40 Teen Problem-Solving Activities, Games & Worksheets (2025)

Problem-Solving Activities for Teens: Explore engaging problem-solving games and activities to help middle school and high school students develop this essential life and social skill.

Problem-solvingis the process of identifying a challenge, analyzing possible solutions, and taking action to achieve the best outcome. It involvescritical thinking, creativity, and decision-makingto navigate disagreements and find effective resolutions.

Importance of Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for teens because it helps themnavigate everyday challenges, build confidence, and make better decisions.

Whether they’re dealing with friendship conflicts, schoolwork struggles, or future career choices, knowing how to think critically and find solutions prepares them for real-life situations.

Developing strong problem-solving skills also improvesresilience, teaching teens how to handle setbacks and adapt to unexpected situations. Plus, it strengthenscommunication, teamwork, and decision-making—essential skills for success in school, relationships, and beyond.

Basic Problem-Solving Steps

Before we explore a selection of fun and engaging problem-solving activities, let’s go over somebasic problem-solving steps.

• Identify the Problem– Clearly define what the problem is. Encourage students to ask,“What exactly is the issue?”and“Why is it a problem?”
• Understand the Cause– Help students look atwhythe problem exists. Is it a lack of information, a misunderstanding, or something else?
• Brainstorm Possible Solutions– Encourage them to come up with multiple ideas, even if some seem unrealistic at first. The more options, the better!
• Weigh the Pros and Cons– Guide students in evaluating the possibleoutcomes of each solutionto find the best approach.
• Choose a Solution & Take Action– Once they pick a solution, they shouldfollow throughand see how it works.
• Reflect on the Outcome– Ask,“Did it work? Why or why not?”If the solution wasn’t effective, what could be adjusted next time?

These steps provide a structured way to approach challenges and problem-solving.

A “Problem-Solving Steps” worksheet is included in your free download at the end of the post.

Now, let’s dive into the activities that will make problem-solving fun and engaging!

Problem-Solving Activities for Teens

These engaging activities will help teens think critically, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively.

The activities are grouped into the following themes, making it easy to find the ones that fit your needs:

• Exploring and Understanding Problem-Solving
• Everyday Life Problem-Solving
• Social & Relationship Challenges
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Critical Thinking Puzzles & Challenges
• Emotional & Self-Control Challenges
• Leadership & Responsibility
• Creative Problem-Solving

Exploring and Understanding Problem-Solving

This first set of activities will focus onidentifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating outcomes.

1. The Problem-Solving Cycle Walkthrough
Objective: Help teens understand the steps of problem-solving (Identify, Brainstorm, Decide, Act, Reflect).

1. Give your students a relatable scenario (e.g., you have two big assignments due tomorrow but only have time for one).
2. Walk through the problem-solving process steps (Check out the steps we mentioned in the previous section or download the problem-solving steps worksheet):
   • What’s the actual problem?
   • What solutions could work?
   • What are the risks/benefits of each?
   • What decision would they make and why?
3. Discuss how different choices lead to different outcomes.

2. Solve It Backwards
Objective: Help teens break down problems and understandcause and effect.

1. Give them asolution(e.g.,You got a perfect grade on a group project).
2. Work backward to identify thesteps that led to success.
3. Reflect: Could different choices have led to failure?

3. The “What’s the Real Problem?” Game
Objective: Teach teens to dig deeper and recognize theroot causeof a problem.

1. Give a situation:A student keeps forgetting to bring their homework.
2. Ask:What’s the real problem?(Is it forgetfulness, lack of organization, or not understanding the homework?)
3. Have them brainstorm different ways to solve it based ondifferent causes.

4. The “Think Like a Detective” Challenge
Objective: Strengthencritical thinking and reasoning.

1. Present amystery or logic puzzle.
2. Have teens askyes/no questionsto gather clues.
3. Encourage them toconnect the dotsand propose a solution.

5. The “One Problem, Many Solutions” Exercise
Objective: Show thatthere’s more than one wayto solve a problem.

1. Give a problem scenario:Your friend is upset because you forgot their birthday.
2. Have them brainstormat least five different waysto handle it.
3. Discuss which solutions might work best and why.

6. The “Worst Possible Idea” Challenge
Objective: Encouragecreative thinkingby flipping problem-solving upside down.

1. Present a problem (e.g.,How can we make school mornings less stressful?).
2. Instead of brainstorming good solutions,come up with the worst possible ideas(Wake up 5 minutes before school, forget breakfast, wear pajamas to class).
3. Then, flip those ideas intogood solutions.

7.Using Open-Ended Questions for Better Problem Solving
Open-ended questions get people thinking and talking, leading to deeper discussions and better problem-solving. Instead of shutting down a conversation with a simple “yes” or “no,” they open the door to new ideas, different perspectives, and important details that might have been missed.

When solving problems, open-ended questions make it easier tobreak down complex issues, uncover the real cause, and find better solutions.

Objective: Teach teens how to askbetter questionsto explore problems more effectively and find creative solutions.

1. Start with Yes/No Questions:Write 5-10 closed-ended (yes/no) problem-solving questions on the board (e.g.,Did the plan work?).
2. Challenge Teens to Transform Them:In pairs or small groups, have students rewrite the questions to be open-ended (e.g.,What worked well in the plan, and what could be improved?).
3. Apply to Real Scenarios:Present aproblem-solving scenario(e.g.,Your team is struggling to work together on a project). Ask students to come up with open-ended questions they could use to analyze and improve the situation.
4. Reflection Discussion:Ask,How did using open-ended questions help you think through the problem better?Discuss how open-ended questionsencourage deeper thinking, lead to better solutions, and help break down complex problems into manageable steps, preventing rushed decision-making.

Examples of Open-Ended Questions in the context of problem-solving:

• Yes/No: Did the plan work?
• Open-ended: What parts of the plan worked well, and what should we change?

• Do we have everything we need?
• What else might we need to make this plan more successful?

• Is this the best solution?
• What other solutions could we try, and how do they compare?

An “Open-Ended Questions” activity is included in your free download at the end of the post.

8. Real-Life Problem Reflection
Get teens toapply problem-solving to their own lives.

1. Have themthink of a real problem they’ve facedrecently.
2. Ask your students to write down:
   • The problem
   • The options they had
   • What they chose
   • How it turned out
3. Reflect: What would they do differently next time?

Everyday Life Problem-Solving Activities

These activities will provide examples of how to navigate common real-world problems and develop practical problem-solving skills for daily challenges.

9. Missed the Bus
Objective: Develop flexibility in handling setbacks.

1. Present the scenario: You missed the bus and will be late for school/work.
2. Have teens list at least three ways to handle the situation.
3. Rank solutions from best to worst and discuss why.

10. Tech Troubles
Objective: Improve troubleshooting skills.
Activity: Fix a hypothetical issue with a phone or laptop without help

1. Give a common tech issue (e.g., the WiFi isn’t working).
2. Have teens write out a step-by-step solution without asking for help.
3. Compare solutions and see which one is most effective.

11. Time Management Puzzle
Objective: Prioritize tasks in a busy schedule

1. Give teens a list of five tasks (e.g., study for a test, do laundry, meet a friend).
2. Ask them to work in small teams and rank the tasks based on urgency and importance.
3. Discuss how they made their decisions.

12. The Budget Challenge
Objective: Learn how to manage money by making choices within a set budget.

1. Give teens a set amount of money and a list of food items with prices.
2. Ask them to create a meal plan for the week without exceeding the budget.
3. Discuss what was easy or difficult about making choices.

A “Budget Challenge” activity is included in your free download at the end of the post.

Social & Relationship Challenges (Social Problem-Solving)

The following activities will work on strengthening communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.

13. Friendship Dilemma
Objective: Learn how to resolve misunderstandings or difficult situations.

1. Present the scenario: A friend spreads a rumor about you.
2. Have teens list three possible ways to respond.
3. Discuss which approach is healthiest and why.

14. Text Misinterpretation
Objective: Understand the importance of clear communication.

1. Show an ambiguous text message (e.g., “Fine. Whatever.”).
2. Ask teens to interpret it in three different ways.
3. Discuss how tone and wording affect communication.

15. Group Conflict
Objective: Practice resolving conflicts fairly.

1. Give a scenario where two group members disagree.
2. Have teens suggest three ways to mediate the conflict.
3. Role-play a solution.

16. Peer Pressure Role-Play

Objective: Build confidence in saying no.

1. Give a peer pressure scenario (e.g., a friend wants you to skip class).
2. Have teens role-play three different ways to say no.
3. Discuss which response feels most comfortable and why.

17. The Apology Challenge
Objective: Learn how to apologize sincerely.

1. Present a mistake scenario (e.g., accidentally hurting a friend’s feelings).
2. Have teens write a genuine apology without excuses.
3. Compare apologies and discuss what makes them effective.

Related Reading:

• Conflict Resolution for Kids
• Friendship Activities for Teens

Teamwork & Collaboration Activities

Let’s review some team-building activities that encourage working with others to solve problems:

18. Escape Room Challenge– Solve riddles and puzzles within a time limit.
Objective: Strengthen effective teamwork and communication under pressure.

1. Set up amini escape roomwith clues hidden around the room.
2. Have teens work in teams tosolve puzzlesand unlock the final challenge.
3. Reflect onwhich teamwork strategies worked bestand why.

19. Build a Structure
Objective:Improve teamwork, strategic thinking, and planning skills.

1. Give teamspaper, tape, and straws(or other simple materials).
2. Challenge them to build abridge or towerthat holds weight.
3. Test each structure and discusshow strategic planning impacted success. Reflect on what worked and how theyimproved through trial and error.

20. Silent Line-Up
Objective:Develop non-verbal communication and teamwork.

1. Without talking, teens mustline up in order(by birthday, height, or another category).
2. They can only usegestures or facial expressions.
3. Discuss hownon-verbal cues helpin problem-solving.

21. Survival Choices
Objective: Practice group decision-making and negotiation.

1. Present a scenario:Your group is stranded at sea with a limited number of survival items.
2. Have themrank the items in order of importance.
3. Compare their rankings to expert survival advice and discusshow they justified their choices.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

The following activities will help teens think quickly, adapt, and make strategic choices.

22. Two-Minute Decisions
Objective:Develop quick thinking and confidence in decision-making.

1. Present two tough choices (e.g., tell the truth and hurt a friend or lie to protect their feelings?).
2. Teens must decidewithin two minutesand explain why.
3. Discuss howpressure impacts decision-making.

23. Moral Dilemmas
Objective: Strengthen ethical decision-making skills.

1. Give a dilemma (e.g., find a wallet with cash—return it or keep it?).
2. Have teens discussdifferent perspectiveson the issue.
3. Talk abouthow values and ethics influence decisions.

Related reading to help improve kids’ decision-making abilities: Fun Decision-Making Activities for Kids

Critical Thinking Skills: Puzzles & Challenges

These are examples of problem-solving activities that strengthen logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and creativity.

24. Riddles & Brain Teasers
Objective: Improve creative thinking and problem-solving strategies.

1. Presentchallenging riddles or brain teasers.
2. Have teens discuss possible answers andjustify their reasoning.
3. Reveal the answer and discusshow they arrived at their conclusions.

25. Mystery Game
Objective: Develop deductive reasoning and logical thinking.

1. Present a mystery scenario (e.g., who stole the missing lunch?).
2. Teens askyes/no questionsto gather information.
3. They must use the clues tosolve the mystery.

26. Pattern Recognition
Objective: Strengthen logic and pattern analysis.

1. Give asequence of numbers, shapes, or wordswith a hidden pattern.
2. Have teensidentify the missing piece.
3. Discuss how recognizing patternshelps in real-life problem-solving.

27. Reverse Engineering
Objective: Teach analytical thinking by deconstructing solutions.

1. Give teens acompleted puzzle or math problem.
2. Ask them towork backwardto understand how it was solved.
3. Discuss how reverse engineeringapplies to problem-solving in real life.

28. Lateral Thinking Challenge
Objective: Encourage creative problem-solving.

1. Present a seeminglyimpossible problem(e.g., how can you cross a river without a bridge?).
2. Encourage teens tothink outside the boxfor solutions.
3. Discuss howbreaking assumptionshelps in problem-solving.

Related reading:Critical-Thinking Activities for Kids

Emotional & Self-Control Challenges

Help teens manage emotions, build frustration tolerance, and strengthen impulse control while problem-solving.

29. React or Think?
Objective: Teach self-control by recognizing when to pause before reacting.

1. Present a scenario where someone acts emotionally (e.g., a friend snaps at you over a small mistake).
2. Have teens write two responses:
   • An immediate emotional reaction.
   • A thoughtful, controlled response.
3. Discuss the consequences of both responses andhow taking a moment to think changes the outcome.

30. Frustration Tolerance Puzzle
Objective: Help teens develop patience and resilience in problem-solving.

1. Give them achallenging puzzle or brain teaserthat is intentionally difficult.
2. Set a timer andinstruct them not to ask for help—they must work through frustration.
3. Afterward, discusshow they handled frustrationandwhat strategies helped them persist.

31. Mindfulness Moment
Objective: Show how mindfulness techniques can help with problem-solving under stress.

1. Before starting a problem-solving challenge, lead a1-minute deep breathing exercise.
2. Present a problem and have teenssolve it immediately.
3. Compare how theirthought process and focus changedbefore and after using mindfulness.

32. Self-Reflection Questions
Objective: Encourage self-awareness in decision-making.

1. Ask teens tothink of a past problem they faced.
2. Have them answer three key questions:
   • What was the problem?
   • How did you handle it?
   • Would you do anything differently now?
3. Discuss howself-awareness helps in improving future decisions.

Leadership & Responsibility

Develop decision-making, accountability, and leadership confidence.

33. You’re the Leader
Objective: Encourage decision-making in leadership roles.

1. Present afictional group project(e.g., planning a school event).
2. Choose one teen as the leader—they must makekey decisionson task delegation, deadlines, and problem-solving.
3. After the challenge, discusshow they felt making decisions and what they would do differentlynext time.

34. Difficult Conversations
Objective: Teach how to communicate tough messages with empathy.

1. Present adifficult conversation scenario(e.g., telling a friend they hurt your feelings).
2. Have teenswrite or role-playthe conversation, practicing clear and kind communication.
3. Discuss howword choice and tone affect relationships.

35. Plan an Event
Objective: Develop leadership, organization, and teamwork skills.

1. Give teensa fictional event to plan(e.g., a school dance, fundraiser, or trip).
2. They must decide on key elements:budget, tasks, schedule, and problem-solving strategies.
3. Reflect onhow their planning process worked and what challenges they faced.

36. Lead a Team Task
Objective: Build leadership skills in guiding a team.

1. Assign a hands-on task (e.g.,building a paper tower or completing a scavenger hunt).
2. One person leads the team, giving instructions and keeping the group focused.
3. Afterward, discusswhat leadership skills were effective and how they could improve.

37. Delegation Challenge
Objective: Teach the importance of assigning tasks efficiently.

1. Present abig project(e.g., organizing a class party).
2. Have one teen act as theleaderandassign rolesbased on people’s strengths.
3. Discuss howeffective delegation helps a team succeed.

Creative Problem-Solving Activities

Encourage innovative solutions, outside-the-box thinking, and adaptability.

38. Invent a Solution
Objective: Strengthen creative problem-solving skills.

1. Present a commonreal-life problem(e.g.,backpacks are too heavy).
2. Have teensdesign a new inventionthat solves it.
3. Share and discuss themost creative ideas.

39. Fix the Rule
Objective: Teach adaptability and critical thinking about rules.

1. Pick apopular game(e.g., Monopoly, Uno, or a school rule).
2. Have teensmodify a rule to improve the game or system.
3. Discuss howrule changes impact fairness and problem-solving.

40. Redesign a Common Object
Objective: Improve creativity by reimagining familiar things.

1. Give an everyday object (e.g.,a phone, backpack, or chair).
2. Challenge teens toredesign it with new features.
3. Have them present their ideas and discusshow creativity improves problem-solving.

41. What’s Missing?
Objective: Strengthen observation and deductive thinking.

1. Show an image or scene withmissing details.
2. Have teensidentify what’s missingand justify their reasoning.
3. Discuss howpaying attention to details improves problem-solving.

42. Storytelling Challenge
Objective:Develop creativity in problem-solving through storytelling.

1. Start a shortstory with a problem(e.g.,A group of friends gets locked in a school overnight…).
2. Have each teen add a part of the story,solving the problem step by step.
3. Reflect onthe creative ways they found solutions.

Related reading: Conflict Resolution Activities for Kids

Other Key Areas to Strengthen for Effective Problem-Solving

We have explored a comprehensive selection of conflict resolution activities for teens. Now, let’s wrap up by highlighting somekey areas to strengthenwhen building strong conflict resolution skills, along withadditional recommended resourcesto continue developing this essential skill.

• Work on building effective communication skills:
  • Recommended resource:
    • (Product) Assertive Communication Worksheets for Teens

• Improve your young person/student goal-setting skills:
  • Resources:
    • (Blog Post) Smart Goals for Kids (Examples and Flashcards)
    • (Blog Post) Goal Setting Activities for Kids

• Work on social skills to support problem-solving in social contexts
  • Recommended resource:
    • (Product) Social Skills Worksheets for Teens

• Teach time management skills:
  • Resource:
    • (Blog Post)Time Management Tips and Activities

• Practice conflict resolution:
  • Recommended resource:
    • (Product) Conflict-Resolution Worksheets for Teens

• Improve kids’ organizational skills:
  • Resource:
    • (Blog Post) Organizational Activities for Kids

• Encourage a growth mindset that supports a problem-solving mindset.
  • Resources:
    • (Product)
    • (Blog Post)