The 20 Best Puzzle Games for Kids in 2023
Puzzle games for kids are a great way to help them develop important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. They can also be lots of fun too! With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which ones are the best toys for kids in 2023.
To help make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the top 20 puzzle games for kids in 2023. Read on to find out which ones made the cut!
1) The Room series
The Room series of puzzle games for kids are a great way to challenge the mind and engage in some serious problem-solving. The first game, The Room, was released in 2012 and the subsequent sequels,
The Room: Old Sins and The Room: Epilogue, offer even more challenging puzzles to solve. Players are tasked with navigating mysterious 3D puzzles within a variety of themed rooms. Each of the games features increasingly complex 3D puzzles that involve manipulating objects and finding hidden objects and clues in order to progress. With its captivating graphics, ambient soundtrack, and tactile controls, The Room series is sure to keep any kid entertained for hours on end.
2) Portal series
The Portal series is one of the best puzzle games for kids in 2023. This series of puzzles have a unique concept where you have to solve puzzles with the help of portals that you create. The objective is to find your way out of a lab by solving various puzzles. Kids will love the challenge that this game provides and it can also be quite educational as well. The Portal series is a great way to engage kids and get them interested in puzzle games. It also makes a great gift for kids who are looking for some of the best toys for kids.
3) Lara Croft GO
Lara Croft GO is a critically-acclaimed turn-based puzzle game for kids featuring the classic Tomb Raider hero. With simple but charming visuals, Lara Croft GO follows our heroine through a variety of levels, using puzzles to help her reach the end. The game's intuitive and easy-to-grasp gameplay make it an ideal game for younger children, allowing them to learn the basics of puzzle solving. As you progress through the game, you'll discover new tools and abilities, such as being able to move rocks or shatter glass walls, while also getting to grips with different types of puzzles. The game also features a variety of collectible stem toys for kids, which they can use to unlock special rewards.
4) The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a critically-acclaimed puzzle game from Croteam, the same team that brought us the Serious Sam series. This game is set in a mysterious and ancient world where you must solve puzzles to progress. You take on the role of a robot as you explore an abandoned facility and complete over 120 challenges. You’ll be challenged to solve complex logic puzzles, use environmental objects and items, and engage in philosophical dialogue. Finally, it encourages teamwork by having kids work together to figure out solutions to problems, so it encourages them to communicate effectively with each other. All these features make The Talos Principle one of the best stem toys for kids in 2023!
5) Monument Valley
This award-winning game is an interactive, three-dimensional world full of puzzles to solve. Monument Valley encourages kids to use their imaginations and problem solving skills as they navigate through the intricate levels. The game follows a princess named Ida and her magical fox companion as they journey through a beautiful and mysterious landscape. Along the way, kids must manipulate optical illusions and impossible objects to progress further. This game is great for kids who enjoy stem toys for kids, as the puzzles require them to think in new ways and come up with creative solutions. It also helps teach spatial awareness and logic. Monument Valley is an excellent puzzle game for all ages and a perfect way for kids to sharpen their thinking skills.
6) FEZ
FEZ is a unique puzzle game that takes you on a 2D/3D adventure. In this platformer, you take control of Gomez, a small figure in a two-dimensional world. You can rotate the camera to reveal a three-dimensional perspective. You must use the different perspectives to solve puzzles, open new areas, and collect cubes. FEZ features over 70 levels, so there's plenty of content for kids to explore. The vibrant visuals and upbeat soundtrack make it an engaging experience for children. The game is suitable for all ages and can be played with traditional controllers or touch screen controls. As an added bonus, FEZ is also one of the few stem toys for kids available as it helps promote problem-solving skills.
7) The Witness
The Witness is a 3D puzzle game that was released in 2016 by Jonathan Blow. This game has been widely praised for its incredible graphics, sound design, and of course, its challenging puzzles. The player takes the role of a character who wakes up on an island and must use their wits and stem toys for kids to solve puzzles that are hidden throughout the island. The game features over 500 unique puzzles, which range from simple mazes to complex logic puzzles. As the player progresses through the game, they uncover more and more of the story behind the island. All in all, The Witness is a great game for kids and adults alike and provides hours of entertainment.
8) Gorogoa
Gorogoa is an award-winning puzzle game that combines hand-drawn visuals with unique mechanics. Players progress through the game by manipulating panels of images to create pathways and make connections. The game can be difficult at times but it rewards players for their creativity.
Gorogoa is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed by kids as young as four. Its colorful art style, unique puzzles, and calm music make it an ideal stem toy for kids who want to explore the world of puzzles and problem solving. The game also offers hours of playtime and is perfect for those long summer days when you just want to relax and explore your creativity.
9) Snakebird
Snakebird is a vibrant puzzle game from developer Noumenon Games. In Snakebird, you control a creature that looks like a snake with wings. Your goal is to guide the creature to the exit of each level, while collecting the fruit scattered throughout. Along the way, you must use your stem toys for kids, including blocks and spring-like platforms, to traverse the environment and solve increasingly complex puzzles. With its bright and colorful visuals, simple controls, and intuitive puzzles, Snakebird is a perfect pick for kids of all ages. Its challenge increases as you progress through the game, giving your children plenty to explore and discover.
10) Baba Is You
Baba Is You is one of the most unique and innovative puzzle games of recent times, and it’s definitely a must-have for kids in 2023. The game features a series of levels where you have to push around and manipulate words, symbols, and objects to solve puzzles and move forward. With a range of levels and difficulty, it’s great for players of all ages. One of the most interesting aspects of Baba Is You is that it encourages creative problem-solving by enabling players to develop their own solutions instead of having to follow pre-defined paths.
As an added bonus, the game also comes with a range of STEM toys for kids – from solar system construction sets to robotic kits – that can be used to enhance the gameplay experience even further. These toys allow children to explore engineering, coding, and other STEM principles while they play the game.
11) Superhot
For those looking for a unique puzzle-style game, Superhot is a great choice. In this game, time only moves when you move. You must use clever strategies and quick reflexes to dodge bullets and take out your enemies. Superhot is a fantastic stem toy for kids who are fascinated with the science behind time manipulation. It also encourages problem solving skills and develops hand-eye coordination as you dodge bullets and progress through levels. It’s the perfect game for STEM-loving kids!
12) Lumino City
Lumino City is a beautifully designed puzzle game for kids released in 2014. Developed by State of Play, it’s the perfect game for children to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. The game follows the adventures of Lumi, a young girl on a mission to restore power to her hometown. The player must navigate through various levels, using Lumi’s unique abilities to solve puzzles, collect pieces and restore power to the city.
The game features charming graphics, exciting puzzles and engaging gameplay. Players have to move and rotate objects to solve logic puzzles, as well as explore and find hidden objects throughout the city. There are also lots of interesting and fun mini-games and STEM toys for kids to play with, including making musical instruments, building vehicles and more. Lumino City is an excellent game for kids of all ages – it’s both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
13) The Swapper
The Swapper is an innovative puzzle game that takes players on a journey through a mysterious space station. The objective of the game is to acquire energy-emitting orbs and use them to gain access to previously inaccessible areas. Players must collect and swap between various forms, including human-like clones, to complete puzzles and progress.
The Swapper is a great game for kids because it's very accessible and also contains some fascinating children's puzzles games to explore. The puzzles range from simple spatial arrangements to more complex manipulations of gravity, light and cloning. The visuals are vibrant and detailed, making the game a joy to explore. Kids can also learn about the scientific principles behind cloning, light refraction and more while they play.
14) Teslagrad
Teslagrad is a puzzle-adventure game from the creative minds at Rain Games. It follows a young boy's quest to discover the secrets of the ancient Tesla Tower, a feat that requires the clever use of stem toys for kids and electro-magnetic forces. The puzzles range from relatively simple push-and-pull types of challenges to much more intricate and challenging affairs. Teslagrad has beautiful hand-drawn visuals and an excellent soundtrack, creating a mysterious atmosphere as you explore and solve its many puzzles. The game also features some light platforming and exploration, making it a great way to introduce young gamers to the concept of metroidvania-style gaming. Teslagrad is a great puzzle game for kids that has something to offer players of all ages.
15) Limbo
Limbo is a 2D puzzle-platform video game developed by Playdead for multiple gaming platforms. Players control a nameless boy who explores Limbo's dangerous world in search of his sister. Players must solve puzzles and avoid various forms of death as they progress through the game. Limbo is visually striking, with its black-and-white silhouette aesthetic, eerie atmosphere, and creative puzzles.
Limbo is perfect for those seeking out a thrilling, yet accessible puzzle game for kids. The difficulty curve is gentle, making the game suitable for even younger players, yet the puzzles remain clever and engaging enough to challenge older players. In addition to the puzzle elements, the game also features an engaging story that will captivate and surprise all ages. The game also comes with several stem toys for kids such as building kits, 3D mazes, and interactive robots. Parents can use these to help supplement their children’s learning experience while playing Limbo.
16) Inside
Inside is a unique puzzle game from Playdead Studios that combines beautiful graphics with challenging gameplay. In this game, you control a young boy who must navigate a dark and mysterious environment filled with stem toys for kids to find, manipulate and use in order to progress. As you progress, you'll uncover new secrets and face increasingly difficult challenges as you seek to unravel the mystery of Inside. The puzzles require problem solving skills, as well as dexterity and careful planning, so it's perfect for both adults and children alike. With its unique visuals, complex puzzles and gripping atmosphere, Inside is a must-play for all puzzle fans!
17) Machinarium
Machinarium is a point-and-click adventure game developed by Amanita Design. It's a beautifully designed and illustrated game that follows a little robot in his quest to save his beloved from the clutches of a mysterious villain. Players will explore the mechanical world of Machinarium, solve puzzles, and unravel the game's story. The game also has amazing visuals and music that will captivate players of all ages. It's perfect for kids who enjoy playing with stem toys, as the game teaches basic problem-solving skills, logic, and spatial reasoning. With its unique art style and challenging puzzles, Machinarium is an enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike.
18) The Bridge
The Bridge is an award-winning puzzle game for kids that has them explore the world through the power of logic. In the game, you take on the role of a physicist who must solve mind-bending puzzles by manipulating the rules of gravity and manipulating objects. As you progress, more advanced levels introduce new features like portals and other special abilities. Your goal is to complete the puzzles while maneuvering your character across gaps and platforms.
This game is great for teaching kids basic physics concepts and problem solving skills. It also allows them to explore the world of gravity, angles, perspective, and more. The visuals of the game are beautiful and calming, with a simple yet powerful story to accompany it.
If your kids are looking for something a little different from the standard puzzle game, then The Bridge is perfect. They will get to exercise their brains in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the game comes with plenty of stem toys for kids to further explore their creative sides and challenge themselves. With its immersive atmosphere, challenging levels, and interesting themes, this game is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
19) World of Goo
World of Goo is a popular puzzle game that is perfect for kids of all ages. The game was released in 2008 and features an engaging storyline that follows the journey of small black goo balls. The goal of the game is to build structures and bridges with these goo balls, with each level presenting a new challenge.
The art style of World of Goo is colorful and imaginative, and the game has a wonderful soundtrack to add to the experience. With simple controls and various difficulty levels, World of Goo makes for a great stem toy for kids who want to explore puzzles and construction tasks. Additionally, the game also offers a two-player cooperative mode for friends and family to enjoy together.
20) Knytt Underground
Knytt Underground is an exciting puzzle game released in 2013. It features a vast open world filled with puzzles and exploration opportunities. The game follows the adventures of Mi Sprocket, a tiny humanoid creature who must navigate her way through the intricate cave system below her home village. Along the way, she will discover mysterious powers, hidden secrets, and challenging puzzles. Knytt Underground also offers plenty of collectible stem toys for kids to find and explore, making it perfect for younger gamers looking to expand their problem-solving skills.
With its colorful visuals, varied levels, and engaging story, Knytt Underground is one of the best puzzle games available for kids in 2023.