Teach Your Kids to Code, by Dr. Bryson Payne, is an excellent introduction to Python. The author provides thorough explanations and successfully weaves together examples and narrative so that you’re immediately applying the skills you learn through the text. Overall, Teach Your Kids to Code is a fantastic choice for …

Python for Kids, by Jason R. Briggs, fulfills its subtitular promise of being a fun, playful way to get kids acquainted with programming. The colorful graphics, silly code segments, and no-experience-required approach make this book helpful for older kids and teenagers who have some typing skills and understand Jr. High …

Swish is one of the most unique card games we’ve seen in a while. The “cards” are actually transparent pieces of plastic, and you stack them to line up the shapes, racing against your opponents. Swish is the epitome of the skill “spatial orientation” because you’ll have to flip and …

Are you planning a trip? Or perhaps there’s limited space at home or in your classroom? IQ Link is a tidy, compact, very portable little package of fun for everyone who likes logic puzzles. Each puzzle takes just a few minutes on the beginning levels. Or, just one challenge can …

Rush Hour is the game that started it all for ThinkFun and has spawned a dynasty of follow-up games in the same series. The concept is simple: slide cars until you create a path for the red car to drive out. You’ll quickly become engrossed as you use logic and …

Quiddler is a word-forming card game that’s been described as “Scrabble with a shot of gin (rummy) and a twist of Phase 10.” It’s fun for both young and old players because you can choose strategies that suit your skill level and counter another player’s advanced vocabulary with some judicious …

Set is the paragon of what a learning game should be. It’s fun, gives your brain a great workout, and is easily adapted for all ages. Set is inexpensive and very portable, so bring it with you often. We’ve given Set our Rich Classic award because it deserves a place …

Spot It is a fast, fun game that parents and kids can both enjoy equally well. It’s a race to see who can spot the matching pictures between cards, and several different variations keep the game fresh over the years. Spot It earns our highest recommendation and has become a …

The Fallacy Detective is a humorous way to teach a difficult topic: logical errors of reasoning and persuasion. Kids will appreciate the relevant cartoons, silly stories, and ridiculous examples of fallacious arguments. Teachers and parents will love that kids are eager to begin practicing clear, logical thinking and will enjoy …

Gravity Maze combines 3D building skills with logic and strategy to provide a unique “marble run” puzzle that pre-teens and adults will love. Gravity Maze is made by ThinkFun and is one of their most popular products; you’ll see why it’s a perennial best-selling logic puzzle in our full review, …