Optical Illusions
Free Games & Activities
for Kids
Optical Illusions occur when our brain is trying to interpret what we see and make sense of the world around us, and it guesses wrong. These optical illusions can use color, light and patterns to create images that can be deceptive or misleading to our brains. The information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain creating a perception that in reality does not match what is really happening. These illusions occur because our brain can only work with information I was and tries to interpret what we see and make sense of the world around us in real time. Our brain can be tricked into seeing things which may not be real.
In the links below with examples of optical illusions, if you don't see it move, focus your eyes on one spot. It's pretty amazing!
Optical Illusion Games
Can you guess what's going on?
Are the Lines Horizontal or Straight Optical Illusions
Professor Akiyoski's illusion pages
Lots and lots and lots of illusions
The blind spot - Making colors appear using only black and white
Can you answer these questions about the illusions you think you see? (Bet you'll be wrong!)
Optical Illusions from the Weather Wiz
Tease Your Brain (Exploratorium)
Optical Illusions (Michael Bach)