Challenges for kids are not only tons of fun for little ones (and...hopefully you too!), but they're also great for emotional and cognitive development!

Why?

Everyone will face challenges in their lives — but not everyone will respond in positive ways. It's also worth noting that perfection isn't the answer—instead, we should encourage children to react in their own unique ways, teaching them morals, values, and how to stay positive at the same time.

Of course, fun challenges for kids don't have to be heavy; they only need to teach perspective. When a child can overcome a challenge, no matter how big or small, it instills them with self-confidence, self-esteem, and worthiness. That's a feeling every child should know!

So, if you're ever in a bind for coming up with unique ideas, don't fret. We’ve got you covered!

1. Do their daily activities . . . with their non-dominant hand

This challenge is fantastic for anyone at any age! It's likely that your child already favors one hand over the other. In that case, this exercise has several perks, too.

When somebody uses their non-dominant hand to do something, it can strengthen the brain's hemisphere connections. Simply put, when we use our dominant hands, we're just "going through the motions." By using the "wrong" hand, we can grow new neural connections in the brain.

Have your child try using their opposite hand for certain daily tasks such as brushing their teeth or hair, fastening buttons, writing, eating, and anything else you can think of!

2. Try getting dressed in the dark!

This exercise has your child picking out their outfits by feel instead of looks. Make sure the space is safe, eliminating any sharp edges or places where they could trip. Stay in the room with them to offer any help or guidance.

It'll be hilarious to see what outfit they come up with. It might be all tie-dye. Do they know their favorite shirt by its texture alone? Can they match their pants to it, or will the patterns clash?

You'll have to turn on the lights to find out.

3. Pen a portrait while blindfolded

This activity is a fun one for releasing creative energy... while also being challenged.

Have your child study their face in the mirror, or your face, for up to 60 seconds. When they're ready, place a blindfold on them and encourage them to try to draw by memory — minus their eyesight. 

If they're fairly good at this fun challenge, you can up the ante by adding another rule. Don't let them pick the pen up! Have them draw a portrait in one continuous line, seeing how they navigate the different shapes without taking their pen off the paper. They’ll be ready for more creative drawing activities after this one!

4. Have them paint a picture — with their toes

Here's another doozy that flips a painting project on its head! Could this be considered mixed media art? We think so.

Your child might be quite the artist — but how well can they paint when they're only using their toes? 

Choose something specific to draw, such as an animal, a house, or a family portrait, and encourage them to draw with their feet only. Place some newspaper on the ground to catch the inevitable paint spills. Be prepared for lots of giggles to ensue.

You might even want to attempt this one yourself. Ask a third person to guess whose picture is whose.

And remember — no hands!

5. Build a four-story house of cards

This isn’t your ordinary card game. In fact, this challenge is a little more difficult than the others. Building a house of cards sounds pretty easy, but it takes a lot of attention to detail and balance, requiring each placed card to be delicately put next to or on top of the other.

Try doing this challenge in a room without a breeze from the a/c or the outdoors. For this challenge, feel free to offer tips and clues as your child starts with the foundation and builds up. If a card falls, causing the house to collapse, encourage them to try again.

Suppose this is too difficult to complete in one sitting, no worries! Pick it up the following day and keep practicing until you've got all four levels.

6. Play a no-peeking game of "guess this food"

As a parent, you can easily do this challenge with your kid, as you know their food preferences (even if it is just goldfish..) as well as any allergies or intolerances your child might have.

Take out that trusty blindfold again and prepare to serve your child various bites of food. Some examples of questions to ask include:

• Is this a potato or an apple? They have a very similar texture!
• Is this bell pepper green or red?
• Is this grape purple or green?

This game encourages your child to discover their answers based on taste instead of looks. Record their answers as you go, and let them be amazed at what they find out when they can see again.

7. Do an old-fashioned scavenger hunt 

Scavenger hunts are classic for a reason. They're enjoyable, and they feel like an adventure! You can have your child do a hunt by themselves or with a small group of friends.

Of course, a scavenger hunt requires some work on your part. Hide various objects or clues around your home or neighborhood, each one leading to the next step.

In the end, have a prize awaiting your child, like pizza for dinner or a pass to play their favorite video game for 30 minutes.

Enjoy these fun challenges for kids — and everything they have to teach

If you're ever stuck inside on a rainy or gloomy day, consult this list for some exciting ways to entertain and educate your child.

They'll have a blast overcoming these challenges for kids, and you're sure to love watching their brains navigate the potential solutions to the problems. In the process, you may even learn something, too!