You don't need to spend big bucks to buy a pre-boxed version of a matching game at the store. You can make your own easily. Here's how:

Build your child's vocabulary by exploring and discussing spatial relationships during everyday activities such as building, rearranging, and ordering.

Boost your preschooler's math and verbal skills by having her participate in simple, fun activities that teach her how to sort, count, and categorize objects.

This copying game is like a hopped up version of Simon Says, but it lets kids use their bodies to practice patterning, a key skill in early math.

When your child is itching for a game, consider ditching Hide and Seek in favor of Shape and Seek. Here's how it works:

Make a mixed up animal collage and help your preschooler build her visual arts and math skills along the way.

Help your little builder move up in the world with this recycled cardboard castle that's just the right size for a young king and his loyal stuffed subjects.