Matching and Memory Games for Kids

This subcategory groups printable games by the kind of thinking and matching your child practises. Shadow Matching Worksheets ask children to connect an object with its outline. Picture Matching Worksheets use familiar pictures, while the Memory Card Game gives children a simple turn-taking activity. Opposites Matching Game pages pair ideas such as big and small. I Spy Worksheets invite children to find and match pictures or objects. Start with the topic that suits your child, then move to another type when they are ready for a fresh challenge.

For a two or three-year-old, begin with a few clear picture pairs and talk about colour, shape and name. Shadow matching can follow once your child can recognise familiar objects. Children aged four to six may enjoy more pairs, smaller pictures or opposites such as hot and cold, open and closed. Give one page at a time and cover extra choices if the sheet feels busy. For an easier activity, match together. For a harder one, ask your child to explain why two pictures belong together or remember card positions.

At home, print a matching page for a quiet table activity and keep the cards in an envelope after cutting them out. Play the Memory Card Game with two or three pairs first, placing the cards face down and taking turns to find a pair. In class, use picture cards for partner work or a small-group centre. Ask children to name each picture before matching it. You can also place I Spy Worksheets on a clipboard for a short observation task, then invite children to circle, colour or say what they found.

Choose a topic page, open the printable you want, and download the PDF using your free EarlyActivity account. Free accounts can download up to 20 printables a day. The files are sized for A4 and US Letter paper. Select Actual size, or 100%, in your printer settings so the pictures keep their intended size. Print on ordinary paper for worksheets. For cards, you can use thicker paper if your printer accepts it, then cut along the lines. Printables are for use at home or in your own classroom and may not be shared or resold.