Games My Kids Actually Put Down Their Tablets For
My house isn’t anti-screen by any stretch. My kids will happily disappear into their tablets for hours if I let them, and most days I pick my battles. But every now and then, a game shows up on the table that gets them to look up, wander over, and actually join in. No bribing, no “just give me five minutes,” no dramatic sighs. These are the keepers. The games that break through the digital fog and somehow win.
I’m sharing them because I wish someone had handed me this list years ago.
Our Picks
1. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This one is absolute chaos in the best way. The kids scream-laugh their way through it, and I just try not to get smacked in the face during the slap rounds. It’s quick, it’s loud, and it somehow never gets old.
Why it works
- Easy rules
- Fast turns
- High-energy physical play
Age sweet spot: 7–12
2. Outfoxed
My kids treat this like they’re tiny detectives on a mission. The board, the clues, the little decoder slider—it all clicks for them. I like it because everyone works together, which cuts down on the “he’s cheating!” meltdowns.
Why it works
- Cooperative play
- Cute without feeling babyish
- Quick to set up
Age sweet spot: 5–9
3. Sleeping Queens
This one feels like a card game made by someone who understands kids better than adults ever could. It’s colorful, it’s silly, and the kids don’t realize they’re doing mental math.
Why it works
- Easy to teach
- Playful artwork
- Rounds go fast enough that no one wanders off
Age sweet spot: 8–10 (fun fact: this game was created by a 6-year old and was based on a dream she had. The game is rated for 8+ but feel free to introduce at 5 or 6, and if needed, introduce some house rules to make it work)
4. Spot It!
This is my emergency purse game. I’ve pulled it out at restaurants, doctor’s offices, car trips—you name it. The energy switches from “I’m bored” to “I’m going to win” in about three seconds.
Why it works
- Tiny and portable
- Instant engagement
- Feels like a race without stress
Age sweet spot: 6–12 (but you can play your own version of this game with littles starting around 3 or 4)
5. Kingdomino
This one surprised me. It looks simple, but the kids get really into picking the perfect tiles and building little worlds. It feels calm, which is rare for our house.
Why it works
- Turns stay short
- Light strategy that kids grasp quickly
- Just the right amount of thinking
Age sweet spot: 8–12
6. Sushi Go!
My kids love drafting cards because it feels like they get secret picks every round. Plus, the art is adorable without being too “little kid.”
Why it works
- Cute theme
- Great for teaching choices
- Plays well with mixed ages
- Can take with you anywhere
Age sweet spot: 8–13
7. Throw Throw Burrito
The inflatable burrito battles are pure bliss for my kids. There’s strategy in there somewhere, but no one ever remembers because they’re too busy dodging foam food flying across the living room.
Why it works
- Movement keeps everyone engaged
- Laughs every single time
- A rare game that works for older kids too
Age sweet spot: 7–14
8. Qwirkle
When I need something calmer but still fun, this is my go-to. The kids settle into it, almost like a puzzle with a competitive streak.
Why it works
- Visually clear
- Easy patterns to spot
- Feels challenging without being stressful
Age sweet spot: 6–12
9. Rhino Hero
A dexterity game that looks ridiculous but somehow becomes very serious in our house. My kids love stacking the cards and holding their breath as the tower wobbles.
Why it works
- Short games
- Tactile play
- No reading required
- Compact and portable – great for travel
Age sweet spot: 5–10 (can play with younger kids, just be sure to remove the small pieces that are choking hazards from those under 3)
10. Dragonwood
This game gives kids a small taste of adventure without complex rules. My kids get invested fast—they root for their cards like they’re tiny heroes.
Why it works
- Light fantasy
- Dice rolling keeps the energy up
- Feels exciting without being overwhelming
- Playthrough sweet spot – takes about 20 minutes
Age sweet spot: 8–12