My family LOVES games – board games, card games, charades, hide and seek…you name it, and we are IN! My kids are now 10 and 7 so our repertoire of games has expanded quite a bit, and they are now able to play more advanced options. Which brings us to our newest family favorite – CARD GAMES! Did you know there’s actually a Card Playing Day on December 28th? There really is – which is the perfect excuse to try your hand (HA!) at a game of cards.
We’ve gotten really into playing cards over the past year or so. They’re cheap, easy to transport when traveling or going out to dinner, and usually simple to learn and play. Card games are also pretty quick compared to their board game cousins, which means we can squeeze in a game and wrap it up easily.
Here are a few of our family’s favorite card games!
Rummy:
Rummy is one of our family’s favorite card games, and is great for older kids. While this website says Rummy is best for ages 18+, my 7 year old can play it easily! She needs help counting out her points, but has no trouble actually playing the game. The gist of it is that you’re trying to be the first person to get rid of your cards AND score the highest number of points. You earn points by laying down sets of 3 or more cards that are in suit/numerical order or 3 of a kind. Here are the easy to follow instructions so you can give it a try!
Old Maid:
Old Maid is fun for all ages, and a great card game for beginners. When you deal the cards, someone will be dealt the “Old Maid”, which they will try to get rid of during the game. The goal of the game is to create pairs/matches of cards and not be left with the Old Maid at the end of the game. Here are some instructions to get you started.
Uno:
Uno is another favorite, and one many families already have at home. My kids started playing this when they were in preschool and still love it as they have gotten older. It’s incredibly easy to learn and play, and doesn’t require a whole lot of skill or patience. The object of the game is to match your cards to the one facing up on the deck, and to be the first to get rid of your cards.
Solitaire:
The great thing about Solitaire is it’s played SOLO! Meaning your kiddo can play without you, and the game won’t devolve into a squabble between siblings! Yay! Solitaire takes a bit to learn, but once you have the basic idea, it’s easy to play. Games are typically pretty quick, too, which is nice. The goal of the game is to play cards in a specific numerical order. To win (which is a challenge!) you are able to finish the entire deck with each card in the correct place. Here are the rules for Solitaire.
Spoons:
Spoons is a fast paced game for 3 or more players. It’s a great starter game as kids begin to play cards. Players take turns trying to make 4 of a kind. When someone does, everyone tries to grab a spoon! If you aren’t able to get one, you get a letter (spelling out S-P-O-O-N). The last player standing wins. Here are instructions for Spoons!