20 Fun Ways to Turn Your Kids into Logical Thinkers

Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 09:22 pm

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It’s not often the first thing we think of when we think about what we need to reach our kids. Good manners, morals, and how to read often come higher up the agenda, but the thing is, when children can think logically, they can think better. They can get themselves out of just about any dilemma by staying calm and thinking it through, so a child who is a logical thinker is often much safer. Oh, and of course, kids who can think logically are great at subjects like math and science too, so it’s also great for them on the academic side.

That being the case, let’s take a look at some fun things you can do with your kids if you want to turn them into logical thinkers.

1. Puzzle Them Out

Start with jigsaw puzzles. Simple, right? These classics make kids focus. They have to think about shapes, images, and what fits where, which means they are using their logical thinking skills in an age-appropriate way. Plus, the thrill of placing that last piece? Epic.

2. The “What’s Next” Game

During regular activities, pause and ask, “What’s next?” Whether you’re baking cookies or folding laundry, this makes kids predict logical sequences. It will get their gray matter working and when they can actually figure out the next step for themselves, they will be so proud and excited, and I bet you will be too.

3. Flying Drones

Oh, the magic of flight! Drones, like the DJI Mini 3, aren’t just for cool beach videos. They teach kids about physics, cause-effect, and spatial reasoning. Just make sure you’re in a safe space where no vases can be knocked over, and that you have permission if the kids plan to film anything other than the countryside. They’ll have so much fun!

4. Board Games

Games like “Clue” or “Guess Who?” are perfect to play as a family if you want to teach the kids to be a bit more logical in their thinking. They need strategy, memory, and deduction in order to succeed. Also, family game night? Yes, please!

5. LEGO Building Sessions

LEGO isn’t just about colorful bricks. It’s about seeing a pile of random pieces and crafting a masterpiece from those abstract pieces. Following instructions or going freestyle, both ways boost logic, and of course, they also help to get your kids’ creative juices flowing, because you know, when you combine logic with creativity, amazing things happen.

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6. Daily Riddles

“Riddle me this!” Make a morning routine out of fun riddles. They boost critical thinking and they’re a good laugh, so they’ll set you all up in the right mood to have a good day. The trouble comes when the kids are better at guessing the riddles than you are!

7. Science Experiments

No need for a lab coat. Simple home experiments can do the trick. Vinegar and baking soda volcanoes, anyone? The more your kids understand about science and cause and effect, the better they will be able to predict the logical next steps in everything from making a sandwich to flying a kite, so they will definitely be smarter and more capable as a result.

8. Storytelling with a Twist

Start a story and let your kid end it. It makes them think of logical conclusions. Plus, some endings can be hilariously unexpected! What’s more, as well as developing their logical skills, they will also be developing their reading skills and creativity too. Plus, it will save you from having to try and think of a whole new story to tell them every night!

9. Pattern Play

Use everyday objects. Line up spoons and forks in a pattern and let them continue it. It’s simple pattern recognition. What objects go together? Which sequence should they be following? The beauty of this is that it does not have to cost you anything because you can use any household objects you can lay your hands on. But remember, the more variety in your sequences, the more fun it will be and the faster they will learn. 

10. Role Play

Set up a mini “court” at home. Let one kid be a judge. Another can be a detective. One will have to try and solve the crime using the clues you have left for them, and one will have to try and defend themselves against the judge using the same clues, so they will both be using their brain power quite a lot. Role-playing scenarios make them consider logic and justice in a way they may not have done before.

11. Nature Walks

Nature is full of lessons. Why do leaves fall? Why is the sky blue? A walk in the park can be a series of “why” and “how” questions that lead on to explanations from you (hopefully), and hey, if you don’t know the answer, going through possibilities for why the grass is green or why trees lose their leaves, wil; get those little gray cells working, and you can always look up the right explanation at home with points for whoever got it right!

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12. Cooking Together

Baking is yummy science. It’s all about measurements, reactions, and sequence, so it definitely has a thing or two to teach the kids. And the best part? Eating the results! Cupcakes really can make you smarter!

13. Magic Tricks

A simple magic trick can make the kids question the very nature of reality, and have them pondering on just how each trick could have been executed, so whether you take them to a magic show or get them involved in learning their own magic tricks, it will all be going towards building a more logical child, but one who still retains their sense of wonder.

14. Memory Games

Flashcards, anyone? These aren’t just for math. Use them for fun memory challenges, and turn it into a competition to see who has the most powerful mind, and the kids will love it, but it will also be teaching them how to retain the information they need to think logically and do well in class.

15. Encourage Questions

Always let them ask “why” or “how.” And if you don’t know, find out together! Some parents will get annoyed at their kids asking a seemingly endless list of questions, but that is how they learn, and anyway, isn’t it better to have an inquisitive kid who wants to know than one who shows little internet in anything that is not on a screen?

16. Plant a Garden

It’s biology in action. Why do plants need water? What happens if they get too much sun? Garden adventures await. Not only will it make your children more logical, but it is a great way to encourage them to get some fresh air and exercise, which as you will know, is not always such an easy feat to achieve.

17. Sorting Games

Sort by size, color, type. It’s simple. It’s fun. It’s logic. What can they sort? Everything from socks to cans in the pantry – it doesn’t matter as long as they’re learning.

18. Cause and Effect Discussions

If you leave ice cream out, it melts. Discussing these little facts can help them understand bigger concepts later on, where they can be applied to more important things or school work, for example.

19. Let Them Fail

It sounds odd. But sometimes, they need to make errors. They’ll think twice next time, weighing pros and cons.

20. Play Video Games

Surprised? Some video games enhance logical reasoning. Just remember, moderation is key.

Remember: Every fun activity is a chance to learn. With these ideas, your kiddo will be a budding Sherlock or Hermione in no time. Happy thinking.

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