Card games are simple, portable, and great for all ages. Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or a whole evening, these 10 games are easy to learn and fun to play over and over. Most of them only need a standard deck—or come in a small box.
1. Uno
Match colors and numbers. Use special cards to skip, reverse, and surprise your opponents. It’s quick, loud, and always a hit.
Best for: Ages 6+, 2–10 players
Play time: 20 minutes
2. Go Fish
Deal cards and ask others for matches. If they don’t have it, you “go fish.” Great for little kids learning numbers and memory.
Best for: Ages 4+, 2–6 players
Play time: 10–15 minutes
3. Spoons
Pass cards around and race to grab a spoon when you get four of a kind. One less spoon than players keeps things wild.
Best for: Ages 7+, 3–8 players
Play time: 15 minutes
4. Skip-Bo
Use number cards to build sequences. The goal is to empty your pile first. It’s fast-paced but easy to follow.
Best for: Ages 7+, 2–6 players
Play time: 20–30 minutes
5. Sleeping Queens
Use number cards and logic to wake up queens and steal from other players. Designed by a kid, and great for kids.
Best for: Ages 6+, 2–5 players
Play time: 15 minutes
6. Crazy Eights
Get rid of all your cards by matching suit or number. Eights are wild. It’s easy to set up and teach.
Best for: Ages 5+, 2–6 players
Play time: 10–20 minutes
7. Rat-a-Tat Cat
Try to get the lowest score. Swap cards, peek at others, and decide when to call the round. It’s part memory, part strategy.
Best for: Ages 6+, 2–6 players
Play time: 15 minutes
8. Exploding Kittens
Take turns drawing cards until someone pulls an Exploding Kitten—unless they can defuse it. Funny art, simple rules, fast rounds.
Best for: Ages 7+, 2–5 players
Play time: 15 minutes
9. Old Maid
Match pairs and avoid the Old Maid card. A basic game that’s perfect for younger kids or large family groups.
Best for: Ages 4+, 2–6 players
Play time: 10 minutes
10. Dutch Blitz
Race to play your cards in number order while everyone else plays at the same time. High energy and very competitive.
Best for: Ages 8+, 2–4 players
Play time: 15–20 minutes
Game Night Tip
Have a few card games ready for all age levels. You can start simple, then work up to fast-paced or strategy games.
Want more family-friendly ideas? Follow my Pinterest board: Easy Card Games for Kids and Parents.