Introduction
Card games are great for keeping kids entertained and building important skills like memory, strategy and patience. Whether you’re looking for a family activity or a way to keep your child occupied during free time, card games are the perfect mix of learning and play. They require minimal setup, are portable and can be played with a deck of cards.
Some games are quick thinking, others teamwork or problem solving. They can be played by kids of all ages with simple variations to suit different skill levels. Playing cards together helps to bond as a family, teaches children to follow rules and improves concentration – all while having fun!
Not sure which games to try? Don’t worry! here you can find some easy and fun card games that kids can learn in minutes. From classics to new twists, these games will keep your little ones engaged without screens or complicated equipment. So, grab a deck of cards and get ready for hours of fun and learning!
8 Easy Card Games for Kids
Go Fish
Go Fish is a classic, it helps to boost kids' memory. You will need a standard deck of cards, and the goal is to collect 4 of a kind. Players take turns asking each other for specific cards, if they have it, they must give it up; if not they say, “Go fish” and the first player draws a card from the deck. The player with the most sets at the end wins.
Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is fast and fun, each player starts with 5 cards and the rest are in a draw pile. The top card is placed face up to start a discard pile. Players must match the top card’s number or suit; eights are wild and can be played at any time to change the suit! The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. It helps kids recognize patterns and make decisions while having a blast.
Snap
Snap is a high energy game that sharpens your child’s reflexes and observation skills. The deck is split evenly among players and players take turns placing a card face up in a central pile. When two cards match, the first player to shout “Snap!” and slap the pile wins the stack. The game continues until one player has all the cards.
Old Maid
Old Maid is a fun and silly game that teaches kids about matching and taking chances. Remove 3 of the 4 queens from the deck, leaving one as the Old Maid. Players take turns picking a card from their neighbour's hand, trying to make matching pairs. The player left with the Old Maid at the end loses, everyone else wins.
Memory (Concentration)
Memory is a great way to improve focus and recall, lay out all the cards face-down in a grid. Players take turns flipping over two cards, trying to find a match. If they match, they get to keep them and go again; if not, the cards are turned back over. Play until all the pairs are found. Good for young kids to develop concentration and observation.
Slapjack
Slapjack is a fun high-energy game kids love, deal all the cards out evenly. Players take turns placing a card face-up in the middle. When a jack appears, the first player to slap the pile gets all the cards. Play until one player has all the cards or everyone agrees to stop. It improves kids' quick reflexes and coordination.
War
War is a simple 2 player game that helps kids understand numbers and comparisons. Split the deck evenly and both players flip over their top card at the same time. The player with the higher number wins both cards. If the numbers are equal, it’s a “war” where each player places 3 cards face down and flips over a 4th. The higher card wins all the cards in play. Play until one player has all the cards.
Kings in the Corner
Kings in the Corner is a fun and slightly more strategic game older kids enjoy. Each player starts with 7 cards and the goal is to get rid of them by playing in descending order and alternating colors (like Solitaire). Kings can be placed in the 4 corners of the playing area and open more moves. The player who gets rid of all their cards first wins.
Conclusion
Card games are a great way to entertain your child and improve their memory, concentration, logic and strategic thinking. Plus, they promote patience, social interaction and problem solving. All you need is a deck of cards! So, gather your family, choose a game and have quality time together while keeping the little ones entertained and learning.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
