Keep Your Mind Active!
Free and Low-Cost Websites, Games, and Activities for Brain Health
Keeping your mind active can be a fun and rewarding part of healthy aging. Activities such as puzzles, word games, memory challenges, and learning new skills give you opportunities to practice attention, memory, language, and problem-solving.
Whether you enjoy crossword puzzles, trivia, or learning something new, there are many activities you can explore from the comfort of your home.
You don't have to be an expert at games or puzzles! The goal is to find activities you enjoy, try new challenges, and stay mentally engaged.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you're not comfortable using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, consider asking a family member, friend, caregiver, or care coordinator to help you access these websites and explore the available activities. Many games are easy to use once you become familiar with them, and you can choose activities that match your interests and comfort level.
Why Are Brain Games Helpful?
Just like physical activity gives your body opportunities to move and stay active, brain games give your mind opportunities to stay engaged and practice different thinking skills.
Activities such as puzzles, memory games, crosswords, and trivia may help you:
- Practice memory: Recalling words, pictures, patterns, or information gives you opportunities to exercise your ability to remember details.
- Practice attention and concentration: Games that require focus encourage you to pay attention and limit distractions.
- Challenge problem-solving skills: Puzzles and strategy games encourage you to think through problems and find solutions.
- Practice mental flexibility: Learning new games or trying different activities encourages you to approach challenges in new ways.
- Support emotional well-being: Enjoyable activities can provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce boredom, and offer opportunities to connect with others.
Some research suggests that certain types of structured cognitive training can improve the specific thinking skills being practiced. However, commercially available brain games have not been proven to prevent Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
The goal is to keep your mind engaged, enjoy learning, and participate in activities that challenge you at a comfortable level.
Websites to Explore
Memory and Brain-Training Games
1. AARP Staying Sharp
Website: https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/
Cost: Some content may be available for free; additional access may require AARP membership.
AARP Staying Sharp offers activities and educational information about brain health.
Activities may include:
- Memory and attention challenges
- Brain-health quizzes
- Educational videos
- Healthy aging tips
- Activities focused on everyday thinking skills
Great for: Learning about brain health and practicing different thinking skills.
2. BrainHQ
Website: https://www.brainhq.com/
Cost: Limited free exercises; subscription required for full access.
BrainHQ offers structured exercises designed to challenge different thinking abilities.
Activities focus on:
- Memory
- Attention
- Processing speed
- Decision-making
- Visual skills
Great for: People who enjoy guided exercises that gradually become more challenging.
3. Lumosity
Website: https://www.lumosity.com/
Cost: Limited free games with an account; subscription required for additional access.
Lumosity provides interactive games designed to challenge different thinking skills.
Activities may focus on:
- Memory
- Attention
- Problem-solving
- Mental flexibility
- Processing speed
Great for: Short, interactive activities that offer a variety of mental challenges.
4. Senior Brain Games
Website: https://seniorbraingames.org/
Cost: Free online games.
This website offers a variety of games and puzzles geared toward older adults.
Activities include:
- Memory games
- Crossword puzzles
- Word searches
- Sudoku
- Trivia
- Card games
Great for: Older adults who want several types of games available in one place.
5. Games for the Brain
Website: https://www.gamesforthebrain.com/
Cost: Free online games.
This website offers a collection of short games and puzzles that challenge memory, observation, and thinking skills.
Activities include:
- Memory challenges
- Picture and pattern games
- Word puzzles
- Logic games
- Visual recognition activities
Great for: Trying different types of mental challenges without committing to a lengthy activity.
Word Games, Crosswords, and Puzzles
6. AARP Games Center
Website: https://www.aarp.org/games/
Cost: Many games are free; some require AARP membership.
The AARP Games Center offers a large selection of familiar games.
Activities include:
- Crossword puzzles
- Word searches
- Sudoku
- Trivia
- Solitaire
- Mahjongg
- Matching games
Great for: People who enjoy traditional puzzles, card games, and word challenges.
7. The Word Search
Website: https://thewordsearch.com/
Cost: Free online and printable puzzles.
Choose from a variety of themed word-search puzzles.
Topics include:
- Animals
- Food
- Nature
- Holidays
- Geography
- Everyday objects
Many puzzles can be completed online or printed for use without a computer.
Great for: Practicing visual attention and word recognition at your own pace.
8. Boatload Puzzles
Website: https://www.boatloadpuzzles.com/
Cost: Free crossword puzzles.
Boatload Puzzles offers a large collection of online crossword puzzles.
You can:
- Complete puzzles on your computer
- Choose easier or more challenging puzzles
- Print puzzles to complete on paper
Great for: People who enjoy vocabulary, recalling familiar information, and traditional crosswords.
9. Dictionary.com Games
Website: https://play.dictionary.com/
Cost: Free games; available features may vary.
Dictionary.com offers a selection of word and puzzle games.
Activities may include:
- Crossword puzzles
- Mini crosswords
- Word games
- Sudoku
- Solitaire
- Jigsaw puzzles
Great for: Practicing vocabulary, language skills, and problem-solving.
Visual Puzzles and Problem-Solving
10. Jigsaw Planet
Website: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/
Cost: Free online jigsaw puzzles.
Jigsaw Planet offers digital jigsaw puzzles featuring photographs and illustrations.
You can choose:
- Puzzles with fewer or more pieces
- Nature and landscape images
- Animals and flowers
- Different puzzle shapes and difficulty levels
Great for: Practicing concentration, visual attention, and problem-solving.
Trivia and Learning Activities
11. Freerice
Website: https://freerice.com/
Cost: Free.
Freerice is an educational trivia website associated with the United Nations World Food Programme.
Activities include questions about:
- Vocabulary
- Geography
- Science
- History
- General knowledge
Correct answers help generate contributions supporting the World Food Programme.
Great for: Learning new information, recalling facts, and practicing vocabulary while supporting a charitable cause.
12. Sporcle
Website: https://www.sporcle.com/
Cost: Many free quizzes; optional paid features.
Sporcle offers trivia quizzes on a wide variety of topics.
Topics include:
- History
- Geography
- Music
- Movies and television
- Sports
- Science
- General knowledge
Some quizzes are timed, while others allow you to work at a more comfortable pace.
Great for: Practicing recall, learning new facts, and exploring personal interests.
Other Ways to Keep Your Mind Active
You do not need a computer, smartphone, or paid subscription to challenge your mind.
Try activities such as:
- Reading books, newspapers, or magazines
- Completing printed crossword puzzles or word searches
- Playing cards or board games with friends and family
- Learning a new recipe or hobby
- Working on a jigsaw puzzle
- Listening to music and recalling familiar songs
- Learning a few words in another language
- Joining a book club or community group
- Trying crafts, painting, or other creative activities
- Sharing stories and memories with family members
- Volunteering or participating in community activities
Choose activities that interest you and fit your abilities.
Tips for Getting Started
Start small. Try spending 10–15 minutes on an activity you enjoy. There is no required amount of time.
Mix things up. Try different activities throughout the week. For example, complete a crossword puzzle one day and play a memory game the next.
Choose a comfortable difficulty level. Activities should provide some challenge without causing unnecessary frustration.
Take breaks when needed. Rest if you experience eye strain, headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.
Make it social. Invite a friend or family member to complete a puzzle, play a game, or answer trivia questions with you.
Keep it enjoyable. You do not need to achieve a perfect score or complete every challenge.
Use websites safely. Some websites contain advertisements, account registration requests, or optional subscriptions. Avoid entering payment information unless you understand the charges and want to purchase a service.
Brain Health Goes Beyond Games
While puzzles and brain games can be enjoyable, supporting your brain health involves more than mental activities alone.
Other healthy habits include:
- Staying physically active: Regular movement supports circulation and overall health. Consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program or increasing your activity level.
- Getting adequate sleep: Healthy sleep habits support attention, concentration, and memory.
- Eating a balanced diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provide important nutrients. Ask your healthcare provider or registered dietitian about dietary recommendations appropriate for your medical conditions.
- Maintaining social connections: Spending time with family, friends, or community groups can support emotional well-being and mental engagement.
- Managing chronic health conditions: Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Addressing hearing and vision difficulties: Regular hearing and vision evaluations can help identify problems that may interfere with communication and daily activities.
No single activity or lifestyle change can guarantee prevention of memory loss or dementia. However, maintaining healthy habits can support your overall well-being as you age.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- New or worsening memory problems
- Frequently forgetting important information or conversations
- Difficulty completing familiar daily activities
- Increasing confusion about dates, places, or events
- Difficulty managing medications, finances, or appointments
- Changes in thinking or concentration that interfere with everyday life
- Family members or friends expressing concern about changes in your memory
Remember: Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Online brain games and quizzes are not medical tests and cannot diagnose memory disorders.
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Sudden confusion or a sudden major change in mental status
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden facial drooping
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden vision changes
- Sudden difficulty walking or loss of balance
These symptoms may indicate a stroke or another medical emergency. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
Key Takeaways
- Keeping your mind active can be enjoyable and rewarding at any age.
- Word games, puzzles, memory challenges, and trivia offer different ways to practice thinking skills.
- Many online activities are available for free.
- Choose activities that match your interests, comfort level, and abilities.
- Brain games have not been proven to prevent dementia.
- Staying physically, socially, and mentally engaged can support overall well-being.
- Discuss new or worsening memory concerns with your healthcare provider.
Keep Your Mind Active—One Day at a Time!
Remember, keeping your mind active doesn't have to be complicated! Whether you enjoy solving puzzles, playing games, learning something new, or spending time with others, every activity is an opportunity to stay engaged.
Find what you enjoy, go at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun!
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to every individual or health situation.
Individuals should consult their physician or other qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations related to their specific health conditions and should not begin any new exercise program or change their diet or medications without consulting their healthcare professional.
Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.