Card games for kids
Looking for fun, new activities for the kids? If they already have plenty of board games and video games, consider picking up a few card games that will challenge and engage them.
Classic card games, like Go Fish and Old Maid, are popular kid-friendly options — but they’re far from the only ones. There are now dozens of card games on the market, ranging from simplified versions of board games to rip-roaring challenges with lightning-fast speed rounds.
What to know before you buy card games for kids
What is a card game?
A card game is just that: A game with cards as the central playing device. Although many board games involve cards, traditional card games typically forgo game boards, die and other pieces.
By design, card games are rather space-savvy and portable. This makes them a top choice for travel and road trip play. As an added bonus, most card games are affordable.
What to consider when buying a card game
Recommended age range
Some card games are best suited for younger kids or older kids. A number of variables determines the recommended age:
Complexity of rules and gameplay
How much independent reading is involved
Length of games or rounds
Maturity of content
Parents may find the recommended ages listed on a card game to be vague or confusing. Unlike video games, card games for kids don’t always list an explanation of why a game is appropriate for a certain audience.
Read in-depth product information and reviews for any card game before you make a purchase to determine if it is right for your kids.
Number of players
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Few card games for kids are single-player, with most designed for two or more players. Many games allow up to eight players, and some games can accommodate more than that with larger decks or expansion packs.
Card game accessories
Card games for kids don’t require any game pieces or equipment, but you may want to consider some accessories to make gameplay more fun or convenient:
Classic playing cards, like this Bicycle set, work for a variety of games. In between games, kids can even use them for magic tricks or building card houses.
Folding card tables come in handy not just for card games, but also for board games, puzzles, projects and LEGO builds. A folding table creates more space but also can be stored away when not in use, which makes it an essential investment for all kinds of recreation.
Card shufflers make sure cards aren’t repeated. This is a worthwhile purchase for any card-based game, especially those with several hundred cards per deck.
Some kids benefit from using playing card holders or racks. In addition to eliminating the need to hold onto cards, a rack displays cards so each one is fully visible to the player.
Best card games for kids of 2021
Looking to invest in a few card games? From educational card games to ones suitable for all-ages, here are some of the best card games on the market:
Best classic card games for kids
UNO Family Card Game: available at Amazon
This version of the classic game, which calls for strategy and snap decision-making, includes 112 cards in a collectible tin. UNO is designed for two or more players aged 7 and older. The cards are well-made and will last through years of use.
Guess Who? Card Game: available at Amazon
Take a favorite board game on the road with its compact card version. In this version, two players challenge each other to find out their opponent’s Mystery Character by using only yes or no questions.
Hoyle 6-in1 Fun Pack: available at Amazon
Hoyle’s kid-friendly card set offers an ideal introduction to six popular card games, from Crazy Eights to Slap Jacket. Each game takes 15 minutes or less, making the set popular for on-the-go play.
Best educational cards games
Guess in 10 Animal Planet: available at Amazon
Kids get to flex their critical thinking and communication skills to guess an animal in 10 guesses or fewer. The cards feature vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly infographics.
Quiddler Word Game: available at Amazon
Often played in Grade 2 classrooms and above, this game exercises spelling and vocabulary skills. The average game lasts 35 minutes and accommodates up to eight players.
Swish: available at Amazon
Swish was nominated for Toy of the Year 2012, but it holds up for 2021. The lively card game challenges players’ spatial intelligence and is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Smack It!: available at Amazon
This card game is fast-moving and typically involves a lot of laughs and a bit of sweat. It reinforces beginner math skills, like number recognition and comparison.
Best card games for all-ages play
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Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt: available at Amazon
This indoor/outdoor scavenger hunt game, which can be played three ways, invites kids to search the world around them to find items that match a card’s description. Non-readers can also enjoy playing it through picture recognition.
Cover Your Assets: available at Amazon
A simple yet engaging strategy game, “Cover Your Assets” pits players against one another in a race to a million dollars. The card game, which boosts mental math skills, has easy-to-follow rules.
Kids Against Maturity: available at Amazon
The kids’ version of a popular adult card game is still plenty funny with puns, toilet humor and other silly cards. The deck includes 500 cards, and there’s no limit to the number of players.
What Do You Meme? Family Edition: available at Amazon
Enjoy memes and pop culture on a new level with this hilarious card game, now suitable for ages 8 and older. The photo and caption cards will keep players laughing throughout the game.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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