Free puzzle games, stories, crafts, and printable activities for kids ages 4–12.

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From the time kids are very young, they seem to love things that go. This week, we’re digging into that curiosity with a collection of puzzles, stories, activities, and more—all about Marvelous Machines. There are lots of reasons to support this fascination. For younger kids, exploring how things work can help build vocabulary and imagination. For older kids, machines can be an introduction to engineering and help develop essential life skills. Creativity, for example, is inherent to the design process, while optimism is important in believing that every machine can be improved. Communication and collaboration help engineers find those areas for improvement, and they may also need to make ethical considerations as they think about any unintended consequences or challenges. We hope these activities inspire and spark your kids’ curiosity to learn more!

1. Search the Scene

These dinosaurs are hard workers! Can you work to find the objects hidden in the scene?

2. Make Chicken and Waffles

Construct a tower of delicious chicken and waffles with this recipe.

3. Create a Spinning Helicopter

Build a simple helicopter with just paper and a paper clip. Give it a toss and watch it spin as it lands.

4. Find the Hidden Objects

All aboard! Find the hidden items in this train scene.

5. Race Robots

Build these cool robots from junk-drawer items and watch them race down a ramp.

6. Tour a Train

Take a look inside a passenger train with conductor Tim!

7. Marvelous Machines

Watch our video for more on how playing with machines benefit kids.

8. Solve a Puzzle

Be a maze-solving machine as you build two paths to the cotton farmer’s house and tractor. Then see how many other farming machines you can name.

9. Read a Story

Joel finds a mechanical hand and discovers its awesome powers. But should he return it to its rightful owner? Read the story, then ask your child what would they do?