Adulting Games & Life Skills Puzzles for Real-World Learning

Looking for a way to make teaching real-life skills a little more fun? Whether it’s sub day, testing day, or just one of those days, these printable games and puzzles have your back.

These aren’t fluff—they reinforce key transition and career readiness vocabulary, knowledge, and skills that students need for college decisions, job hunting, and beyond. No glitter. No group skits. Just real-life vocabulary and knowledge disguised as fun.


Classroom-Ready Games and Word Puzzles for Teaching Life Skills

Whether you’re working with high school students, adult learners, or supporting transition goals, these activities are flexible enough for just about any teaching situation. Use them to:

  • Reinforce essential life skills vocabulary

  • Add a purposeful sponge activity or brain break

  • Prep students for IEP meetings, job interviews, or financial literacy assessments

  • Fill time meaningfully on sub days, testing days, or before holiday breaks

These printable adulting games help students connect classroom learning to everyday life—without needing extra prep time from you.


What Kinds of Adulting Games Are These?

You’ll find two main types of life skills games and word puzzles:

🧩 Vocabulary Puzzle Sets

Each puzzle set includes:

  • A word search

  • A crossword puzzle (two versions: with and without a word bank)

  • A vocabulary sheet with student-friendly definitions

Topics include:

  • Postsecondary education and training

  • Employment and soft skills

  • Financial literacy (budgeting, credit, taxes, and more)

  • Independent living (housing, transportation, emergency preparedness)

Grid showing all life skills crossword puzzles and word searches

Interactive Classroom Games

Need something that gets students talking and thinking critically? Try:

  • Would You Rather? Adulting Edition – A fun, low-pressure way to spark conversations about real-life decisions

  • Adulting Game Show – A quiz-style classroom game with five categories: education, employment, housing, transportation, and finance. Great for review days or wrapping up a life skills unit.

  • Postsecondary Pathways Bingo – A free and easy icebreaker that helps students reflect on their goals, knowledge, and experiences related to college and careers. Perfect for back-to-school or transition planning.

Want a Free Sample?

Grab the Would You Rather? Adulting Edition sample to get started with zero commitment. It's an easy way to try it out and see how your students respond.


All Resources Available on TPT

All of these educational games and puzzles are available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store, and I’m always adding new ones. If there’s a topic you’re looking for, reach out—I may already have it, or I’d be happy to create it for you.

Looking to build out your life skills curriculum even more? You might also like: