If you’re just getting started, Hoyle’s 6 in 1 Fun Pack offers a little bit of everything to get your card game collection going. Turn off the screens and enjoy a night of friendly competition with these portable card games, perfect for home or travel.
The Best Card Games For Kids
For players ages 3 and up, the 6 in 1 Fun Pack introduces kids to classic card games. The highest-rated money card games for ages 8 and up are Cover Your Assets and Monopoly Deal. For a fast-paced card game, Sushi Go! is a high-rated game for ages 8 and up.
Hoyle 6 in 1 Fun Pack
The Hoyle 6 in 1 Fun Packis perfect for beginners looking to get a few card games under their belt. Appropriate for kids starting at age 3, this Fun Pack includes Old Maid, Memory, Go Fish, and Matching.
This is a great option if you have younger kids who want to be a part of game night. Take the whole pack with you on vacation for six different options, or pick and choose your favorites! Each game is only the size of a deck of cards, so it’s easy to pop one in your bag for instant fun.
All six games only need 2 players but can accommodate much more. You can complete a game in just 15 minutes, so it’s not a huge time and will keep little ones engaged without hitting a boredom level. Travel back into your childhood with these classic card games.
Pros
- 4 different games for tons of fun
- Starts at age 3
- Most games only require a 15 minute time commitment
Cons
- Cards are a little smaller than a regular deck of cards
- Only games for 2 players
Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3
Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3 is a fast-paced card game that can be completed in just 10 minutes! This is great for children starting at age 5 and can be played with 2-6 players.
The instructions are simple, on their turn, each player places cards from their hand into the discard pile following the pattern of red light, green light, 1,2,3. If you don’t have the card to continue the sequence your turn is over and you draw 1 card from the pile. If you do, play as many cards as you can that follow the pattern. The first person to have an empty hand wins the game!
This is easy to learn and a great way to reinforce repetition and patterns with young children. The game is only the size of a deck of cards, so it’s another great option for taking with you on trips. Because each game is quick it’s perfect while waiting at a restaurant or killing time in between activities.
Pros
- An easy game of sequence appropriate for kids starting at age 5
- Rounds last just about 10 minutes, quick and easy games that will keep younger children engaged
Cons
- Older kids might get bored quickly
Clue Card Game
The Clue Card Game is based on the classic mystery board game, but with a twist. Players need to find out what’s under the crime card – who did it, with what, and where – by asking other players questions.
This interactive game has case files and evidence cards that can be played to help solve the mystery. You need 3-4 players and only about a 15 minute time commitment. The game is only the size of a deck of cards, making it perfect for travel or visiting a friend’s house.
A quick-playing strategy game will get your kids thinking and keep them on their toes. Recommended for ages 8+, but younger players could still participate with support. If you like mystery and suspense, this is one of the best card games for kids to add to your rotation.
Pros
- Easy, portable, take on the classic game of Clue
- Great way to get kids thinking, asking questions, and piecing together the mystery
Cons
- Some players feel that the game ends too quickly for the setup involved
UNO Mario Kart
The UNO Mario Kart game is just the classic game of UNO set in the world of Mario Kart. The object is the same, to match cards by color or number in a race to empty your hand of cards. When you get down to your last card you must yell “UNO”!
If your kids are fans of Mario Kart, then they will love the iconic images on each card. The corner of every card has an item icon in the corner. Items include things from Mario Kart like a mushroom, banana peel, green shell, lightning, or a bomb. During normal play, the items don’t serve a purpose, until the Wild Item Box card is played. Once the Wild Item card is played the top card of the draw pile is flipped over and the player uses the item on that card. Each item has a different corresponding action.
This is a fun twist on UNO and would make a great gift idea. You can have 2-10 players making it perfect in a variety of different settings. Recommended starting at age 7, you’ll be able to sneak in some math skills like matching and numerical order.
Pros
- A fun collector item for kids, or adults, who love Mario Kart
- The Wild Item Cards add an extra element that typical UNO does not
- Range of 2-10 players allows for a variety of settings
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 7, harder for younger kids to be involved
Guess Who?
The Guess Who? game is a twist on the classic Guess Who? game. Just the size of a deck of cards, this is an easy way to travel with one of your favorite guessing games. Each player lays out their character cards in front of them and then picks a mystery card from the deck. Other players then ask yes or no questions to guess each other’s mystery characters, just like the classic Guess Who?
Perfect for younger kids, this game is easy for children starting as young as age 5. Probably appropriate for even younger kids with just a little bit of help. This is a game for just two players but games go pretty quickly so you won’t have to wait for long if you’re taking turns.
Pros
- Starting at age 5, this is a great beginner card game for younger players
- Games go quickly so you can play multiple rounds or take turns
Cons
- Only allows for two players at a time
Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt
Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt is a great family game that can be played both indoors and outdoors. The 35 Find and Seek cards and 2 Instruction cards come conveniently in a drawstring carrying case perfect for travel and storage.
Recommended for players starting at 3 years old, this is a great option for younger kids. Little kids can play through picture recognition while discovering nature and the world around them. There are 3 different ways to play, add a timer for even more of a challenge.
Stretch your little one’s brains as they search for items such as something round, something fuzzy, something hard, etc. Great for both indoors on a rainy day, or outside while exploring somewhere new. This is an ideal game for travel and is an ideal non-screen boredom buster.
Pros
- A unique interactive card game that is great for indoors or outdoors
- A great choice for traveling and exploring a new space
- 3 different ways to play, giving you options for when you need to mix it up
Cons
- Only has 35 cards, can go pretty quickly especially if you’re playing a speed round
Pictionary
Pictionary requires no drawing at all! Two teams are paired against each other with 56 clue cards and 88 picture cards. Each team races to act out clues for their team using charade-style gestures and the images on their picture cards.
There is no limit on how many players per team, so this is great for large groups. As with any charades-style guessing game, there are sure to be peels of laughter. Recommended for children starting at age 8, this would be a fun party game for older kids. If you don’t think your drawing skills are the best, this is a great way to still enjoy Pictionary!
Pros
- 2 teams, no limit on how many people can play, great for a variety of settings
- Enjoy the fun of Pictionary without worrying about your drawing skills!
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 8, harder for younger kids to be involved
War
The War card game is your classic game of War, but with adorable illustrations of Dogs and Cats that kids can easily identify. This is a game for just 2 players and recommended for children starting at age 6. Each player receives half the deck, 26 cards. At the same time players turn over the card on the top of their deck, the player with the highest card takes both and places them at the bottom of their deck. The game is over when one player has won all the 52 cards.
While War can easily be played with a regular deck of cards, the adorable dog and cat cartoons will make it that much more fun for little ones. This game contains all the cards that come in a regular deck, so it can also be used for additional card games at any time. Toss it in your bag and you can play any of the best card games for kids at a moment’s notice.
Pros
- Your classic game of War with fun Dog and Cat themed cartoon cards
- Recommended starting at age 6, younger kids can easily participate with a little bit of support
Cons
- Only two players can play at one one
Rat-a-Tat Cat
Rat-a-Tat Cat is a game of suspense, strategy and anticipation. Geared towards children ages 6+, you can play with 2-6 players and expect each game to last about 20 minutes in length.
The object is to get rid of the rats and go for the cats! Unlike other games, less is more in Rat-a-Tat Cat, and you want to end the game with the lowest score. Sharp memory and good timing will serve you well in this exciting game, and a poker face helps, too! Parents will love that this game helps enforce mathematical concepts. Kids will be on the edge of their seats trying to develop a strategy without giving away their hands.
This is fun for all ages, making it a great card game for family game nights or play dates with friends. With a little bit of guidance, children younger than 6 can easily participate.
Pros
- Great for kids starting at age 6, memory and timing are reinforced
- Games go by fast, anywhere from 10-20 minutes
Cons
- Can get boring for older kids/adults after a few rounds, some players prefer to make up their own rules to make it more challenging
Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is easy to learn, pick and pass card game geared towards older kids starting at age 8. Relying on strategy and probability, this game is fast-paced and you’re looking to get the biggest score.
If your kids are into sushi, they’ll love these cards. Perfect for 2-5 players, everyone picks a card at the same time. Then you quickly pass hands to the left as you try and grab the best combination of sushi dishes before they fly by. If you score the most points after 3 rounds, you’re the winner!
If you end up loving Sushi Go!, and we’re confident you will, you can also check out Sushi Go Party! a deluxe version meant for up the 8 players. Or check out Sushi Roll! a hilarious and fun dice game. All three are small and compact and would make the perfect addition to a vacation or travel event. You don’t have to love sushi for this game to be fun, but you might walk away with a craving for some nigiri or sashimi after making the best combinations.
Pros
- Get ready to quickly work on reflexes and memory!
- Fun for up to 5 players, works well in various settings
- 2 other games are available, Sushi Go Party! and Sushi Roll! if you want to keep playing
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 7, harder for younger kids to be involved
Family Feud Strikeout
The Family Feud Strikeout is a great way to bring your favorite show into the home. Recommended for older children starting at age 10, this is best played with 3-10 players. The game is easy to play but does require some strategy and luck.
Similar to the game show, once a survey card is picked it’s your job to try and guess the top answers before you get a strike. Once you hit a strike it jumps over to the opposing team. But it doesn’t end there, if they strike then it’s back to you! Battle back and forth until somebody completes the card, of you strike out three times. This set comes with 102 survey cards, so you won’t run out of new choices for quite a while.
The size of a deck of cards, this would be a fun game to take with you on a trip or even play during a car ride. If you’re with competitive friends or family get ready to put your brains to the test and battle it out to the end!
Pros
- Allows up to 10 players, great for parties or large families
- If you and your kids have a competitive streak, this is the game for you! Bring the game show into your house for game night
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 1o, harder for younger kids to be involved
Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets
Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets is a game all about money, will you be the first millionaire? Recommended starting at age 7, this game is best played with 4-7 players making it a perfect game night addition. Nobody will feel left out and you won’t have to sit around waiting for your turn.
The object is to cover your assets, steal the other players, and be the first to make it to 1 million. This game is fast-paced and competitive. Most hands can be played in 10-15 minutes. Just when you think you’re winning someone might steal your assets, so be on the lookout! This is an awesome intergenerational game, we would definitely recommend it for a family vacation game night!
Pros
- Rounds last just 10-15 minutes, but you won’t want to stop after just one!
- Fun for older kids, teens, and adults, the whole family will want to join in
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 7, harder for younger kids to be involved
Monopoly Deal
Monopoly Deal is a great way to engage in the Classic game of Monopoly without the time commitment that comes with the full board game version. Recommended starting at age 8, you can play with 2-5 players. The more players you add, the longer the game gets. You can complete one round in just 15 minutes with 2 players, or closer to 45 minutes with all 5.
The object is to be the first to collect 3 full property sets of different colors. Pick cards when it’s your turn, and play various action cards to charge other player’s rent. You can also steal other player’s cards and demand money for your birthday!
This game is a little bit more involved, so not necessarily a beginner card game. However, once kids get the hang of it, it can be addicting! If you’re traveling or don’t want to commit to a full game of Monopoly, this still gives you the opportunity to buy, trade, sell and stack cash!
Pros
- The fun of the classic Monopoly Game without all the pieces and time commitment
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 8, harder for younger kids to be involved
- Length of the game varies by how many people are playing
The Best Silly Card Games For Kids
Exploding Kittens and Taco vs Burrito are the highest-rated card games for kids ages 7 and up. What Do You Meme? and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (a fast-paced game) are both highly popular for kids ages 8 and up. Finally, for kids ages 10 and up, Kids Against Maturity is a kid-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.
Taco Vs. Burrito
Taco Vs. Burrito is one of the best card games for kids because it was created by a kid! Designed by 7-year-old Alex, Taco Vs. Burrito is perfect for kids ages 7+ and is best played with 2-4 players. It takes only 3 minutes to learn, and 15 minutes to play, quick and easy!
Love a food fight? Here’s a mess-free way to enjoy! Each player starts with 5 cards, ingredient cards are worth different points. Players add ingredients to their Taco or Burrito looking to increase their points. However, you can decrease player’s points with a Tummy Ache card, double your points by adding hot sauce, or start a food fight where you battle it out! Additional wild cards are thrown into the mix to keep things interesting.
You’ll need to figure out a good strategy, and there are 5 different ways to play so once you think you have it figured out, mix it up to keep things interesting! Designed for kids, but fun for teens and adults too! This would make a great addition to your card game arsenal.
Pros
- Designed by Alex, a 7-year-old, guaranteed to be a great game for other kids
- Enjoy a good old-fashioned food fight, without all the mess!
- 3 minutes to learn, 15 minutes to play, a quick and easy choice
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 7, harder for younger kids to be involved
Abandon All Artichokes
Abandon All Artichokes is a funny card game geared towards older kids, starting at age 10. Exactly as the name states, the object is to get rid of all your artichoke cards and fill your hand with other vegetables. Coming in an artichoke-shaped tin, this is a whimsical game that will appeal to kids.
You start each round off with a hand full of just artichoke cards, the first player to harvest helpful vegetables and get rid of all the artichokes will win. Each vegetable card has a special power that lets you swap, discard, or compost cards. Players will rely on luck, strategy, and a green thumb to get your garden flourishing. Recommended for 2-4 players, each game can be completed in about 20 minutes.
Pros
- Whimsical card game for older kids
- Whether you like to garden, or not, harvesting vegetables with special powers will keep kids on the edge of their seats
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 10, harder for younger kids to be involved
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza is as funny as it sounds. This is at the top of our list for best card games for kids, it’s widely popular so we know thousands of others agree with us!
Recommended for kids starting at age 8, this is best played with 3-8 players. It only takes 1 minute to learn, and about 10-15 minutes to complete. It’s fast-paced and quick, but players younger than 8 could easily participate with a little bit of guidance.
A card slapping game that is certain to elicit some huge laughs. Pass out all the cards and keep them face down. Everyone takes turns flipping a card face up in the middle of the table while saying “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza”, one word per card placed down. If the picture on the card you flip matches what you say, quickly slap the pile of cards. The last to place their hand on the pile must take all the cards and add them to their stack. There are 3 wild cards included that will give you an advantage if you’re reflexes are quick!
Definitely not just for kids, this game is going to get everyone laughing! Rounds are quick, so we know you won’t want to stop after just one. Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza is the size of a deck of cards, so throw them into your bag for fun on the go anywhere you are. Newer to the market, but high on our suggestion list for best card games for kids.
Pros
- Only takes 1 minute to learn, 10-15 minutes to play
- Fun for older kids, teens, and adults
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 8, harder for younger kids to be involved
What Do You Meme? Family Edition
What do What Do You Meme? is a family-friendly version of the hilarious Meme game. Recommended starting at age 8+, this is best played with at least 3 players, but there really is no limit to how many can play. Perfect for a party or game night, everyone can feel included without having to wait around for a turn.
One photo card is played for each round, and players compete to create the funniest meme by playing their best caption card. Each round the judge rotates, so you’ll have a better chance at winning by playing to the judge’s sense of humor. With 300 caption cards and 65 photocards, there is an endless amount of combinations and no limit to the laughter.
A good, clean way to take a technology break, and engage as a family or group of friends. This game is definitely going to have you wiping your tears away when the pictures themselves are funny. This one ranks high on our list of best card games for kids, we think you’ll agree!
Pros
- Family-friendly humor that’s definitely going to get the laughter going
- Each player has a chance to be the “judge”, so you get a chance to tailor towards their sense of humor
- No limit on how many players can play, perfect for large crowds
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 8, harder for younger kids to be involved
Kids Against Maturity
The Kids Against Maturity card game is sure to elicit lots of giggles and laughs. Age-appropriate toilet humor and funny innuendos for adults make it enjoyable for all ages. On the mature side, this game is recommended for ages 8+ and is sure to be a hit with pre-teens, teens, and adults alike. If your children are on the younger side it is recommended that you review cards and remove anything you don’t approve of.
There are over 500 Q+A cards, you will have no shortage of choices throughout a whole game. Recommended for at least 4 players, but plenty of opportunity for more than that. Each player has 10 white answer cards and takes turns asking the blue question cards. Each question asker chooses the answer they feel is the funniest. The player with the most chosen cards wins! You can decide what number to work up to, resulting in a game typically lasting between 30-90 minutes.
An excellent choice for a game night for older kids and families who are ready for a screen break. The game itself is fairly compact and easy to travel with or pull out at the last minute since no other materials are needed. Get ready for some good old-fashioned laughs.
Pros
- 500 Q+A cards, you’ll be able to play for a long time without any repeats
- No limit on how many players can play, great for a variety of different settings
Cons
- On the mature side, recommended that parents review cards and remove anything they don’t approve of prior to playing
- Recommended starting at age 8, harder for younger kids to be involved
Slamwich
Slamwich is a fast-paced card flipping game. Recommended for children starting at age 6 and best played with 2-6 players.
The deck of cards is cut to look like slices of bread. Once the cards are dealt, players flip their top card into a central pile, and then it’s a race to slap the pile. Instructions identify 4 different scenarios where you want to slap the pile, as well as wild cards. If you’re the first with your hand on the pile you collect the cards underneath.
The object is to be the first player to collect all of the sandwich cards. It is a slap-jack-style game with a little bit of memory involved. Kids will work on real-time skills, pattern recognition, and cat-like reflexes. Great for groups and all ages, this would make a nice addition to your collection of kids’ card games.
Pros
- Great “war” style game for 2-6 players starting at age 6
- Quick and easy to learn how to play
Cons
- Kids sized cards make them fairly small for adults who might want to play along
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a highly rated card game that has sold over 9 million copies! This is a great beginner strategy game recommended for children starting at age 7. It only takes 5 minutes to learn, 15 minutes to play, and is perfect for 2-5 players.
Described as a “kitty-powered version of Roulette.” You take turns drawing cards until someone explodes! The goal is to avoid exploding by playing defuse cards or other wild cards. If your kids like kittens, explosions, laser beams, and more, this is the game for them. Each round is pretty quick, but chances are you won’t want to stop after just one. Kids, teens, and parents will be entertained during a face-paced game night.
Pros
- Beginner game of strategy only takes 5 minutes to learn and 15 minutes to play
- Entertaining for older kids, teens, and adults
Cons
- Recommended starting at age 7, harder for younger kids to be involved
Card Games for Kids Comparison Table
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Kids Against Maturity | 9.9 | 9.2 | 19.99 |
| Taco Vs. Burrito | 9.9 | 9.0 | 19.99 |
| Exploding Kittens | 9.9 | 9.4 | 17.90 |
| Grandpa Beck's Cover Your Assets | 9.9 | 9.8 | 16.99 |
| What Do You Meme? Family Edition | 9.9 | 9.2 | 14.37 |
| Rat-a-Tat Cat | 9.8 | 9.6 | 11.99 |
| Abandon All Artichokes | 8.7 | 9.0 | 11.90 |
| Hoyle 6 in 1 Fun Pack | 8.3 | 9.4 | 11.04 |
| Family Feud Strikeout | 6.0 | 9.0 | 10.99 |
| Slamwich | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.99 |
| UNO Mario Kart | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.98 |
| Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt | 9.9 | 8.8 | 9.96 |
| Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza | 9.9 | 9.6 | 9.84 |
| Sushi Go! | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.59 |
| Monopoly Deal | 9.9 | 9.6 | 7.89 |
| Hoyle 4 in 1 Fun Pack | - | 9.2 | 7.36 |
| Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3 | 9.7 | 9.0 | 7.34 |
| Pictionary | 6.7 | 9.0 | 6.99 |
| Guess Who? | 9.9 | 9.4 | 5.00 |
| Clue Card Game | 7.6 | 9.0 | - |
| War | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
How We Selected Card Games For Kids
Size and Storage
We know that storage becomes an issue when you have kid’s toys everywhere. We love that most of these best card games for kids are the size of a deck of cards, they are easy to store and take with you when traveling.
Unlike board games, card games don’t require pieces that can get lost or extra pieces, making them ideal for tucking away and pulling out to play over and over again.
Games for All Ages
We looked for games that can accommodate a range of ages.
Because we know that you, as parents, will likely end up spending time playing with your kids we researched games that would be fun for everyone. Easy-to-understand games work well for younger kids, but they don’t have to be limited to just kids. You might find yourself pulling out some of these card games even when your kids aren’t around!
Games that are fun for all ages will give you years of entertainment and limitless fun.
FAQs – Card Games For Kids
What is the easiest card game to play?
Basic card games such as Go Fish, Old Maid, and War are all easy card games to play. If you don’t have the official game, a regular deck of cards can be used. Typically children as young as age 3 can learn these games but may need a little bit of support learning number order. Involving basic skills such as matching, and very basic math, these card games are great for reinforcing learning skills as well.
How much of a time commitment are card games?
This obviously will vary based on the game, many card games are fast-paced and over in just 10-15 minutes. Because most games are small and compact and over quickly, they are perfect for killing time in between activities, waiting for food at a restaurant, or a quick rainy day activity. The more players you have can extend the game time, and most are so fun you won’t want to stop after just one round. Expect to spend a minimum of 15 minutes, but upwards of an hour playing your favorite card games!
