The Best Card Games for Kids
Time to take family game night to a new level? Card games are a timeless way to connect as a family. And while there's something to be said for old favorites, there are certainly a number of fantastic updates as well. From the silliest round of flying burritos to a slap-happy game of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, we've got some favorites here for you below. So if you're looking to upgrade your game closet, here's a great starting point.
Mattel Games UNO Family Card Game
The classic card game
This family classic comes as a complete set, with cards that come in their own stylish and durable tin carrying box. But although the game is still played the same and has gone virtually unchanged since its invention, there is a fun update here: you can completely customize the wild cards. Perfect for travel, we love that this game allows for game night, whether you’re visiting relatives, camping, or spending an evening at home together. In a world of constant updates, we’re grateful that this family classic has remained virtually the same.
Pros:
- Durable tin case for travel and easy storage
- Includes instructions
- Ideal for kids seven and up
Cons:
- The tin is larger than it needs to be
- The cards are thinner than the original
What Do You Meme? Incohearent Family Edition
If you’ve ever played the game of telephone, you already know how quickly gibberish can be interpreted into wildly different meanings. With the Incohearent Family Edition from What Do You Meme, you and up to 20 players get to try to interpret gibberish expressions to discover their true meanings. It’s a total blast and is a sure-fire way to get everyone saying goofy expressions out loud. Hilarious misunderstandings help to make this a great option for your next family reunion.
Pros:
- Includes 500 cards, instructions, and a sand timer
- Dual-sided cards, with an answer key on one side and the other complete gibberish
- Excellent for families with teens
Cons:
- It’s easy to remember the gibberish and what it stands for
- Does contain pop culture, so not always appropriate for all family members
Zygomatic Spot It! Classic
Five ways to play
For building upon the development of visual perception, Spot It! is a card game for the whole family. Including 55 cards in a handy storage tin, this game helps to develop important skills, including fine motor skills, speech-language skills, and social-emotional regulation. And the best part? There’s no room for boredom – this game can be played in five different fantastically fun ways.
Pros:
- Small tin that’s great for travel
- Five different games that are appropriate for a wide range of ages
- Simple, straightforward rules
Cons:
- The quality of the card stock is on the lower end
- The cards are large and a bit awkward for small hands to hold
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens
Heads up
Combining the fun of cards with the hilarity of dodging burritos, this active card game is a must for your next family game night. The card part is simple – just try and match sets of cards faster than your opponents – but throw in a couple of burritos, and suddenly this game takes on a whole new level of skill. Appropriate for ages seven and up, with two to six players, this game is a blast for playing outside with the neighbors, too. The only thing we will say? Things can escalate pretty quickly, so make sure to clear the room of valuables for the most fun imaginable.
Pros:
- Great for encouraging active play
- Made of soft foam
- Easy to learn
Cons:
- The burritos aren’t the most durable
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Fun for the road
Just like its name suggests, this game makes simple words fun. Not just for older kiddos, either, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a whole family favorite. Super approachable with rules that are quick to learn, we love that the cards are small, come in a handy box, and can be slipped in the purse for playing anywhere the mood strikes. The object? Quickly slapping one of the words with the goal in mind of getting rid of all of your cards. It sounds simple, but it’s loads of fun and highly addicting.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly size
- Simple, all-age appropriate rules
- Fast paced game for a quick and easy boredom buster
Cons:
- This game can take awhile to complete
- The cards are tricky to shuffle
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good age for a card game?
While this totally depends on the type of game being played, the typical card game is appropriate starting around five years. Again, this depends on both the game being played as well as your own child’s development, but there are ways in which to tailor card games to suit the needs of everyone playing. If you have youngsters in your family, aim for simpler, more straightforward options. As they develop, they’ll be able to play harder games.
What’s the importance of playing card games?
Card games are a wonderful addition to family game night. But did you know that card games also teach important skills? It’s true. Touching on both math and memory skills, card games also teach strategic thinking, as well as social-emotional regulation and skill building.
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