The Best Family Friendly Card Games

Exploding Kittens

Explosive entertainment

This beginner-friendly strategy game has everything you could want from a family card night, with some humorous artwork thrown into the mix.

Best Overall

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We’re always on the lookout for exciting, new games that include kids just as much as they entertain adults. And when it comes to strategic gameplay and cheeky artwork, you can’t beat Exploding Kittens. The name itself gives away just how silly the game is — the basic premise is that if you draw an exploding kitten card, you lose. But despite its easy-to-learn rules and fast gameplay, the game itself isn’t luck-based, making it perfect for teens and adults to enjoy over and over again.

Pros:

• Multiple expansion packs available
• Fun, humorous artwork
• Beginner skill level

Cons:

• Card quality is not great, so you may be able to track damaged cards over time

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

A real knee-slapper

For laugh-out-loud fun, try this super easy-to-learn card game.

Easiest To Play

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Unfortunately, one of the most frustrating things about family game time is introducing a new game into the mix. Learning and teaching a whole new set of rules, especially if you’re dealing with younger kids, can be more challenging than you’d think. For parents looking for a simpler way forward, check out Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. While the name is slightly hard to say, the game itself only takes about two minutes to learn and about ten minutes to play, making it perfect for on-the-go entertainment. But because the game’s premise involves slapping matching cards on the table, you’ll want to have some ice on hand if things really heat up.

Pros:

• Great cost value
• Perfect for all age ranges
• Compact, portable size

Cons:

• Little replayability

Mattel Games UNO

Time-honored tomfoolery

Now featuring customizable wild cards and a sturdy carrying tin, this legendary card game is the perfect family road trip companion.

Best Classic

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With so many complicated new games out there, you’d think everyone would eventually forget about this beloved game from our childhoods, but UNO is as popular as ever. And it’s not hard to see why — everyone knows the rules, it’s strategic and competitive, and easy to bring with you on the go. In addition to the classic cards, this new version features write-your-own wild cards to personalize the experience for you and your family. Plus, the sturdy tin carrying case lets you keep all your cards in one place without the need for plastic bags and rubber bands.

Pros:

• Comes in a sealed tin for easy travel
• Colorful card designs
• Includes original instructions

Cons:

• Cards are not actually plastic as stated

Libellud Dixit

Every picture tells a story

Use your imagination in this creative card game that uses fantastical drawings to inspire fun storytelling from the players.

Best Illustrations

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While traditional card games mainly required us to use our strategy and hand-eye coordination skills, modern card games can challenge us in different ways. And in the case of Dixit, we have Libellud’s illustrators and designers to thank for that. A game of creative guesswork, Dixit has some seriously gorgeous cards and some pretty simple rules. Gameplay works like this: one storyteller comes up with a short phrase to describe the surreal artwork on one of their cards, and then every player chooses one of their own cards that they think matches the storyteller’s description. All the players guess which was the original card, and points are assigned based on good guesswork and even better bluffing. Best of all, there are lots of expansion packs available, meaning you won’t run out of beautiful illustrations to enjoy.

Pros:

• Big cards with lots of visual detail
• Accommodates up to six players
• High replayability

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Expansion packs are recommended if playing with a larger group

Mattel Games Card ‘n Go Seek

Game out and about

Make any environment a playground with this versatile, scavenger-hunt-based card game.

Most Active

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Few things can make our tykes sit still for too long. And sometimes, we find that even the most colorful board game can’t hold their attention. If you’ve got kids who just want to get up and go, try this more physical card game that puts a fun, interactive twist on the classic scavenger hunt. All you and your kids have to do is find an object that matches the type of item listed on the cards, but the interpretation of that item is totally up to you. And you can play Card ‘n Go Seek anywhere you want, even remotely, meaning that your loved ones can join in, no matter where they live.

Pros:

• 150 cards in total
• Comes in a portable, plastic case
• Can be easily tweaked depending on age group

Cons:

• Requires some modifications to be inclusive for people with physical disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can my children start playing board games and card games?

While this answer will depend a lot on your child’s development, you can generally start getting your kids involved in games as early as age three. Of course, those games are likely to have much simpler rules and tasks, such as matching. You can also play collaborative games with them so that you can help them learn and make the right moves while still giving them the feeling of bonding and gameplay.

Are all of these games just for kids?

Not at all — that’s why we call them family-friendly. We chose games that would be as fun for our 5 to 10-year-olds as they would be for our grandparents. A truly family-friendly game relies on its design and strategy without necessarily needing to have adult themes. Of course, if you’re looking to spice things up a bit, you can check out available expansion packs for each game.