Kids Card Games

Always have a deck on hand to play any number of kids card games. Some of our favorites need a certain deck to play, while others can be played with any old regular deck. We put a “*” next to those card games for children requiring a special deck.

If you are trying to think of some old stand-by's that you played as a kid, or looking for something new, here is a list to get you started:

*Apples to Apples - This is a great group game for 4 to 10 players. Simply put, the judge (everyone gets to be judge) chooses which red apple card (from each of the other players) best describes a particular green apple card. The comparisons are endless!

Cribbage - Mark likes playing this one because he almost always wins. But he doesn't like playing with me because...well I won't say why. Just make sure your children know how to add. ;o) I think you could incorporate this game in your homeschool! Cribbage requires a board to keep track of your score. Find the complete set of rules here.

Go Fish - This is a simple game for the little ones. The object of the game is to make as many pairs as you can. Pass out four cards to everyone. Ask another player for what you need to make a pair. If they don’t have it you “Go Fish” from the pile in the middle. Pay attention though, someone else may ask of someone else exactly what you need!

Hearts - A fun game that must be played with four players. You will find the rules here.

*Mad Gab - The object is to figure out, when read aloud, what the strange phrase means: “Law Sand Jealous” is “Los Angeles”.

Old Maid - This was probably one of the first kids card games I played. It's another simple making pairs game, only don’t be left with the “Old Maid”!

*Phase 10 - Requires a special deck, but a lot of fun. The first player to complete 10 phases (like 2 sets of 3 or a run of 8) wins.

*Pit - The trading game free-for-all! Fun for any number of players.

Rat Killer - I know, it does not sound like a nice game, but it is fast and fun. The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards in sequential order. It is kinda complicated, so if you want to know how to play, contact us!

*Set - You try to identify “sets” of three cards. Can be played by any number of players.

Sheepshead - This is an old-time difficult game to learn. Funny that Wikipedia mentions that it is commonly played in Wisconsin. Imagine that! The children play sometimes at their German class. See this website for rules.

Snert - A variation of Solitaire played with lots of people. You all play off the aces in the middle. The first one to get all the cards gone from their pile, wins. We are all still trying to figure out why Emily always wins this game.

Solitaire - This game is played alone, unless you want to play Double Solitaire. Check out the rules here.

Spoons - This is one of our favorite kids card games if you’re looking for a little action. If you’re unfamiliar with it, pass out three cards to everyone. Place enough spoons in the middle of the table for everyone, minus one. From the deck, have the dealer start by passing a card to his left. The object is to make three-of-a-kind. So, if you don’t need it, pass it on. Once you get three-of-a-kind, grab (or gently sneak) a spoon. The person left without a spoon, loses.

Uno - There is a special deck for this game, but you could also use a regular deck of cards. The object is to match the card on the pile; first one out of cards wins. But don’t forget to say “Uno!” when you get down to one card!

War - Very simple game usually played between two players. Pass out all the cards evenly, then turn up the top card from each person’s pile. High card takes the trick. Play could go on forever!

We will continue adding to this list of kids card games. If you think of any other indoor games for kids, let us know!

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