Best Family Card Games
Get ready for family game night with the best family card games! From classics to modern favorites, there’s something for every member of your clan with these top family card games.
Card games have always been a fantastic way to bond with family and friends. From teaching math skills to the younger children to honing the strategic minds of the older ones, they’re a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones.
The key to a fantastic family game night is in the games! That’s why we’re sharing the best family card games that can engage players from a wide range of ages. So, gather your clan, shuffle those decks, and get ready for a family game night like no other!
Best Card Games for Families
1. Go Fish
A classic card game, Go Fish is a great game for younger players. The game involves asking family members for specific cards to form pairs. It’s a simple game, requiring only a standard deck of cards, and is particularly beneficial for young kids, enhancing their memory and cognitive skills.
2. Exploding Kittens
Arguably, one of the most popular card games in recent years. Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced game that combines strategy with humor. Beware of the exploding kitten card!
This fun game is designed for the entire family, it’s much fun and ensures lots of laughs. With an added bonus, the game reinforces communication skills, especially important for younger kids.
3. Uno
A colorful and lively game, Uno has been a favorite card game for generations. The wild card brings an unpredictable twist, making each round thrilling. The main goal of the game is to be the first player to discard all of their own cards. The next player then follows the color or number of the last card played.
Uno is perfect for both small children and older children alike, it’s a great family game that’s a lot of fun.
4. Old Maid
A fun card game, Old Maid is played with a simple deck of cards, with one card removed. The aim is to form pairs while avoiding being left with the unmatchable Old Maid.
It’s suitable for younger players and the whole family, the game is both quick and enjoyable.
5. Rummy
Rummy is a group card game that involves forming sets and runs from a hand of cards. Played with a standard deck of cards, it’s a game of skill and strategy.
While it may seem complex initially, with regular play, even younger players can master it. It’s a great choice for older kids and adults.
6. Apples to Apples
This is more of a modern classic. Players use green card (an adjective) and try to match it with a red card from their hand which they believe the first person (judge) would deem most appropriate or funny.
The game board and the question card keeps everyone engaged. This game is perfect for larger groups and spans a wide variety of ages. Plus, maintaining a poker face is a fun challenge!
7. Crazy Eights
You can grab a Crazy Eights card pack, or play using a standard deck of cards. Players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards. Eights are wild, and the strategy is key to winning.
8. Spades
A trick-taking game that uses playing cards. Spades requires players to form teams and estimate the number of tricks they’ll take in advance.
It’s a game of strategy, perfect for older kids and adults. And it’s a great game to play with classic face cards and all you need is a card deck.
9. War
War is a simple yet thrilling card game where two players aim to win all the cards. Each player reveals the top card of their deck, and the one with the higher card wins both cards.
While the rules are straightforward, the game can be lengthy and full of suspense, making it a great choice for players of all ages seeking uncomplicated fun.A simple game where the highest-ranking card wins, it’s suitable for younger children and is played using a standard deck of cards.
10. Snap
A fast-paced game where players aim to “snap” and claim a pile when they see two cards of the same value. Great for reflexes and suitable for younger kids.
11. Phase 10
Phase 10 requires players to complete a series of ten varied phases, each with its unique combination of cards. As players progress, they aim to lay down specific sets or runs of cards, all while trying to outpace and outwit their opponents.
Combining both luck and strategy, Phase 10 offers layered gameplay, ensuring repeat plays and hours of family fun. A fun family card game that is suitable for older children.
12. Skip-Bo
Skip-Bo, a member of the rummy family, is a skillful card game that requires players to create sequential stacks of cards in ascending order, from 1 to 12. Utilizing a special deck with Skip-Bo wild cards, players strategize to deplete their personal stockpile of cards before their opponents.
With a blend of luck and strategy, this engaging game ensures hours of competitive fun for family members of all ages.
13. Pictionary Card Game
Combining the fun of Pictionary with cards, players use hints and images to make their teammates guess the right word. It’s an engaging game that tests both creativity and intuition.
14. Sushi Go!
A fast-paced card game where players aim to grab the best combination of sushi dishes. With a bit of strategy and a dash of luck, it’s a delicious treat for the entire family.
15. Codenames
A family-friendly twist on the original, Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition is designed to bring the hilarity of the classic game to players of all ages.
Players pair question cards with the funniest answer cards they have in hand, aiming to tickle the judge’s funny bone. Engaging and laugh-out-loud funny, this edition ensures that the whole family can join in on the fun without any off-color content.
This cooperative game requires players to give one-word clues, pushing their team to guess the right words from a grid. It fosters communication and teamwork, making it perfect for family game nights.
16. Hand-to-Hand Wombat
A quirky and delightful game, Hand-to-Hand Wombat challenges players to react quickly, matching cards to the current set on the table. With its playful design and fast-paced nature, this game not only tests reflexes but also brings bursts of laughter, making it a perfect addition to any family game night.
17. Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
A family-friendly twist on the original, Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition is designed to bring the hilarity of the classic game to players of all ages.
Players pair question cards with the funniest answer cards they have in hand, aiming to tickle the judge’s funny bone. Engaging and laugh-out-loud funny, this edition ensures that the whole family can join in on the fun without any off-color content.
18. On a Scale of One to T-Rex
On a Scale of One to T-Rex is a game of action and intensity brought to you by the creators of ‘Exploding Kittens’. Players perform actions at various intensity levels, trying to find others performing at the same intensity.
It’s a hilarious game of mismatched actions and emotions, perfect for players who love a good laugh and a touch of unpredictability.
19. Sleeping Queens Card Game
When I asked for family favorite games on Instagram this was the most popular game recommendation by far!
This game was invented by a 6-year-old, and it’s a great time and beloved game for many different age groups!
Plus it’s about a 20-minute game so basically, the perfect game to play when you want quality time together, but don’t have a ton of time for a full game night.
20. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Can you say almost 40,000 5-Star rating reviews?
This was the second most recommended game from game-loving families. And also, one of the most affordable game options out there!
21. Trash Pandas – The Raucous Raccoon Card Game
This is a fast-paced competitive game that kids and adults adore!
Players are raucous raccoons, tipping over Trash cans for food. Players push their luck to acquire more cards, but must stash them in order for them to count as points at the end of the game
When the deck runs out, the game ends. The player with the most points wins!
22. Kids Against Maturity
A family-friendly spin on humorous card games, Kids Against Maturity is filled with age-appropriate humor that both kids and adults can enjoy. Players combine question and answer cards to create hilarious combinations, sparking laughter and lively discussions. This game strikes the perfect balance between kid-centric humor and witty content that will tickle the funny bones of the entire family.
It’s a great card game to play when you have a large number of players too.
23. Coloretto Card Games
The players draw cards from a card supply in the middle of the table.
During the game, the players try to specialize in a few colors, as at the end of the game, a player can score plus points for only 3 colors; the rest score minus points.
The more cards a player has of a color, the more points he scores. The player with the most points wins.
24. Cover Your Assets
Grandpa Beck’s Games come in a wide variety of games, but this original classic is such a good game and one of the most loved and repeatedly played card games for families! | 2-6 Players Ages 7+
Pros: Easy to Learn and Outrageously Fun for Kids, Teens, & Adults Alike
- Fast-paced, competitive, more than a little addicting, and now with an updated look! Compete by building a stack of matching asset cards.
- Be careful! Your top set can be stolen by other players, making it more valuable! Fun for experienced players, as well as those stealing their first asset!
25. The Bears and The Bees
A Delightfully Strategic Tile Laying Game Ideal for Kids, Teens, & Adults | 2-5 Players 7+
A REFRESHINGLY UNIQUE GAME: The Bears and The Bees is a charming, tile-placement game, where the first player to get rid of all their cards wins! This contemplative and strategic game is one of a kind!
Each of the 104 hexagonal cards is beautifully illustrated with an array of colors on each side. The various types of cards, including honeycomb, bees, flowers, and bears, add their own unique twist to the game! The Bears and the Bees is an enticing game you’ll want to play again and again.
26. Point Salad
Point Salad is a card-drafting game where players compile a collection of cards, each depicting different vegetables and scoring methods. With over 100 ways to score points, players strategize to gather the best combinations of veggies and point cards to maximize their score. It’s a light, engaging, and strategic game, making it a delicious addition to any family game night.
27. Skull King
The Ultimate Pirate Trick Taking Game | 2-8 Players 8+.
This is one of those new games that is such a fun game to play in teams if you have younger kids!
A fast-paced trick-taking game with a pirate twist. Bid each round on how many tricks you’ll win. Watch out! Mermaids, pirates, the notorious Skull King, and the new White Whale and Kraken cards add to the adventure! Bid correctly, and you’ll gain points—bid wrong, and it’s Davy Jones’ locker for you!
28. Abandon All Artichokes – A Heartless Card Game
A unique card game for kids!
Be the first player to ditch their artichoke cards and draw a hand of anything but! Build your own personal deck and use each vegetable’s powers to your advantage. Comes in an artichoke-shaped tin.
29. Grandpa Beck’s Gnoming Around
Grandpa Beck’s Gnoming Around is a captivating card game where players compete to collect gnome families and strategically sabotage their opponents.
With whimsical artwork and engaging mechanics, players navigate through challenges and employ clever tactics to win. Its blend of strategy and fun ensures it’s a hit for all ages, making it a delightful choice for family game nights.
30. Taco vs. Burrito
Developed by a 7-year-old, Taco vs. Burrito is a delightfully unpredictable card game where players strategically compete to create the weirdest, wildest meals. By drawing and playing ingredient cards, while also using action cards to shake things up, players vie to outscore their opponents. It’s a quirky, fun-filled game that promises laughter and surprises, making it a spicy addition to family game nights.
FAQs on Family Card Games
A. Poker: With several variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, Poker is a game of strategy, bluffing, and skill. It’s enjoyed both casually among friends and professionally in tournaments.
Uno: An easy-to-learn game suitable for all age groups. The objective is to be the first to play all your cards by matching the color or number to the top card on the discard pile.
Blackjack (21): A classic casino card game where players aim to get a hand total closest to 21 without going over.
Bridge: A trick-taking game with a standard deck, Bridge is played by four players in two competing partnerships.
Rummy: In this game, players try to form sets and runs of cards. There are various versions like Gin Rummy and Indian Rummy.
Spades: A trick-taking game where the spade suit always trumps. Played by four players in partnerships.
Hearts: Another trick-taking game where the objective is to avoid certain cards that carry penalty points.
Magic: The Gathering: A collectible card game where players use decks of cards representing magical spells, creatures, and artifacts to defeat their opponents.
Solitaire: A single-player game where the objective is to move all the cards to a foundation, following sequences and suit.
Go Fish: A simple game suitable for younger players. Players ask each other for cards to form pairs or groups.
A. Uno: An easy-to-learn game suitable for all age groups. This game is widely recognized and comes in a lot of varieties.
A. Bridge: A sophisticated trick-taking game that is played by four players in two competing partnerships. It’s known for its depth and requires strategy and teamwork.
Rummy: A group of matching-card games with the goal of forming sets and runs from a hand of cards. There are numerous variations, such as Gin Rummy and Indian Rummy.
Pinochle: Played with 48 cards (two copies each of the 9, 10, jack, queen, king, and ace cards of all suits) by two to four players. The game involves trick-taking and melding.
Canasta: A card game of the Rummy family that is typically played with two decks of cards. The objective is to create melds of seven cards of the same rank.
Euchre: A trick-taking game with a trump, played by four players in partnerships.
Solitaire: While many of us know it as a computer game, Solitaire, also known as Patience, has been played with a deck of cards for generations.
Hearts: A trick-avoidance game where the goal is to score as few points as possible, with each heart card counting as one point and the queen of spades counting as 13.
Spades: A trick-taking game where, as the name suggests, the spade suit always trumps.
Cribbage: More than just a card game, Cribbage uses a board for scoring and has unique gameplay involving creating combinations of cards.
Old Maid: A simple game where players try to form pairs, and the player left with the unmatchable “Old Maid” card at the end loses.
Go Fish: Another simple and classic game where players ask each other for cards to form pairs or groups.
A: Absolutely! Games like ‘Cards Against Humanity’ (for older kids and adults) are becoming increasingly popular for larger groups.
A: No, many of the games mentioned use a regular standard deck of cards. However, some specialized games like ‘Exploding Kittens’ or ‘Apples to Apples’ will need their unique deck.
Conclusion: Best Family Card Games
Family card games have always been more than just games. They are about spending quality time, creating memories, and bonding with the ones you love. Whether you’re looking for a quick game or an evening of strategy and laughs, there’s a fantastic card game out there for your family!
So, gather your decks of cards, get the best family board games out if you fancy, and embark on an evening filled with fun, laughter, and togetherness! Here’s to many fun-filled family game nights ahead!
Like this roundup of games to play with family on family game night? Be sure to check out these fun family resources too:
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