Play time is not all fun and games. There can be some learning going on, too! These educational, interactive games can help you teach your kids basic concepts and skills—and be entertaining at the same time.

Plus, they’re simple to make, so you can spend more time with your kids and less time putting them together. Get ready to fire up the neurons with these ideas.

Hide and go peek

Kids will flip for this exciting way to learn their ABCs. It’s simple—just label a bunch of cups, and tuck a small toy underneath one of the cups when your child is not looking. Then call out the letter, number or word shown on one of the labels and have your child locate the correct cup to find the surprise.

To make: You can write directly on the label, or avoid writer’s cramp by printing them. You’ll find fun templates with decorative borders on Avery Design & Print Online. We used Avery Address Labels in the photo, but any label will do.

Optional idea—anything goes. Little ones can learn their numbers or simple words that spell out animals, names of family members, verbs and so on.

hide and seek cups

Make me a match

Give the game of memory a personalized twist using your own family photos. Kids will enjoy recognizing grandma, grandpa and even the family dog on the cards.

To make: Use the two-sided business card template at Avery Design & Print Online. Add photos to one side and a pattern on the flip side. Remember to make a matching pair (unless you want to drive your kids crazy as they try fruitlessly to find a match). Avery Rounded Business Cards are made of sturdy cardstock and feature Clean Edge® technology for smooth, non-perforated edges and no bumpy nubs.

Optional idea—create dominoes. Print a different image on each end of the card, and have children connect similar pictures together.

magnetic pictures

Dish out a magnetic pizza

There’s more to pizza pans than just baking pizzas! Toss in some words printed out on magnet sheets and you’ve got the perfect space for kids to practice building sentences. Bonus—your refrigerator stays free of magnet clutter.

To make: Type out words onto any 8-1/2” x 11” document. Leave some room between the words so you can cut them out cleanly. Print onto Avery Magnet Sheets and sprinkle on the pan.

Optional idea—for younger children, print letters to help them spell. Or, you can even print numbers to help them work on math skills. And if you’re numerically challenged, it’ll help you brush up on those skills, too.

magnetic game