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Play, Practice, Retain: Free Game-Based Learning Resources

Turn "do we have to?" into "can we play again?" with free game-based learning tools for multiple subjects and grade levels. Research shows that game-based learning boosts engagement and strengthens long-term knowledge retention, making it a strategy backed by more than just fun. From ready-to-play games your students can play today to build your own games that let you (or them!) design custom challenges to quick five-minute review games to full unit lessons, you'll find a perfect fit for your classroom.

Grades 2-12

Puzzel

Use your own lesson content to build custom crosswords, word searches, quizzes, matching games, and more with this puzzle-making tool. Add team challenges, track student results, and embed activities directly into your lessons, classroom site, or LMS.

Grades K-12

Padlet Arcade

Turn any topic, document, or link into an AI-generated learning game in under a minute—no design skills needed. Browse ready-made games by subject and grade level, or create your own for review, vocabulary practice, or quick brain breaks.

Grades K-3

Skillsville

From PBS KIDS, this free platform lets young learners play games where they manage a virtual city and build real-world executive function skills like focus, organization, and self-regulation through fun, career-based challenges.

Grades K-12

Blooket

Turn any question set into a live or self-paced review game with fun, arcade-style modes that students play individually or as a class. Choose from a library of ready-made sets or build your own, then track results with instant performance reports.

Grades K-2

Teach Your Monster

This award-winning site turns early literacy and math into a monster-themed adventure—kids create their own monster and go on quests to build phonics, reading, and number skills. Academic experts designed the games, and educators trust them.

Grades K-12

Gimkit

Teachers build custom question sets, then launch them in live or self-paced game modes. Students earn virtual cash for correct answers to unlock upgrades. Turn review into a competitive, game show-style experience.

Grades K-8

Artsology

Explore 100+ free art games on art history, famous artists, and creative activities like sand painting and drawing tools. Enjoy printable mazes, crosswords, and word searches themed around masterpieces and artists.

Grades K-12

Genially Games and Challenges

Customize ready-made templates like escape rooms, board games, and trivia challenges with your own content, images, and questions. No design skills needed—just add your material to these interactive, animated games built for classroom play.

Grades K-12

Two Truths & AI Game

Explore how AI can blur the line between truth and fiction. In this game, students identify AI-generated movie posters. Build critical thinking skills to distinguish fake images, with adjustable difficulty and timed and untimed play options.

Grades K-5

Educandy

Enter your own vocabulary or questions and answers, and Educandy instantly turns them into games like word searches, crosswords, memory games, and multiple-choice quizzes. Share a code, and students can play on any device or interactive whiteboard.

Grades 6-12

K20 Game-Based Learning

This free, research-backed library offers ready-to-go games on subjects such as social studies, statistics, biology, and financial literacy for grades 6-12 and beyond, all designed to boost content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Grades 9-12

iThrive Sim- Digital Simulation Games

High schoolers take on roles as officials, journalists, or government staff in multiplayer simulations that challenge them to navigate real-world crises while building civic knowledge, negotiation, and collaboration skills.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Our Fall season of live OK2Ask virtual workshops starts Tuesday (9/22), make sure you are registered. We're also sharing a collection of blog posts on game-based learning and an opportunity to apply to join our team as a part-time consultant. Read the details below!