Fun games for kids, families and friends
Game ideas for every situation, on a screen and off it. Written by the people behind Marble Rumble, a free marble game for one to four players.
Screen games
The best 4 player games on one tablet
Most "multiplayer" games need a device each. These are the ones where four people can share a single tablet on a table.
The best 2 player games on one phone
One phone, two people, no second device and no sign-up. These games split the screen or pass it across the table.
The best marble games you can play on a screen
"Marble game" means at least four different things on a screen. Here are the main kinds and the best-known games in each.
Free browser games for kids
A browser game needs no app store, no storage space and no password. The catch is adverts: many free game sites are full of them. These picks are the calmer end.
Free games with no download
A good browser game opens in seconds and asks for nothing. Here is how to find those, what "unblocked" means, and the warning signs of a site to close.
Games kids can play together on one screen
Not all screen time is the same. A child alone with a tablet and four children arguing happily round one are doing very different things.
Marbles, flicking and making
12 games to play with real marbles
A bag of marbles is a dozen games in one. All you need is a flat floor and something to draw a line with.
Flicking games from around the world
Flick a small thing at a target: almost every culture has a game built on it. These are the best known.
15 ball games for kids
One ball, any number of children. From easiest to hardest.
Traditional playground games
Before screens, a playground ran on chalk, string and whatever was in your pocket. These games are worth passing on.
Fine motor games for kids
Hand strength and control come from play. These games build both without feeling like practice.
10 DIY marble run ideas
A marble, a slope and some tape. Ten builds, from five-minute to all-afternoon.
Parties and occasions
20 indoor party games for kids
A room, some children and an hour to fill. These games need almost nothing and have worked for generations.
Birthday party games by age
A game that delights a four year old will bore a nine year old. Here is what works at each age.
Family game night ideas
The trick is finding games a six year old and a grandparent both enjoy. These do the job.
Sleepover games
Enough games to get from pizza to (eventually) sleep.
Christmas party games for families
Everyone is full, the television is off, and three generations are in one room.
Games for mixed ages
When the players are 5, 9, 35 and 70, most games are unfair to somebody. These are not.
Any time, anywhere
Rainy day games for kids
It is raining and everyone is climbing the walls. Work down this list.
Classroom games for indoor recess
Thirty children, no playground, fifteen minutes. These games need little more than the room you are in.
Games for 4 players
Four is the best number for games: enough for teams, few enough that nobody waits long.
Games for 2 players
Just the two of you? There is more to play than noughts and crosses.
12 pen and paper games
The cheapest games console ever made is a sheet of paper. Twelve games for waiting rooms, restaurants and long journeys.
Travel games for long journeys
"Are we nearly there yet?" Twenty answers that are not "no".
Five minute games
Five minutes is plenty. No set-up, no clearing away.
Common questions
What are some fun free games to play?
On a screen: Marble Rumble, 2048, chess on Lichess and the games on PBS Kids or CBeebies. Off screen: charades, card games, pen and paper games and marbles.
Ready to flick?
Marble Rumble is free, runs in the browser and needs no account or download.