Best Card Games To Play With Kids
Family traditions vary greatly from one family to another, but one thing that is universally valued is the opportunity to bond with loved ones. Playing games together is a great way to do this. To help you choose some great games for your next family gathering, we tested a range of card games. Our selection includes both timeless classics that have been enjoyed by families for years, as well as fresh and exciting new arrivals that may take a few rounds to master. There is something for every gaming enthusiast on our list.
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Kids Favorite Card Games:
GO Fish!
umber of players: 3+
Age: 3+
Let's get started! First, choose someone to be the dealer. If you have three players, each player gets seven cards. If there are more players, deal five cards each. The remaining cards are placed face down in a pile called the 'fish pond.'
Players organize their cards into sets of the same number or same animal without showing anyone. The player to the left of the dealer goes first, asking another player for cards they need to match their hand. For example, if they have two dolphins, they ask for dolphins.
If the other player has those cards, they give them over. The requester keeps asking the same player for more cards until they don't have anymore. If the player doesn't have the right cards, they say, "Go fish," and the requester picks a card from the fish pond. Then, it's the player's turn who said "Go fish" to ask for cards.
In this game, the goal is to collect four cards of the same number or animal. Once someone has four matching cards, they place them face down in front of themselves. The winner is the player with the most sets at the end.
UNO
Number of players: 2+
Age: 7+
Uno is a timeless card game that has been a favorite of many households, including ours. It is easy to learn and suitable for players of most ages. The objective of the game is to match numbers and colors to discard your cards, but players should be careful of action cards that can shake up the game. The ultimate goal is to be the first one to empty your hand, but remember to shout "uno" when you're down to just one card!
Spot It!
Number of players: 2+
Age: 4+
In the game "Spot It!", the objective is to find the matching symbol between two cards. Each card consists of identical symbols in shape and color, differing only in their size. Every pair of cards has one matching symbol, making it an ideal choice for quick mini-games.
To begin the game, deal one card face down to each player so that the symbols remain hidden. Then, place the remaining cards face up in the center of the table, allowing everyone to see the symbols. To start the game, each player looks at their card and tries to find the matching symbol on their card and the one in the middle. When they spot it, they call out the symbol and grab the card. Then, put the card on top of the first card, so now you have a new card with new symbols, and the process still repeats.
The person with the most cards wins. There are many Spot It games with different themes. For younger kids, I recommend Spot It with animals, as it is easier for them to remember the names of the animals and shout them.
War
Number of players: 2+
Age: 4+
War is a card game that can help children learn about numbers by teaching them how to compare which one is bigger or smaller. It's a fast-paced and enjoyable game with a deck that is designed to be easy for small hands to handle.
The game starts by distributing every card from the deck to the players; the cards are face down on their pile. When playing the game, each player simultaneously flips over a card from their pile, and whoever has the higher number wins the round. That means he takes the flipped cards.
The player with all the cards wins; if it takes too long, the player with the most cards wins.
Memory
Number of players: 1+
Age: 4+
Memory is a simple game in which cards are placed face down, and players take turns flipping two cards at a time to find matching pairs. The goal is to remember where each card is and pair them up. You can play with any number of players or by yourself. This game is best played with the classic Standard 52-card deck.
Exploding Kittens
Number of players: 1+
Age: 7+
If you're looking for an exciting game to play after dinner, I highly recommend Exploding Kittens. It's similar to Russian roulette, but instead of using a gun, players avoid exploding kittens. Defuser cards can be used to stay safe, while strategic movement and avoidance cards add to the excitement. The game is fast-paced and intense, making it perfect for a quick 15-minute game with two or more players.
5 Second Rule
Number of players: 3+
Age: 10+
Get ready to think fast! In this question-and-answer game, you've only got five seconds to say whatever comes to mind. It's a hilarious challenge that might leave you flustered or sharing some surprising secrets. It's all about quick thinking and lots of laughs!