Did you play memory games when you were a child? Memory games are a great learning tool which is why they are still found in family homes.

I’ve created a printable version in a variety of topics that will appeal to all different kinds of kids. They are easy to download, print, and play. 

Benefits of Memory Games

Memory games are so simple and yet they offer kids a number of benefits. They help children:

• develop concentration skills
• develop short term memory skills
• learn to distinguish important details
• increase vocabulary
• develop visual skills
• look for ways objects are similar or different

So don’t be deceived by their simplicity. Playing these games is truly educational in many ways.

Memory Game Supplies

To assemble your memory game you will need the following supplies:

• PDF download from my shop
• white cardstock or printer paper
• printer
• paper cutter or scissors
• laminator (optional, but highly recommended)

If the cards are printed on cardstock and then laminated, they will last much longer. It will also prevent any little telltale bends or tears that the kids might associate with certain cards.

Memory Game Assembly

• Print the cards (double-sided) with the included coordinating back paper.
• Cut out the cards on the dotted lines.
• Laminate the individual cards and then trim down the laminate, leaving a bit of an edge so they don’t pop open. (You can see the edge in some of my photos.)
• Store the cards in a baggie. I like to store my memory cards in a quart size bag with a zipping closure that is easy for small hands to use.

Playing the Memory Matching Game

All of the cards are put face down on the table or floor in some kind of neat grid. The first player turns two cards over so everyone can see what is on them. If the cards match, the player takes the cards and puts them in her pile. The player then takes another turn to try to get another match. The player continues as long as she makes matches.

If the cards do not match, they are turned back over so only the backs show again. The next player then turns over two cards. If they match, he puts them in his pile and goes again. If they do not match, he turns the cards back over in their place and the next person goes.

Play continues until all of the cards have been matched and picked up. The person with the most matches wins.

Printable Memory Games Themes

I’ve created memory games in a wide variety of themes. All are available for purchase in my printables shop under Memory Games. Some of the cards have only pictures and some have both a picture and a word on each card.

• Beach Fun
• Buried Treasure
• Camping
• Christmas Treats
• Construction
• Cooking
• Garden
• Picnic
• Pirates
• Princess
• Robots
• Space
• Transportation
• U.S. Money
• Valentine’s Day
• Woodland Christmas

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