Probably one of the most universal goals of parenting is to raise children in a safe environment conducive to responsible health and building the different types of intellect. No matter what facet of smartness they choose to nurture, there exists activities and games to keep them succeeding in both school and life. In addition, because proper nutrition filters directly into proper brain functioning, parents who wish to facilitate the intellectual growth of their children should review which foods to feed them and which to avoid. The following list provides a few eclectic suggestions on how to bolster a kid’s brain to keep him or her happy, healthy, and constantly growing in his or her education.

Games

1. Crossword Puzzles

Both online and off, crossword puzzles stimulate the brain in children and adults alike – also serving as excellent periphery education in vocabulary-building and other topics.

2. Word Searches

Like crossword puzzles, valuable vocabulary-building word searches require a hefty amount of concentration to strengthen mental fitness.

3. Mazes

Another excellent exercise in concentration, mazes also build problem-solving and memory skills as well.

4. Risk

This classic board game is perfect for building up the strategy skills of older kids – and more savvy parents may like the idea of using it as a foundation for historical and geographical lessons.

5. Chess

One of the quintessential strategy games, this ancient activity facilitates critical thinking and concentration in young minds.

6. Sudoku

Sudoku has grown to become an exceptionally popular pastime, with many people young and old appreciating it for the mental stimulation and math skill building.

7. Video Games

Contrary to heavily alarmist popular belief, video games actually possess numerous redeeming qualities. Even the ones sans educational content build eye-hand coordination and critical thinking abilities.

8. Checkers

Another classic strategy game, checkers also nurtures strategic and critical thinking skills in a manner requiring far less memorization than chess – making this ideal for much younger children.

9. Card Games

With the hundreds of different card games floating about, parents can pick out any number that appeal greatly to children and stimulate specific proficiencies.

10. Mancala

Mancala games exist in numerous forms, but all of them require participants to strengthen their counting skills and concoct viable strategies to defeat their opponents.

11. Memory Games

Any sort of memory game – be it electronic or analog – keeps the mind nurtured by galvanizing concentration.

12. Go

Also known as weiqi, Go involves a considerable amount of strategy to always keep participants on their toes and keeping their minds active.

13. Pool and Billiards

Both pool and billiards require considerable strategic thinking as well as spatial awareness – it is a far more involved and intellectual activity than many realize.

14. Scrabble

The well-beloved board game Scrabble involves vocabulary-building and strategic thinking, providing parents with a great way to intellectually stimulate their children’s impressionable minds.

15. Jenga

How many budding young engineers, architects, and construction workers learned the fundamentals of structural integrity by playing Jenga as children?

16. Logic Puzzles

As one can probably assume, logic puzzles build intelligence and foster far stronger critical thinking and analysis skills needed to succeed in school and life alike.

17. Word Scrambles

Any sort of word scramble, anagram, or similar game does nothing but galvanize vocabulary abilities as well as boosts concentration.

18. Cranium

Perfect for kids and parents to play together, the delightful board game Cranium is specifically designed to facilitate growth in most facets of intelligence.

19. Trivial Pursuit

Available for all ages and skill levels, Trivial Pursuit may focus mainly on brief facts on a wide number of topics – but this does nothing but encourage kids to study and do research on their own!

20. Scattergories

Parents hoping to encourage clearer communication and stronger vocabularies in their children would do well to set them loose upon Scattergories’ immensely fun word challenges.

21. Pictionary

Pictionary fosters creativity in children and adults alike, encouraging them to think beyond the usual restraints of conformity and order.

22. Monopoly

Monopoly remains a much-beloved board game ever since its creation in 1933, and success involves considerable (and stimulating!) strategy, fundamental math skills, and other elements of intelligence.

23. Role-Playing Games

Dungeons & Dragons and its ilk have become saddled with an unfair stigma. When played like a game – and therefore not taken too seriously – it actually challenges kids to think creatively and strategically.

24. Apples to Apples

This extremely fun, humorous game requires a fair amount of creative thinking and strengthens the vocabularies of younger children as well!

25. Clue

Older children who play Clue actually build up critical thinking and concentration skills as they navigate an always entertaining, ever-changing murder mystery.

Activities

26. Building Blocks

Whether simple wooden slabs or comparatively pricy Legos, parents can do no wrong handing children building blocks and allowing their imaginations to roam free.

27. Connect-the-Dots

Connect-the-dots activities all require concentration, counting skills, and a touch of imagination and artistry to complete.

28. Journaling

Encourage children to write out their feelings or any story ideas at the conclusion of every day, which allows them to become more in touch with themselves, open up floodgates of creativity, nurtures improved communication skills, and provides a boost their mental health.

29. Dancing

Not only does dancing build a healthier body, it also bolsters the imagination and encourages children to understand and explore the space around them in creative ways.

30. Coloring Books

Regardless of whether or not they stay inside the lines, coloring books allow children an opportunity to experiment with different colors and artistic mediums to create unique masterpieces.

31. Reading

A simple pleasure, encouraging children to read fiction and nonfiction alike stokes the fires of their imaginations and constantly challenges them to consider new ideas, concepts, and themes.

32. Musical Instruments

Children who spend their time learning to tinkle on their pianos or toodle on their saxophones engage in activities that bolster their intellect through math (yes, math!) and creativity.

33. Foreign Language Lessons

Bilingual parents (or those hoping to learn a new language alongside their children) imbue the younger generation with knowledge regarding not only linguistics, but cultural comparisons and contrasts, enhanced communication, and other valuable life skills as well.

34. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles teach children problem-solving, memorization, spatial awareness, and the importance of playing close attention to details without losing sight of the larger picture.

35. Running

To ensure a healthy body and mind, running makes for an excellent way to pass the time and promote bonding between parents and children.

36. Walks

Like running, walks also stand as an excellent way to nurture the overall well-being of children. Unlike running, however, slower paces allow for better observation and learning experiences.

37. Cooking

Cooking is a valuable life skill that all people need to at least try and learn. Get children started off early by showing them the basic safety precautions and techniques – it definitely helps them make better choices when it comes to eating nutritious meals.

38. Yoga

An excellent conduit for promoting physical flexibility and relaxation, yoga also opens up a child’s mind to new cultures and helps them attain a degree of mental clarity.

39. Martial Arts

Though far more intensive than yoga, engaging a child in one (or more!) of the martial arts serves as a great introduction to one element of another culture, teaches them discipline and self-defense, boosts confidence, and – of course – exercises their growing bodies.

40. Science Experiments

Books and the internet come chock-full of kid-friendly science experiments that illustrate the basic principles of numerous disciplines while simultaneously entertaining.

41. Genealogical Research

Close generational gaps by putting together a genealogical project that asks children to learn everything they can about the history that spawned them. It also acts as a neat way to begin instilling proper research skills as well.

42. Magic Tricks

Not only do magic tricks entertain, they also challenge children to think critically and logically as well as use creativity and imagination to solve a problem.

43. Painting

The act of painting involves more than just a keen imagination. It also provides some great lessons in color, line, form and the other elements of art as well as improves eye-hand coordination.

44. Playing with Clay

Few tactile activities encompass creative and spatial intelligence quite like handing a nontoxic clay over to a child and allowing them to mold it and shape it to their very will.

45. Making Collages

Hand children some old media, some glue, and a pair of scissors and let them create collages to express themselves. Add a bonus challenge by asking them to form their own mixed-up animal, person, specific scene, or whip something up around only one theme.

46. Watching Films and Documentaries

Watching movies or documentaries together with their children provides parents an opportunity to discuss common themes and characters as well as teach them valuable life lessons about right and wrong.

47. Playing

Even simple dolls provide kids with opportunities to stoke their imaginations. Many adults do not realize how recreational time actually nurtures intelligence in children rather than promote idleness.

48. Sports

Some parents may not like the overly competitive nature of some youth sports, but they really are an excellent way for their kids to build teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills as well as get some valuable exercise.

49. Theatre

Whether piecing together a small skit in the backyard or participating in a children’s theatre, the performing arts teach children memorization, improvisation, teamwork, resourcefulness, creativity, and valuable interpersonal skills.

50. Make Something

Parents should ask their children what sorts of craft projects – from knitting to woodworking to sewing to soap making – interest them most. These inventive activities not only pique their imaginations, but also teach them how to follow direction as well.

Trips

51. Grocery Store

Taking a simple foray to the local grocery store or farmer’s market can turn into an intelligent lesson in nutrition, agriculture, and chemistry!

52. Beach

Parents interested in teaching their kids about ecology and biology (not to mention providing plenty of room for playing!) may want to consider a trip to any nearby beaches.

53. Mountains

As with the beach, mountains make for an excellent outdoor classroom for lessons in the inner workings of the natural world.

54. Concentration Camps

For families with enough money to take a European vacation, concentration camps act as a grim, historically significant reminder of why children should grow up to promote love, peace, and tolerance rather than sowing the seeds of hatred.

55. Art Galleries

Many kid-friendly art galleries provide adults with an amazing resource for introducing children to painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, and other conduits of human self-expression.

56. Native American Reservations

Trips to Native American reservations offer up valuable learning opportunities for parents wanting to teach their kids about their nation’s history – as well as a disheartening, visceral reminder of the horrors of genocide.

57. Camping

Camping trips nurture more than just self-sufficiency, flexibility, and improvisation. Parents who organize camping trips with their children are afforded an amazing opportunity to guide them on the intimate details of nature.

58. Museums

Pretty much every city plays host to a number of museums focusing on different subjects, and each of them play host to myriad learning opportunities for savvy parents and receptive children.

59. Hikes

Families who do not wish to camp or have no mountains nearby may want to engage in a little hiking – even urban areas provide great exercise alongside the different lessons.

60. Gyms

Many gyms – especially those in the suburbs – do provide areas for children to learn the fundamentals of staying fit in a safer environment than the weight room. Healthy bodies to contribute to the formation of healthy minds, after all!

61. Lakes, Ponds or Rivers

When safe, explore bodies of water such as lakes, ponds and rivers and identify the different flora, fauna, and geographical landmarks that they feature.

62. Zoos and Petting Zoos

Parents who desire to teach their children the basics of animal habits and behavior should whisk them off to the local zoo for some great visual – or tactile! – lessons.

63. National Parks

National parks in any part of the world have preserved the most stunning examples of natural wonders specifically for the populace to learn more about the ancient planet they inhabit.

64. Observatories

Encourage kids to look towards the stars and contemplate the vastness of the universe by taking them to an observatory.

65. Farms

Taking children on field trips to farms teaches them some neat lessons in how their food gets to their table as well as other agricultural practices.

66. Fishing

A fishing trip yields lessons in ecology, biology, and geography – even when the lines come up empty!

67. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Families with the money or resources to travel the world (or even within their own country!) may want to seek out the different World Heritage Sites as honored by UNESCO. All of them provide some awesome lessons in history, politics, geography, and more!

68. Historical Landmarks

Every state in America – and the majority of cities – boast more than a few dedicated landmarks specifically preserved for the sake of teaching children and adults alike lessons in the region’s history.

69. Different Houses of Worship

Organizing trips (with permission, of course!) to various houses of worship opens up children to interfaith dialogues and teaches them how to understand and respect religious traditions other than their own.

70. Arboretums and Botanical Gardens

Introduce children to the fundamentals of botany and environmental science by taking them on a daytime excursion to a beautiful, peaceful arboretum or botanical garden.

71. Another State or Country

When the funding allows, shuffle off to a different state or country as a means of engaging children in valuable cultural exchanges that open their eyes to the world’s true diversity.

72. Festivals

Attending any type of festival opens up doors for kids to learn about the diverse selection of peoples and hobbies that exist out there.

73. Wildlife Preserves

Similar to zoos and National Parks, wildlife preserves afford parents a grand opportunity to teach their children about ecosystems and how animals interact with their natural habitats.

74. Space Center

Parents with the resources to take their kids on vacations to visit the various NASA facilities scattered across the United States to illustrate the ins and outs of getting humanity past the upper atmosphere of Earth.

75. A University Campus

It’s never too early to introduce children to the importance of higher education, and exploring a nearby university campus – perhaps even taking older kids and teenagers to lectures of interest.

Foods

76. Breakfast

Numerous studies have shown that kids indulging in a healthy, hearty breakfast every morning tend to concentrate better and earn higher marks than those who do not.

77. Fish

The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish stimulate the brain, keeping it healthy and alert for learning life and academic lessons. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and other oily fish are especially valuable.

78. Avoid excessive caffeine.

Small doses of this stimulant do not cause much of a problem, but too much caffeine can cause a largely unproductive, exhausted crash not conducive to building intelligence.

79. Avoid saturated fats.

Not only do saturated fats damage the body, they also create a more sluggish mind and heighten one’s risk of depression. Depression, of course, does not lower intelligence in any way, shape, or form – but it does potentially cut into productivity and compromise overall health and wellness.

80. Avoid excessive carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are good for quick bursts of energy, but excessive sugars especially – much like caffeine – end in an unhealthy, lethargic crash.

81. Canola or Walnut Oil

Like Omega-3s, the Omega-6s found in canola and walnut oil build up the brain cells and keep them running smoothly.

82. Eggs

Rich in proteins and choline, diets that include eggs improve overall brain health – making one of the body’s most essential organs healthier, more alert, and more receptive to learning and retaining new pieces of information.

83. Flax

Flax provides consumers with another source of Omega 3s, an essential chemical for maintaining brain health.

84. Carrots

They’re a kid-approved, delicious and nutritious snack, providing unrefined carbohydrates that boost the brain without causing a crash after – not to mention many essential vitamins and minerals as well!

85. Nuts

Chow down on a favorite nut for all the protein, fat, magnesium, and Vitamins B and E that the brain needs to function.

86. Berries

Most berries swell with antioxidants, which act almost as a swab for problematic chemicals in the brain – and the rest of the body, too!

87. Pomegranates

Revered by the ancient Greeks, these luscious jewel-like fruits have become something of a trendy food lately. Praised for its antioxidant properties, they make for an excellent addition to any brain-friendly diet.

88. Avocados

Avocados lower cholesterol levels in the brain and body alike in addition to serving as one possible source for Omega-3s when served in oil form.

89. Tomatoes

These beloved fruits come loaded with antioxidants and vitamins needed to keep the brain running smoothly and thinking clearly.

90. Salad

Whip up a brain-friendly salad comprised of foods particularly notable for their antioxidant properties or Vitamins – a concoction that makes keeping healthy taste much better.

91. Beans

All types of beans pack the brain and body both with generous amounts of fiber and protein that assist a child’s brain in processing and storing information.

92. Olive Oil

Because it lowers cholesterol (which can clog up the brain!), provides Omega-3s while balancing out Omega 6s, and infuses the body with antioxidants and Vitamin E, olive oil should form one of the cornerstones of a brain-friendly diet.

93. Greek Yogurt

Place a carton of Greek-style yogurt in a child’s lunch for a calcium-packed snack that keeps their brains healthy and alert throughout the day with tyrosine.

94. Tempeh

Indonesian fermented soybean cakes may not necessarily be to everyone’s taste, but those who enjoy it receive plenty of protein without having to kill a cow – making this a nutritious treat for vegetarians and vegans.

95. Bell Peppers

Clean out disgusting, debilitating brain plaque by introducing bell peppers into a child’s daily diet. Their antioxidant properties clean out problematic free radicals and allow them to think more clearly.

96. Broccoli

Some scientists and nutritionists believe that broccoli staves off brain injury by keeping it as protected as possible by helping it process proteins effectively and efficiently.

97. Green Tea

Parents who want their children to stay healthy and alert may want to encourage them to find a green tea flavor that they like. The brews come in so many varieties that they’ll probably find one to their taste, and all of them provide the antioxidant boost they need for an improved brain.

98. Dark Chocolate

Every once in a while, treat the kids with a bit of dark chocolate, preferably one not crammed full of even more sugar than necessary. While it is not a good idea to go overboard, a small bit of the stuff every once in a while actually provides nice health benefits.

99. Garlic

Not every child likes the luscious pungency of garlic, but those who do are treated to a rich, healthy addition to their diets. It regulates blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, and other excellent brain benefits.

100. Don’t go overboard on dairy.

While cutting dairy out of a diet is not a grand idea (those bones do need calcium!), too much of it may actually halt the body’s absorption of the antioxidants needed to clear away the free radical clutter.

Any parent who hopes to see their children succeed in school and life may find the previously mentioned suggestions beneficial to giving them a boost. Engaged moms and/or dads who play an active role in raising junior more often than not guarantee that the next generation sports a few young men and women with intelligence and different beneficial proficiencies to keep humanity moving ever forward.