Games for children
Everyday life is chugging along, the rain is beating against the window - but inside the living room, an adventure begins! Smiles widen as hands big and small pick up game pieces: 'games for kids' are not just a pastime, but a magical doorway to community, laughter, competition and fun learning. Get guidance on favourites like 'Klask' and 'Quicksand', as well as tips to avoid the classic beginner's mistakes. Read on to find out exactly how to choose the right one, prepare best and win the ultimate family game battle - start today. Curious? Here's everything you need to know about popular kids' games, pedagogy, quick tips, mistakes to avoid - and why 'games for kids' is the obvious choice for your next family reunion. Yes, you can join in too, even if you've lost three times in a row to the little one. Source references are at the bottom of the page
Disclaimer
Which 'games for kids' are most popular right now?
Bring on the popcorn! Here are the favourites of children, parents and educators in 2025. Most of the popular games are suitable for a wide range of ages - from three-year-old first-timers to adult children who love dice. Top names include 'Quicksand' (5+ years), where little adventurers combine crocodile hunting with head counting, and 'Hide and Seek on the Farm' for the youngest (from 3 years) with its focus on colour and memory. The classics 'Klask' and 'The Magic Forest' top the list for those who want to combine play and development - both young and old are challenged with motor skills and imagination. Many of these games are designed for 2-4 players, but for example 'The Boat Trip' brings larger groups together without leaving anyone out.
What are children's games - and why are they important?
Children's games are not just round pieces and colourful cards! In fact, they are little learning machines, where children practice everything from logic to social skills. "Games for kids" are about giving children a fun opportunity to explore turn-taking, memory, maths or imagination. Historically, children have been playing games since ancient times (even the oldest board games from Egypt - source: Wikipedia), but today's versions often combine learning and entertainment. Unique to this particular children's game is how play and learning are interwoven - building, trying, failing and laughing, without anyone having maths problems thrown in their face. Take 'Quicksand', for example, which sneaks maths practice in amongst fun obstacles, providing both confidence and laughter, win or lose.
Get started quickly with your child - here's how
Who is it? All children and adults who can lose with a smile. What to play? Choose a game with rules that can be explained in a maximum of 2 minutes ("Hide and seek" or "Boat trip" are perfect first games). Where to play? The kitchen table, the children's room floor or in the summer house - as long as you have some space and a good feeling. Why play together? Because playing together is the shortest route to laughter, learning and socialising - and no one has to look at TikTok while doing it. Practical: Let your child unpack, choose the colour and help with the set-up - then everyone is already involved from the start.
Key tips for 'gambling for kids' - winning tricks and classic pitfalls
- Read the rules out loud and explain them during the game - show with pictures or plays, especially for younger children.
- Use small competitions, but let the youngest win the first round ("The Magic Forest" will be extra fun).
- Check that all materials are included before starting.
- Make the rules visual: use cards, pictures or figures - many children learn best by sight and action.
- Classic mistake: Forget to take turns! Someone skips - add a simple bonus for the person who remembers the order.
- Listen up! House rules are fun, but everyone needs to be on the same page - otherwise it ends up in a discussion.
- Take breaks if the game gets long. It is better to have several short rounds than one long one where half the group gives up.
Practical preparations
| Equipment | Description of the programme | Tips for buying or using |
|---|---|---|
| Board/game plan ("The Magic Forest") | Solid board, colourful squares and figures | Choose solid materials that can withstand family involvement |
| Playing cards/pieces ("Klask"/"Båtresan") | Magnetic tokens, cards and small figures | Avoid small parts for the very young or if pets are present |
| Dice(s) ("Quicksand", "The Pancake Game") | Used to move, allocate or determine | Large dice are easiest to find if they disappear |
| Clock/timer | For time games, e.g. "Boggle" | Use your mobile phone's timer or buy a 'game clock' with clear sound |
| Storage box | Keeping equipment in order afterwards | Save time - collect pieces in a bag or box |
Quick tip to get you started
Unpack the game with your child the night before - lay everything out on the table or make a little display, so you start with a smile and don't have to look for parts.
Best practice and advice
- Assign roles: Let the children take control of different actions (shuffling cards, moving pieces, keeping time) - this gives responsibility and energy.
- Create traditions: The winner gets to choose the next game or make up a 'winner's dance'.
- Insider Tip: Keep a string or elastic band for small items if you're playing outdoors ("Clap", "Four in a row", etc.).
- Common mistake: Sloppy rules - take the time to go through them, so you don't get grumpy later.
- Extra: Let the child explain the rules to the next participant - this builds confidence and understanding.
Quick answers to frequently asked questions
1. Can 3-year-old children play by themselves?
Yes, several games such as 'Hide and Seek in the Farmyard' and 'Boat Trip' are adapted for younger children - adult help is recommended for the first few rounds.
2. Which game is suitable for a 6-year-old child?
"Klask" and "The Magic Forest" are great, combining motor skills, imagination and easy-to-understand rules.
3. How to avoid fights during the game?
Agree on house rules, take breaks and laugh together so that everyone feels involved.
4. Do you always have to follow the rules to the letter?
No, feel free to adapt the rules - but make sure everyone agrees before you start.
5. Are digital games also 'children's games'?
Yes, Minecraft and simple apps count, but classic 'games for kids' provide physical interaction - worth prioritising every week.
Review & rating of selected "games for kids"
| Game | Description of the programme | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Quicksand | A fast-paced and exciting game where you have to avoid sinking and outsmarting opponents. Simple rules, lots of laughs and suitable for several ages. | ★★★★☆ (4,5/5) |
| Splash | Magnetic action game with short, intense matches. Easy to learn, hard to stop. Trains speed, tactics and reflexes. | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| The Magic Forest | Imaginative adventure where cooperation and problem solving are at the centre. Creates a magical atmosphere and engages both younger and older children. | ★★★★☆ (4,5/5) |
Overall rating for the games: 4.5/5 stars
The games are easy to learn in under five minutes, but offer long-lasting fun and just the right amount of challenge. They are easily adapted to the age of the child, so no one gets bored. Perfect for family evenings of laughter, play and fun.
Sources
Wikipedia - Children's games, history and facts
Let's test your knowledge
FUN CHILDREN'S GAMES - WHY IS IT THE FAMILY'S SECRET TRICK?
Curiosity bubbles up at the mention of fun children's games: why do children and adults gather around the board, in the garden or with dice on the dining table? The answer lies in a unique mix of imagination, laughter and light-hearted competition. Fun children's games engage everyone from the youngest challengers to seasoned grandparents, creating spontaneous traditions, lots of laughter and memorable moments. As editor of spelregel.se, it cannot be emphasised enough how great an effect fun children's games have on community, conversation and embarrassingly good memories - and it is a pure joy to share. This is not a boring top 10, but a humorous and fact-packed overview with links to family moments, record attempts and funny international whims.
Fact check and source: Ministry of Culture
FUN FUN FACTS
FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO LOVE FUN FACTS
Albert Einstein is said to have enjoyed children's games such as dominoes and quirky 'pinball'. Studies show that world stars such as Emma Watson and Mads Mikkelsen often light up the summer house with family games - and even big sports stars use fun kids' games for team building.
AMAZING RECORDS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT
The Children's Book of Records has introduced the 'fastest memory', where the best children turn over all 40 tiles correctly in under two minutes - and the record is yet to be beaten by any adult. Right now, Vigga from Randers holds the record, and no one seems to be breaking it this year!
QUIRKY VARIANTS AND HOMEMADE SETS
There are home-made classics such as 'blob painting' Yahtzee, where tiles are made from old buttons and dice are moulded from clay. Some families have designed their own 'fun kids' games' with giant micadoes made from barbecue sticks, or 'family Yahtzee' with questions to keep all ages happy.
INTERNATIONAL TRADITIONS, RITUALS AND FESTIVALS
In Japan, children play games with origami tiles at festivals, while the United States holds an annual 'Twister-mania' on a beach, where over 200 people compete for balance. In Germany, the classic 'Tick-Tack-Bumm' has its own national day.
OTHER CURIOSITY, NICHE CONTENT AND FUNNY ANECDOTES
A Danish game called "Bananrebus" became famous when a family visited a picnic with a yellow banana mascot and handed out fruit to the winners - a bit quirky, very funny! Did you know that some children have actually invented the rule "the loser has to tell a joke that no one can laugh at"? That rule has spread to children's parties all over the country.
CAFÉS AND BARS WITH CHILDREN'S GAMES
Several cafés around Copenhagen specialise in children's games, so families can play 'Fish' with big picture cards or fun quizzes together while enjoying cake in the middle of the game night.
TECH NEWS AND DIGITAL GAMES
The introduction of digital board games has given a new lease of life to fun children's games - cultural schools are now using tablets for customised competitions, and this has given rise to a 'hybrid culture', where you can play with family and friends across the country.
WILDCAT, THE BIG HUNT AND MEMORY
There are "giant memories" where all the cards are made out of cardboard and the children can hide them in the garden. The fastest winner: Malthe, who found all the pairs in 104 seconds during the Esbjerg Festival.
FAST RECORDS AND CRAZY DISCIPLINES
At Kreat-it you can find fun record attempts, such as longest one-legged jump, most high-fives and biggest paper heart. They inspire families to set their own records - and everyone can create their own record book during the summer holidays.
FAMILY TRADITIONS AND MORGONYATZY
Morning Natzy is now standard in many families, and quarterly 'trivia' has become a tradition in many school classes, with fun themes and surprising prizes such as the 'surprised teddy bear'.
Fact check and sources: Children's Book of Records, Ministry of Culture
FAQ - Everything you need to know about gambling for children
Which games are best for different ages
The choice of games should always be based on the age, interests and maturity of the child. Games for the youngest, such as memory or classic puzzles, focus on colours and symbols that are easy to handle. Toddlers tend to like fun board games with clear rules and friendly characters. For school-age children, there is a wide choice where social interaction and storytelling become important - things like Scrabble, strategy games and digital adventures. For teenagers, action and role-playing games work, but it is still important to check age recommendations and content
Who can join the game?
Almost everyone! The Christmas gift game is suitable for children from around 6 years and up. It works in all kinds of settings: family gatherings, friendship dinners, mulled wine evenings and even company Christmas parties. Some adapt the rules to make it easier for younger children, while others crank up the difficulty or humour for adult company. The game requires no particular prior knowledge - just a good sense of humour and a little competitive spirit.
How do games help children's development?
How to choose a safe and useful game?
Safety always comes first: choose games from reputable manufacturers that clearly indicate age limits and avoid small parts for the very young. Check that the material is non-toxic and that no small components can be swallowed. Both board and digital games should be free of scary elements, violence and inappropriate language. Read reviews, use guides from schools and libraries, and invite other adults to test the game together before buying
How do games promote children's social skills?
Parlour games train children to interpret and understand rules, communicate, argue and give feedback. Taking turns and accepting setbacks are automatic when playing. The group learns to manage emotions and conflicts during the game, and an adult present can support the children's interaction with small reminders and encouragement. Games are therefore unique both as a tool for social learning and as a starting point for strong relationships.
Can digital games be as educational as classic board games?
Yes! Many digital children's games are clearly developed with educational and learning objectives. Examples include apps for maths, languages or puzzles. Many modern computer games also offer social components where children can cooperate or compete in a safe environment. Most importantly, adults need to accompany and help children understand both content and limits. Classics such as board games and memory games still play an important role - preferably as a contrast to the digital world.
How to avoid conflicts when children play together?
Conflicts are a natural part of play and games, but can be minimised. Go over the rules before you start, and decide how to handle any disputes. Encourage children to talk and listen to each other. Allow for breaks if emotions run high, and invite new rounds so that everyone feels included. Adults should observe and be ready to support - but ideally let children solve problems themselves as much as possible.
What if my child wants to play games that are too 'adult'?
For younger children, it is important to follow age recommendations and understand why certain games are inappropriate. Talk openly about the limits of the gaming world, and offer fun, exciting and age-appropriate alternatives. For older children and young people, it will be important to explain why certain topics, violence or language do not belong in children's games and to be clear that the 18-year age limit is absolute for digital games.
How do I introduce a new game to my family, and get everyone involved?
Start by showing how the game works in practice - don't just read the rules out loud, but play a trial round together. Be open to adjusting the rules so that everyone can participate at their level. Let the children participate in the preparation (e.g. shuffling cards, setting up the game board). During the game, involve everyone by offering humour, breaks and maybe small challenges or "house rules" that add fun.
What are the main benefits of playing board games with children?
The benefits are many: board games stimulate children's imagination, learning and social skills. They provide quality family time, build memories and traditions, and can reduce stress and anxiety. They boost children's self-esteem and understanding of both rules and different ways of arguing and thinking. In addition, they are often ideal for breaking up screen time and offering physical activity - especially when it comes to movement-based games
How often should children play games?
There are no absolute recommendations, but board games can be included on a weekly basis. A regular game night for the whole family strengthens the bond and provides structured time together. Children can play more often if they show an interest, but it is important to vary this with other activities and allow for movement, reading and free play. Parents should also respect when their child wants to play alone - sometimes this is the best way to relax and process impressions
