Games & Apps

These resources are designed to support cognitive rehabilitation and enhance brain health through engaging activities. This collection of games provides survivors, caregivers, and professionals with stimulating exercises that promote memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Whether used as part of a structured recovery plan or for everyday brain training, these games offer a fun and effective way to aid in cognitive recovery and overall well-being. 

Important Notice: Playing these activities is not a substitute for therapy but can be a fun way to work on important skills. Some options below have associated costs. These games can be used by caregivers and professionals alike.

This list was curated by coordinators of the Making New Connections TBI Support Group from Door County, Wisconsin—Samantha Hernandez and Adam Weldon.

Making New Connections TBI Support Group

  • When: 2nd Wednesday of the month ONLINE
  • Time: 7:00-8:30 PM Central
  • Details: Email links from Zoom provided once signed up. Open to ALL nationwide. Occasional in-person events; contact for details.
  • Contact: Samantha Hernandez (svhernandez1@gmail.com)

Recommended Games & Activities

Battleship

Enhances memory, concentration, deductive reasoning, and fine motor skills.

Checkers

Improves grip strength, problem-solving, and cognitive skills.

Chess

Engages memory, logic, creativity, and planning skills.

Concentration (Memory)

Uses a standard deck of cards to boost short-term memory through matching pairs.

Connect Four

Enhances fine motor skills, attention, and strategic thinking.

Go Fish!

Strengthens memory, pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and communication.

Jenga

Improves fine motor skills, attention, planning, and coordination. Giant Jenga available for easier handling.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Boosts cognitive skills, confidence, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

Lumosity

Digital app offering cognitive training games focusing on memory, attention, processing speed, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility.

Mastermind

Improves logic and deductive reasoning skills through color code puzzles.

MindTrap

Challenges critical thinking with riddles, brain teasers, and puzzles. Multiple versions available.

MusicGlove and FitMi

Devices proven to improve hand function and dexterity through engaging activities.

Risk

Complex strategy game promoting planning, strategic decision-making, and cognitive endurance.

Scattergories

Enhances mental organization, word retrieval, and language skills. A junior version available for simplicity.

Scrabble

Strengthens memory, problem-solving, word-finding, and cognitive flexibility.

Tetris

Boosts visuospatial skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

TherAppy

Apps by Tactus Therapy Solutions targeting language skills like reading, writing, comprehension, and naming.

UNO

Encourages color and number recognition, strategic planning, and mild cognitive engagement.

Additional Online Resources