What are Brain Breaks and Why are They Important?

Brain breaks are short activities that allow the brain and body to reset and recharge. These quick activities for kids are important to improve focus, restore concentration, reduce stress, and burn off energy. Brain breaks for kids work best when they last for three to five minutes.

What are the Benefits of a Brain Break for Kids?

It's easy for kids to get distracted, feel overwhelmed, and lose focus when they're doing homework or sitting through a long day in the classroom. On top of that, it's important for children to regularly get their energy out. Brain breaks help them refocus so they can learn better, be more creative and productive, and reset their brains in order to solve problems and process and organize information.

How Often Should Kids Take Brain Breaks?

While there's no rule of thumb, kids in preschool and elementary school should generally take brain breaks every 15 minutes of concentrated study or work, while those in middle and high school need brain breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. That may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that brain breaks are typically short. You can keep most brain breaks to three to five minutes, and incorporate longer brain breaks only once or twice throughout the day.

Are Brain Breaks Effective for ADHD or Sensory Processing Issues?

Definitely! Because brain breaks help to improve focus, they are even more important for kids with ADHD. Brain breaks also help prevent overstimulation by allowing kids to "walk away" from a tough task for a bit. This benefits all kids, not just those with sensory processing disorder.

Types of Brain Breaks for Kids

It's best to mix up the type of brain break for kids in order to maximize the benefits to their brains and bodies. Try to use a combination of physical brain breaks, mental breaks, creative brain breaks, and sensory brain breaks.

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Jumping on a mini trampoline will get those jitters out. Photo courtesy of the Little Tikes Amazon Store

Quick Activities for Kids Who Need a Brain Break

1. Fidget Toys

They may not be as popular as they once were, but fidget toys are still a great way to refocus kids who are feeling jittery. Check out our list of top fidget toys for kids.

2. Meditation

Practicing mindful meditation helps kids relax, reset their brains, and focus on the present moment.

3. Yoga

Yoga can help slow kids' minds and allow them to feel more centered. Some simple and effective yoga poses for kids are cat-cow, tree pose, child’s pose, and downward-facing dog.

4. Funny Jokes

What better way to take a break from work than by laughing? These 50 school jokes for kids make for great classroom brain breaks, as do these 75 funny jokes for kids.

5. Trivia Questions

A brain break doesn't have to mean turning the mind off completely. Sometimes just thinking about a different subject is enough to reset the brain and give kids a break from whatever they were working on. Try these 100 trivia questions for kids.

6. Riddles

Riddles are another fun way to challenge kids when they need a break from schoolwork. Here are 25 fun riddles for kids.

7. Brain Teasers

Once you work through all the riddles, try these 101 funny brain teasers for kids.

8. Stretching

Slouching over a desk or staring at a computer screen for too long can lead to stiffness and aches, even in children! Try some of these stretching exercises for kids.

9. Write a Letter or Postcard

It only takes a few minutes for a kid to write a quick message to someone they love and drop it in the mailbox—and they'll feel good doing it!

10. Would You Rather Questions

"Would you rather fart pink smoke or burp green slime?" That's just one of our 100 best Would You Rather questions for kids.

11. Dance Party

Dancing relieves stress and gets those jitters out. Turn up the music and let kids show off their best moves!

12. Singing

If your kid is in need of a mental break but needs to stay put, let 'em belt out their favorite tune—hairbrush or karaoke mic optional!

13. Playing an Instrument

Strumming a guitar, banging out a tune on a keyboard or piano, or simply shaking a tambourine or maracas is another great way to get loud when kids need a break from being quiet.

14. Minute to Win It Games

Minute to Win It games are all about completing a task as fast as you can within a minute, making them perfect for when you need a quick brain break for kids. Here are 50 hilarious Minute to Win It games.

15. Tongue Twisters

Wanna get the giggles going? Try these totally terrific tongue twisters for kids, tweens, and teens.

16. Jumping Jacks

A simple round of jumping jacks can get kids' blood flowing and give them a much-needed burst of energy.

17. Cartwheels and Tumbling

Whenever my daughter is struggling with a math problem, she'll get up and do a few cartwheels, clear her mind, then come back and work through the problem. It's like magic!

18. Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing can be especially helpful for kids who may be feeling some anxiety or stress. Here are five deep breathing exercises for kids and teens from Cedars Sinai.

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Rainbow crafts are a fun brain break that will really cheer kids up. Photo by Liz Bail

Indoor Brain Breaks for Kids

19. Rainbow Crafts

The bright colors of these rainbow crafts can help release dopamine in kids' brains, giving them a hit of happiness to break up their day.

20. Indoor Exercise Games

These 30 indoor exercise games are a great way for kids to blow off steam between tough tasks.

21. Bubble Wrap Games

There's something so satisfying and relaxing about the simple act of popping bubble wrap. If you want to make it even more fun, try some of these hilarious bubble wrap games for kids.

22. LEGO Activities

Building with LEGO bricks helps kids clear their minds while keeping their hands moving. Allow children to free-build, or have them try one of these 101 fun things to do with LEGO bricks.

23. Making Slime

Creating and playing with slime is a hands-on activity that is both soothing and satisfying. Here are five simple but cool slime recipes to make with kids.

24. Science Experiments

If you want a brain break that's fun but keeps the learning going, try one of these easy science experiments for kids.

25. Printable Activities

Have some of these 100 totally free printable activities on hand to break up a long day of learning.

26. Cardboard Box Crafts

Crafts are some of the best indoor activities for kids in need of a brain break—especially when they help you recycle household items! Check out our list of 50 genius things to do with cardboard boxes.

27. Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

Ran out of cardboard boxes? Let kids get creative with these fun and easy toilet paper roll crafts.

28. Magna-Tiles Games

There are so many things you can do with magnetic tiles. Learn some of them in our list of 50 Magna-Tiles games and building ideas.

29. Puzzles

Nothing clears the mind quite like doing a puzzle. Try one of these puzzle games and jigsaw puzzles for kids.

30. Push-Up Challenges

These push-up challenges for kids will really get the blood flowing.

31. Friendship Bracelets

Stringing beads to make friendship bracelets is an excellent tactile activity to calm the mind—and you can save them for a Taylor Swift party! Another option is to make these easy recycled t-shirt friendship bracelets.

32. Journaling

Journaling is a great way for kids to release their emotions and clear their minds so they can concentrate on their next tasks.

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Kids can unwind with a fun magazine in between tough tasks. 

33. Reading Magazines

While reading is an amazing way to take a brain break, it might be hard to pull kids away from a book so quickly when it's time to get back to work. Instead, try a magazine so kids can read short articles between tasks. Here are our favorite magazine subscriptions for kids.

34. Board Games

Monopoly is not the way to go when you need a short brain break. But, our list of the 100 best board games for kids has lots of quick game options for all ages.

35. Card Games

My daughter and her friends love to play Uno when the weather keeps them inside for indoor recess. It's on our list of 25 card games every kid should know.

36. Paper Airplanes

The repetitive motion of folding paper can be very soothing. Teach kids how to make the best paper airplanes with our handy tutorial.

37. Origami

Kids can also fold paper into various designs to strengthen their focus and calm their minds. Origami is a soothing and meditative activity.

38. Word Games

Many of us love to break up our work day with a quick game of Wordle (guilty!). Here are seven online games like Wordle for kids.

39. Printable Word Puzzles

If your kiddo loves word games but needs time off the screen, try some of these printable word puzzles for kids.

40. Free Drawing

Give kids some paper and drawing tools, set a timer, and see where their imaginations take them.

41. Sewing

Pick up one of these kids' sewing machines and sewing kits. Once your child gets the hang of sewing, they can do some stitching whenever they need a brain break.

42. Pillow Fights

I mean, does this one really need an explanation?

43. Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to unwind without screens. Here are our favorite podcasts for kids.

44. Bowling

You don't even need to leave the house! Learn how to make a bowling set.

45. Balloon Tennis

This indoor balloon tennis game is a great way for kids to burn energy and work on their hand-eye coordination.

46. Organizing

My daughter finds it very relaxing to organize her little treasures—stickers, seashells, resin animals, etc. Bonus: Your kiddos may not even realizing they're cleaning up!

47. Shadowboxing

Punching, front kicking, side kicking, and more are a great way to get the blood flowing and get some exercise.

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Clear your little one's mind with a quick walk—bonus if you bring the dog!

Outdoor Brain Breaks for Kids

48. Walking

A simple walk around the block in the fresh air can do wonders for the body and mind.

49. Jump Rope Workouts

Jump roping provides one of the best energy breaks for kids. Try one of these 20 jump rope workout games and songs.

50. Gardening

Bring out in nature can be restorative. Have your kiddo take a few minutes to water flowers, pull some weeds, or plant some seeds.

51. Feeding Birds

Feeding birds is another fresh-air brain break that will make kids—and their bird friends—happy.

52. Riding a Bike or Ride-on Toy

Have kids go for a quick ride on a bike or ride-on toy. Here are our favorite ride-on toys for kids of all ages.

53. Flying Kites

Flying a kite is one of the most relaxing outdoor kids' activities.

54. Hula Hooping

There's nothing like shaking those hips in the fresh air to get the blood flowing and release some energy!

55. Play Catch

Keep some balls handy for some simple games of catch to help kids clear their minds and get some exercise.

56. Scavenger Hunt

Set up a quick scavenger hunt in the backyard or neighborhood to encourage kids to get outside. Here are some scavenger hunt ideas for kids.

57. Water Games

Hot day? Cool off and take a break with these 35 water games for kids.

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Children can blow off steam with a classic game of hopscotch. 

58. Hopscotch

This traditional game has staying power—especially if kids create their own rules!

59. Outdoor Games

These classic outdoor games will get kids moving outside.

60. Shooting Hoops

When my teenage son gets home from school, the first thing he often does is grab a basketball and shoot some hoops on his own for 15 minutes or so. It gives him a chance to decompress before he needs to switch into homework mode.

61. Baseball Drills

You and your little slugger can take a brain break together with these Little League baseball drills.

62. Frisbee

Tossing a Frisbee back and forth is fun and provides enough of a challenge to keep kids engaged and moving.

63. Playground Time

There's a reason elementary schools have playgrounds for recess! All that climbing, sliding, and swinging lets kids use up energy so they'll be ready to sit and focus again when it's time to get back to work.

64. Collecting Rocks

Or leaves. Or twigs. You get the idea!

65. Playing Fetch

Got a dog? A game of fetch is a great brain break for your kiddo and your pet.

66. Sprinkler Break

Sometimes all a kid needs on a hot day is to run through the sprinkler a few times to cool off and release some pent-up energy.

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Blowing bubbles is a great way for little ones to take a break. Photo by Kylie Williams

Brain Breaks for Toddlers and Preschoolers

67. Blowing Bubbles

Blowing, chasing, and popping bubbles is a simple, playful activity that promotes relaxation and joy. Check out our list of the best bubble guns to really up your bubble game.

68. Playdough

Molding and shaping playdough helps little ones de-stress by engaging their hands in a calming, tactile activity. Make some playdough to have on hand with with this easy playdough recipe.

69. Shaking the Sillies Out

It's exactly how it sounds—turn on some music and let the little ones go crazy!

70. Simple Science Experiments

These 25 preschool science experiments are easy enough for little ones.

71. STEM Activities

Try some of these 25 STEM activities easy enough for preschoolers.

72. Sidewalk Chalk

Drawing with sidewalk chalk provides the benefits of being creative with getting fresh air.

73. Active Storytime

Active storytime encourages kids to move while listening to stories rather than just sitting. You can have kids act out the story as you go along, mimic the movements of the characters, or simply walk in place to the rhythm of the story.

74. I Spy

Say, "I spy with my little eyes, something ___________," then fill in the blank. The kids' job is to look for things that fit that description and try to guess what you're thinking of. It could be something of a certain color, shape, size, etc.

75. Sensory Bins

Sensory bins filled with rice, beans, sand, and other materials gives toddlers a soothing, hands-on sensory experience. Here are 10 sensory bin ideas.

76. Coloring

Coloring is a great way for little ones to clear their minds and express their creativity. If you don't have any coloring books on hand, these free printable coloring pages will do the trick.

77. Hokey Pokey

Toddlers and preschoolers will get a thrill from doing the hokey pokey and turning themselves around.

78. Parachute Time

There are so many ways to have fun with a parachute. You can put light balls on top and have kids wave it up and down to keep them in the air, have kids take turns going under the parachute while the others wave it up and down, and so much more.

79. Clap On, Clap Off

When you say "clap on," kids should clap their hands together as fast as they can. When you say "clap off," they should stop and freeze.

80. Pretend Play

What better way to refocus kids than to have them pretend to be someone else for a while?

81. Animal Actions

Jump like a frog! Crawl like a crab! Challenging little ones to move like various animals are a fun way to get them out of their seats.

82. Sensory Games

These easy DIY sensory activities will stimulate even the youngest kiddos.

83. Finger Painting

It's messy, it's fun, and little ones will love the feel of the paint on their hands as they create a masterpiece.

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A quick potato sack race is a great way to break up the day. 

Large-Group and Classroom Brain Breaks

84. Field Day Games

If you've got a big group of kids in a large space, our list of 100 field day games is full of awesome ideas for brain breaks.

85. Party Games

Our roundup of 100 fun party games has even more great ideas for brain breaks for large groups.

86. GoNoodle

GoNoodle was one of my kids' favorite classroom brain breaks when they were little. It features fun videos that give kids short bursts of physical movement through dancing, stretching, exercises, and other guided activities.

87. 20 Questions

Can the kiddos guess what you're thinking of in 20 questions or less? Have them take turns asking yes-or-no questions and find out!

88. Telephone

When I was a kid, Telephone went like this: The first person says a sentence or phrase and whispers it to the next person. That person whispers it to the third, and so on. When the last person says the phrase aloud, it's usually not even close to the original! Another version: The first person says a word, then each person adds a word onto that one to make a story. The last person says the whole thing aloud. Both versions of Telephone are lots of fun!

89. Simon Says

Simon says, "Play this classic game when a group of kids needs a brain break."

90. Do the Wave

You know the wave that people do at sporting events—when everyone stands up one section after another and raises their arms in the air? It works just as well in a classroom!

91. Seven Up

I absolutely loved playing this game at school as a kid! Choose seven kids to stand in front of the room. The rest of the kids put their heads down with a thumb up. Each of the seven kids picks a child and gently taps them. Those chosen put their thumbs down, then they all try to guess who picked them. If they guess correctly, they get to take the place of the person who chose them.

92. Categories

Name a category by subject and have kids take turns saying a word that fits into that category. Have older kids say something that fits the category for each letter of the alphabet.

93. Keep It Up

All you need for this game is a balloon (or several). The goal is to keep the balloons up in the air without them touching the ground.

94. Freeze Dance

This is just like a regular dance party... but when the music stops, everyone has to freeze!

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Photo by Ron Lach via Pexels

95. Conversation Ice Breakers

After being told to keep quiet for a while, kids will love the opportunity to talk with these 60 conversation ice breakers.

96. Two Truths and a Lie

This game is another great way for kids to be creative and get to know each other better. Each child shares three facts about themselves—but one of them is a lie! Can the other children guess which one is not true?

97. Pictionary

Kids take turns drawing something, and the other kids have to guess what it is. This is perfect for a classroom brain break because it works well on a whiteboard.

98. Group Artwork

Another artsy brain break for a large group is to roll out a large sheet of paper and have kids work together to create a masterpiece.

99. Limbo

Got a broomstick or other stick? Turn up the music and do the limbo!

100. Charades

Charades is always a crowd pleaser that gets kids moving! One person silently acts out a person, animal, or thing, and whoever guesses it first gets to do the acting next.