Let’s welcome card games for kids (that you will actually enjoy) into the group chat because my ten and twelve-year-olds cannot get enough. Go Fish and Old Maid had their day, but now we are making space for card games that go well beyond the classic ones. I am here to dedicate some space on Days with Grey to help you narrow your search for card games the whole family will enjoy this holiday season. (Because who doesn’t love a new card game in their stocking?!)
Quick Pro Tip
Any time we purchase a new board game or card game, we head directly to the brand’s site to watch a how-to video. How-to videos are also found on the Amazon product page.
Would you rather scan my Amazon storefront? Here is my storefront collection of different card games for kids.
TOYS FOR 2025
Gah, these toys are the best. UPDATED for 2025. These are the best toys for kids.
Card games you’ll actually enjoy playing
Card games have become one of my favorite ways to spend quality time with my tween boys. I often play for ten minutes with my oldest before bedtime. I couldn’t pick a favorite two-player game if you asked me to, because there are so many simple card games here that help us unwind after a long day.
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Brick Like This!
I saw this game at Barnes and Noble and was intrigued. Turns out, it’s a lot of fun! The first player picks a card and doesn’t show it to the other player. Next, you must explain to them what they need and how to build it. The clause cards throw in extra challenges. (Example: only use your right hand, keep both hands touching the table, or do it with your eyes closed.) This is not your regular deck of cards!
Sleeping Queens
Have you played Sleeping Queens? This is one of our all-time favorite card games for kids! It was on repeat at our house last year. Try to collect the queen cards to win and use the discard pile to eliminate what you do not need. (Even more fun to know that this game was created by a six-year-old!)
UNO No Mercy
Kids either loooooove this fun game or hate this game, depending on their luck. Show no mercy to your opponent as they continue to gather more and more cards. Uno card games were like, you know what? We are going to level up by creating a game full of wild cards, and the kids are all in.
Taco Vs. Burrito
Taco or burrito? Which do you choose? This easy to learn card game was created by a seven-year-old and gets everyone laughing as they pick cards and fill their tacos.
3,2,1 Pinata
A follower reached out to me to share the game her family came up with, so I decided to order it and try it out for this list. Guess what? It is so much fun! This card game is a clever way for kids to practice mental math and is excellent for first to fourth grade. (Older, too! I had a blast.)
Sussed?
Sussed? is a game where one player reads a situation and places a card down to answer how they would handle it. It is up to the other players to guess what they would have said. It bears a close resemblance to Would You Rather, only with more options.
Slapzi
Slapzi is a fast-paced category game in which each team has a collection of cards. A player shares a category, and you must be the first to slap down a card that falls within that category. Examples include “Something that grows” and “Something that has legs”.
Selfish
My almost twelve-year-old brought this game home and has been playing nonstop with his friends. In this case, you want to be selfish and play your cards strategically to be the first one to make it to the spaceship before the end of the game, leaving the others behind. (The ultimate goal of the game.) It screams tween in the most playful way!
Piles!
I played Piles! at the New York Toy Fair with the designers, and we were in hysterics. It is a fast-paced game that involves gathering similar items into different categories. You create themed decks, such as cards with all jackets or bathing suits. Younger kids can play at a slower pace, finding matching pairs.
Phase 10
Playing cards is anything but boring, and Phase 10 makes an excellent gift for the long winter days ahead. Here, you want to be the first player to finish all ten phases as you pick new cards and attempt a different challenge each round.
I Know…You Don’t
Dolphin Hat Games has a new card game! Only this time, it is geared toward older children. Here, you pick a secret pattern from the deck of cards. Your opponents (3 total players) take turns placing cards down one at a time to see if they match the secret pattern. Pay close attention to what gets approved to take a guess and win!
Flip 7
If the classic game of Blackjack were to add more cards, this would be it. Here, you are racing to 200 but cannot bust before doing so. This is a fun card game for older kids.
Elimino
Family game night just got a lot more exciting because Elimino is on! Players need to pick and eliminate cards to get a sequence of numbers 1-8. And you know it! Many task cards create twists and turns along the way.
Bing! Bang! Boom!
Simple games are the best, and Dolphin Hat nails this every time! (They have so many popular card games.) This is an easy, super fun card game where you make matches. An excellent choice for 2-6 players.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens has some interesting and mature humor, but it has also been a big hit with my nine- and almost 11-year-olds. It is a fast-paced trading card game.
First to Worst
Ever wonder if your friend enjoys cupcakes more than Mario Kart? Now you can find out! The first person picks a collection of five cards and reads them. They then place each card face down, and friends need to guess how you rate them. (The After Dark Expansion Kit that comes with this is not for kids
Okay, so who is ready to have endless fun? Is it your first time trying a new game? Let me know in the comments below!
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