memory.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: App/Web 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Yes 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 2

Daily Life Memory Challenge

Incorporate real-life recall tasks—like remembering a short shopping list—to strengthen memory. Memorize 5 items without writing them down, then test yourself to recall them later that day. Ramp up the challenge by adding more items.

• Time: 2–5 min 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Resources for attention & focus

Don’t tell my kids, but some studies have found video games can actually be good for attention and focus. Here are some that are easy to access—no console needed.

Attentional Reaction Games (CognitiveFun)

These visual or audio games test reaction time as a measure of attention. Click on the “Attentional” tab to try your hand at several of these games.

• Time: 3–5 min
• Format: Game
• Device: Web
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

Stroop Effect Test (University of North Texas) 

Test your focus by naming the word of the color, not the color of the word, such as saying “red” even when the letters themselves are green.

• Time: 3–5 min 
• Format: Game
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

Pomodoro Method Timer (Pomofocus.io)

Do 25 minutes of focused work without stopping, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this three times, then take a longer 15- to 30-minute break.

• Time: varies
• Format: Tool 
• Device: Web
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Flanker Task (PsyToolkit)

Choose “left” or “right” depending on the middle letter in a series, which challenges you to ignore distracting “flanking” information.

• Time: 5 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 2

Distraction-Free Writing Tool (ZenPen.io)

Maintain focus with a super-minimalist word-processing program.

• Time: Varies 
• Format: Tool 
• Device: Web
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

Focus Music (Brain.fm Free Trial Tracks)

AI-generated functional music shown in early research to support attention and deep work states.

• Time: varies 
• Format: Audio 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Yes 
• Age: Teens/Adults 
• Difficulty: 1 

Executive functioning & planning exercises

Executive functions are cognitive abilities that include planning, inhibition, reasoning, and problem-solving. Research has found you can actually take steps to improve it. Try these activities, which allow you to practice your decision-making, organizational and planning skills. 

Board and card games (chess, Settlers of Catan, UNO, etc.) 

These aren’t free, but you might already have them at home. Some libraries even let you borrow games. These require focus, planning, and strategizing—all great ways to hone executive-functioning skills.

• Time: Varies
• Format: Game
• Device: Physical game
• Login: No 
• Age: Varies 
• Difficulty: 2–3
  

Tower of Hanoi (Math Is Fun)

Build problem-solving and sequencing skills with this classic logic puzzle: moving different sizes of disks from one tower to another. Start with 3 disks, then work up to more as you improve.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–2
  

Habit-Stacking Template (James Clear “Atomic Habits” Method, 101 Planners)

Reduce  cognitive overload and whittle your to-do list by pairing new habits with existing routines. For example: “After I drink my morning coffee, I will do 5 minutes of memory training.”

• Time: 5 min 
• Format: Printables 
• Device: Any 
• Login: No 
• Age: Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

Sudoku (Web Sudoku)

The wildly popular number game involves logic, planning, focus, and working memory simultaneously. Start with “Easy” puzzles, and challenge yourself to solve them in less time before moving to the next level.

• Time: 10–15 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–2

Mental exercises for processing speed 

Processing speed refers to how quickly (or sluggishly) your brain takes in, understands, and responds to information. It’s also linked to reaction time and accuracy. Training may be able to give your mind more zip. 

Reaction Time Test (Human Benchmark)

Simply click the screen as quickly as possible  when it turns from red to green. (The average reaction time is 273 milliseconds.)

• Time: 2–3 min 
• Format: Test 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: Teens–Adults 
• Difficulty: 1 

Word Generation Game

Test your speed of language retrieval and cognitive flexibility.  Choose a letter, set a timer, then list as many words that start with it in 30 to 60 seconds (like apple, art, amazing, advertisement, alcohol, abbey, anteater). 

• Time: 1–2 min 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Math Sprint (ThatQuiz)

Speed up your numerical processing with timed addition and other arithmetic drills. See how many problems you can complete in 1 minute.

• Time: 1 min 
• Format: Game/Test 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Adults 
• Difficulty: 1–2

Language exercises

Wordplay is good for your brain. Research has found word-based games, such as crosswords and brain teasers, may improve cognitive function and attention. And don’t forget the old standard: even though it’s not a game, reading is another way to preserve cognitive function.

Daily Crossword (The Washington Post)

Some research has shown doing crossword puzzles may slow cognitive decline and preserve brain structure. (The New York Times crossword has been the GOAT since it launched in 1942,  but it does require a paid subscription.)

• Time: 15–20 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: No 
• Age: Adults 
• Difficulty: 3

Daily Word Ladder (Weaver)

Invented by the writer Lewis Carroll in 1877 and originally called “Doublets,” word ladders give you a start word, and then you change one letter at a time to reach the end word (e.g., changing “East” to “West”).

• Time: 3–5 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Adults 
• Difficulty: 2

Reading Comprehension Worksheets (English for Everyone) 

Read passages for varying grade levels to boost reading comprehension and attention.

• Time: 15–20 min 
• Format: Printable/Web 
• Device: Any 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Teens 
• Difficulty: 1

Seasonal Word Search Puzzles (The Spruce Crafts)

Keep kiddos entertained and their brains engaged with free printable word searches. 

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Printable/Web 
• Device: Any
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids 
• Difficulty: 1

Visual–spatial & patterning

Visual-spatial working memory is important for overall cognition. This refers to understanding navigation, distances, and other ways visual objects are organized in space. 

Online Tangrams (Math Playground)

Use spatial reasoning and problem-solving to rotate and align shapes to form a picture.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Adults
•  Difficulty: 1

Nonograms (Puzzle Nonograms)

A puzzle where squares on a grid are filled in or left blank based on number clues.  

• Time: 5–15 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Adults 
• Difficulty: 2–3
  

Online Jigsaw Puzzles (Jigsaw Planet)

If you don’t have room for a physical puzzle or need some new free ones, you can solve them online. 

• Time: Varies 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: Kids–Seniors
• Difficulty: 1

World Geography Memorizing (MentalUp)

Strengthen visual and spatial memory by remembering locations of countries on a map.

• Time: Varies 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: All
• Difficulty: 1

Logic & reasoning 

Want to tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes? Logic and reasoning exercises can help. There’s not much research on these specific types of games, but some research has indicated the innovative, creative thinking needed for problem-solving may improve cognitive health.

Logic Grid Puzzles (Puzzle Baron)

Test your deductive reasoning skills by using clues to eliminate possibilities.

• Time: 10–20 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: Teens–Seniors 
• Difficulty: 1–3

KenKen (KenKen Puzzle)

Think of a KenKen like a math crossword puzzle, using arithmetic and logic.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: Optional 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–2

Logic Games (Safe Kid Games)

A menu of fun, interactive logic games for kids (and adults, too!).

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web  
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids 
• Difficulty: 1

Einstein’s Riddle (Brainzilla)

A challenging puzzle reportedly invented by the genius himself (and which he supposedly claimed only 2% of the world could solve). Use clues to determine who lives in which color house and owns which pet. 

• Time: 10–25 min 
• Format: Web 
• Device: Any 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Adults 
• Difficulty: 3

Math & numeracy 

I am most definitely a word person, not a math person (hence my career as a writer). But that’s precisely why I probably should be doing math games—because the challenge is akin to bicep curls for my brain. Here are a few I might actually dig:

Math Trainer (ThatQuiz)

Build your skills in arithmetic, geometry, probability, averages, and other types of math.

• Time: 10–15 min 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Adults 
• Difficulty: 1–3

Transum Mathematics

A slew of math games and puzzles for kids in all grades (and adults who need some brushing up).

• Time: Varies 
• Format: Game 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–3

Quick percent challenge

Instead of whipping out your phone’s calculator for every bit of math that comes your way, try calculating tips and discounts by figuring out 20%, 15%, and other percentages in your head. Learning and practicing mathematics is good for brain plasticity and cognitive function. 

• Time: 1–3 min 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Adults 
• Difficulty: 3

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Creativity & divergent thinking

Research has found that all sorts of creative outlets, from visual art to dancing, can actually slow down brain aging by improving neural plasticity and the transfer of information between different parts of the brain. 

Drawing Prompts for Kids and Adults (Art Makes People)

This site has tons of prompts for everyone, from beginner doodlers to master artists. Stretch your brain by engaging visual creativity and reducing perfection pressure.

• Time: 5–10 min
• Format: Web/real-life
• Device: Web, art supplies 
• Login: No 
• Age: Kids–Adults 
• Difficulty: 1

SCAMPER Brainstorming Method

The SCAMPER method encourages creative problem-solving through structured prompts to push your mind out of the rut of obvious thinking. SCAMPER is an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Try it as a game with an everyday object, like a pen or a kitchen utensil, by yourself, with a partner, or in a small group.   

• Time: 15–30 min 
• Format: Guide 
• Device: Web 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Adults 
• Difficulty: 2–3

Hands-on crafting

You may need to buy some supplies if you don’t already have some, but set aside a longer chunk of time each week to make something with your hands, like sketching, knitting, painting, collage-making, scrapbooking, or sculpting with clay. Some research suggests crafting or making art may benefit mental health and wellbeing.

• Time: 20–30 min
• Format: Real-Life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–3

Mindfulness & cognitive calm

Practicing mindfulness can help us relax and reduce stress—both of which can do wonders for the brain. Research has found mindfulness and meditation can improve brain structure, regulate emotions, boost resilience, and lower anxiety. 

Short Meditation and Breathing Exercises (Headspace on YouTube)

Give your nervous system a quick reset to bring on some calm and regain your focus.

• Time: 3–5 min 
• Format: Audio 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Seniors 
• Difficulty: 1

30-Minute Beginner Body Scan (Mindful.org)

When you have more time to unwind, find a quiet space, lie down in a comfortable spot, and play the guided body scan to improve mind-body awareness and melt away stress and tension.

• Time: 30 min 
• Format: Audio 
• Device: Web/Mobile 
• Login: No 
• Age: Teens–Seniors 
• Difficulty: 1
  
  

Gratitude “3 wins” journaling

A 2020 study from the Netherlands found 15 minutes of gratitude writing or reflection most days for six weeks effectively improved mental wellbeing and deepened appreciation for other people and simple pleasures.

 Write down three “wins” from the day, from the big (getting a promotion) to the small (finding a great parking spot). If kids and teens don’t want to actually write it down, ask them at dinner, in the car, or at bedtime to recount their own positive moments from the day.  

• Time: 3–5 min 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: Paper/Notes 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Movement & dual-task drills

Dual-task training involves performing a cognitive task and a movement activity at the same time, with both improving each other. 

Walk + recall

Strengthen working memory while moving, enhancing cognitive load capacity. Try walking recalling five items you saw, people you spoke to, or other moments from your day. 

• Time: Varies 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All
• Difficulty: 1

Balance + facts

Stand on one leg or on a wobbly surface (like a Bosu ball) and practice multiplication facts or other math skills for a brain-body challenge that improves stability.

• Time: 3–5 min 
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Bounce + count

Bounce a basketball and count backward or list names of fruits or animals to enhance coordination, processing, and rhythm.

• Time: 3–5 min
• Format: Real-life 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1–2

Social/collaborative brain play

Spending time with friends and family is good for your mind and body—including your brain. Poor social connections and loneliness are actually risk factors for cognitive decline. In-person socializing is good for cognition and executive function. All the more reason to get a game night on your calendar.

Word chains

In a group, take turns saying a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. For example, someone starts with “tiger.” The next person could say “robot,” followed by “train,” and so on.

• Time: 5–10 min 
• Format: Group 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Charades, Pictionary, Celebrity and other group party games

Work on problem-solving and communication skills with fun party games everyone knows and loves. 

• Time: 15–30 min  
• Format: Group 
• Device: None 
• Login: No 
• Age: All 
• Difficulty: 1

Build your 30-day plan 

Improving your memory and boosting other cognitive skills can be fun and low-stress, but it should be consistent. Here’s a month-long plan to try to keep you motivated and making progress. 

• Week 1: Start easy. Mix two categories each day or every other day, like Mindfulness and Memory one day and Movement/Dual-Task Drills and Math another day. Try incorporating one longer activity per week. 
• Week 2: Experiment with an additional category each day or upping the time you spend on them. Note your favorites (but don’t necessarily ditch the ones you don’t love).
• Week 3: Increase one activity by a difficulty level. Be sure you’ve worked in a Social/Collaborative game with family, friends, or even co-workers.
• Week 4: Try a timed challenge. Compare yours to average scores, if they’re available. Jot yours down so you can try to beat it next time. 

Progress & difficulty ladder

Consider tracking your progress and difficulty levels as both an accountability measure and a way to pat yourself on the back when you start noticing improvements. Track the minutes spent on each activity, the perceived effort (0 is no effort and 10 is super-hard), and how you feel afterward (0 is no change and 10 is I-might-as-well-be-a-certified-genius). 

Also note the fun level each time you practice these brain games! Think about leveling up when the fun is a 7 or above and the effort dips below a 6 for at least three sessions.

When to seek care

An important caveat: none of these games or activities are meant to diagnose any sort of cognitive decline, neurological disorder, or mental health issue. Only a licensed medical practitioner can do that. They also aren’t guaranteed to prevent or improve these conditions. 

Speak to a physician if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• worsening memory, cognition, or language problems that are affecting your daily life 
• sudden changes in memory, cognition, or language
• any cognitive changes after an injury or accident 
• out-of-the-blue headaches, especially if they’re accompanied by weakness, nausea, vomiting, or confusion 
• feelings of depression or anxiety that won’t subside 

The bottom line

Research has found that engaging the brain with word puzzles, math games, memory exercises, and other cognitive activities can have a positive impact on cognition over time. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, there are tons of free resources for mental exercises for kids, teens, and adults. Try your hand at mixing and matching one or two activities a day, following the 30-day plan and track your progress to stay motivated. 

Key takeaways

• Free, short-duration cognitive activities are easy to work into your routine and can be helpful for kids, teens, and adults alike. 
• Try different activities across different cognitive categories to strengthen multiple aspects of cognition.
• Track your progress and enjoyment level to stay motivated. 

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