Fun & Free Online Games for a Bit of Brain Down-Time
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Sometimes, when my brain feels a bit fried (which is more often than I’d like!) and the to-do list isn’t getting any shorter, I find myself craving something mindless-but-not-too-mindless — something that gives me a little focus without requiring too much energy.
Something to do while having a cuppa that isn’t just doom scrolling Facebook endlessly.
So I’ve been playing some little online games — normally I’m a sudoku or Wordle-on-my-phone kinda girl, but my kids are always stealing my laptop to play games, so I thought I’d have a go too.
And actually… these browser games weirdly manage to be both relaxing and addictive at the same time. I keep losing track of time playing them. Oops.
Here are a few I’ve tried.
Tap Tap Shots
This one completely got me. The concept is beyond simple — tap to try and get a basketball into the hoop before the timer runs out — but the timing has to be just right. It starts off feeling easy, then suddenly the hoop’s moving, the ball’s bouncing too high, and I’m swearing under my breath because I’ve missed it again.
I keep telling myself I’ll play one more round… then have three more “just one more tries”. It’s that kind of game. I’m ashamed to admit my high score is still only 20. But I will beat it!
It reminds me of one I used to have on my phone years ago, where you had to flick a crumpled paper ball into a bin — I used to get totally caught up in that too.
Wanna try it? Here’s the link: Try Tap Tap shots for yourself
Happy Filled Glass 2
This one is a little logic puzzle where you draw lines to guide water into a smiley-faced glass. It’s part puzzle, part physics, and part “I’ll just do one more level while the kettle boils.” The glass gives you a happy face when you win — which is cute. Check out Happy Filled Glass here.
Papa’s Burgeria
Papa’s Burgeria is a classic multitasking time-management game. You take customer orders, grill patties, assemble the burgers exactly how they want them, and try to keep everyone happy. It’s low-stakes chaos, and actually quite satisfying when you start getting everything timed just right. Although, it did make me fancy a cheeseburger.
Low-effort fun
What I enjoy about these kinds of games is that they’re kinda like bite-sized brain breaks. They don’t need huge concentration or time commitment, but they still can help you relax or switch off for a little bit— which, on a busy day, is sometimes exactly what I need.
If these style of games aren’t for you, there are loads of other genres too — memory games, jigsaws, card puzzles, even classic arcade-style games — so it’s easy to find something that matches your mood. You can find load on CulinarySchools.org.
They’re great for kids too. Actually, I think they are meant to be for kids (shh!) so if you need a screen time option that doesn’t involve a million YouTube ads or weird unboxing videos, it’s worth having bookmarked. I let my youngest try some and they were very proud of themselves for beating me. (Which I totally let them do. Obviously.)
Honestly, if you’re after a little fun that’s low effort and actually satisfying, give a couple of these a go. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly realise you’ve missed bedtime cos you’re trying to beat your own Tap Tap score.
