LEGO Memory Game for Kids

My kids love to play with LEGO bricks.  This memory game is a great way to extend their play and work on critical thinking and memory skills.  You can use the classic LEGO or DUPLO bricks for this DIY LEGO Memory Game for Kids.

Although this LEGO memory game is best for children ages 3-5, it can be adapted for children younger and older (see game adaptations below).  Memory games are beneficial for teaching children to wait and take turns in addition to building thinking skills.

We have joined together with some of our favorite bloggers to show you some fabulous activities on how to extend your LEGO play and learning.  Click to see the entire list of LEGO inspired activities for kids.  More activities will be added each day.  Thank you Toddler Approved for hosting!

LEGO Memory Game

The great thing about this game is that you do not need any fancy supplies or to print out any game cards, just grab a few LEGO’s and some cups from your pantry and play.  My kids usually last about 5 rounds of the game, or 20 minutes.  It is a great game for siblings to play at the dinner table while you are preparing dinner.

Materials Needed for LEGO Memory Game

LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks 
Paper Cups

How to Play the LEGO Memory Game

1. Count out 10 cups.

2. Find 5 pairs of LEGO bricks.  We chose a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

3. Hide one LEGO brick under each cup.

4. Mix the cups.

5. The youngest player starts first and turns over 2 cups. If the bricks match, they keep the pair. If they do not, they say the brick color and size out loud and turn the cups over.

6. The play continues to the right until all pairs have been found.

LEGO Memory Game adaptations for younger children:

• start with only 6 cups and 3 pairs of LEGO bricks.
• practice matching pairs before hiding them under the cups.
• turn the cups right side up and play the game with the LEGO bricks visible.

LEGO Memory Game adaptations for an added challenge:

• use more cups and more pairs.
• choose LEGO brick pairs that are very similar. IE) all reds, but different sizes.
• create additional rules to the game, such as if you turn a green over you get a bonus turn.
• exchange the brick pair for the words on a note card.  Example: A blue 8 brick would be paired with a card that says: Blue 8 LEGO.

LEGO Literacy Connections

It is always nice to add in a book to activities. This extends the learning and increases vocabulary. We keep our LEGO books right in the container with the LEGO bricks.