10 Fun Back to School Games to Play at Home with Primary Children
As the back-to-school countdown begins, it’s not just about uniforms and stationery – it’s time to get those brains back into learning mode! Transitioning from summer fun to school routines can be tricky for kids (and parents!), but there are plenty of ways to make it enjoyable.
From puzzles to family-friendly challenges, we’ve rounded up 10 fun back to school games for primary children that will help your child warm up their mind while still enjoying the last days of the summer holidays before heading back to school. Let’s dive into some brain-boosting fun!
You might also be interested in: 10 Easy Back to School Traditions To Try This Year
1. Family Quiz Night
Turn learning into a lively quiz night! Create rounds based on different subjects like history, maths, and science, or go for fun trivia about animals, sports, or your family. Rotate hosts, add silly prizes, and watch their recall skills get a workout!
In need of a ready made quiz? Busy Things includes interactive quizzes in many subjects – maths, English, history and geography. You can try them all free.
2. Word Search or Crossword Challenges
Boost vocabulary and spelling skills with simple word searches or crosswords. Print them from the internet or grab a puzzle book (or did you know you can make your own custom word searches in Busy Things?). Make it competitive by timing each other or creating themed puzzles based on your child’s interests.
3. Maths Treasure Hunt
Combine outdoor fun with maths! Set up a treasure hunt with maths problems or puzzles hidden around the house or garden. Each clue leads to the next, with a reward at the end. Tailor the difficulty to your child’s level for a mix of physical activity and mental exercise.
4. Memory Tray Game
Improve concentration with this classic game. Place a few items on a tray, let your child study them, then cover and ask them to recall what they saw. Increase the challenge by adding more objects or setting a time limit. It’s a fun way to boost memory skills for the whole family.
5. Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
Boost literacy with an A-Z scavenger hunt! Choose a letter and ask children to find objects beginning with it. Older children could even write stories using all their found items.
6. Pretend Shop
Transform your living room into a shop! Price household items, give your child a budget, and let them “shop” while practicing addition, subtraction, and budgeting. Switch roles for added fun and financial learning.
7. Brain-Boosting Bingo
Create bingo cards with educational themes like times tables or spelling words. Mark off squares when your child answers correctly. This is a fun way to review and practice skills, especially for subjects needing extra attention.
8. Build-a-Story Game
Foster creativity and language skills by starting a story with a sentence, then let each family member add to it. This game enhances grammar, vocabulary, and sequencing skills while stretching imagination.
9. Educational Games Apps and Websites
Turn screen time into learning time! Busy Things is packed with 1,000+ curriculum-based games for maths, literacy, phonics, art, coding and more – all designed for ages 3–11.
You can still take advantage of our Summer Sale – get 2 months for just £4.49 when you sign up today. Hurry, offer ends 1st September!
10. DIY Science Experiments
Spark curiosity with simple science experiments at home. Try making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or creating a rainbow with water and a torch.
Let the Back to School Games Begin!
These fun learning activities for children keep brains active, boost skills and make the return to learning a lot less daunting. Try a few this week to help your child start the new school year feeling confident.
Which will you try first? Let us know in the comments.
You might also like: 10 Easy Back to School Traditions To Try This Year for more tips to make the start of the school year fun and stress-free.
Got a little one starting school this year? Check out: Starting School Made Simple: Free School-Ready Activity Pack and Starting school in September? Play FREE school prep activities!