Free Games for Kids: Offline and Online Options

Some video games, board games, and backyard playsets can really put a dent in your wallet. But if you're searching for some wallet-friendly fun that just needs a piece of paper and a pen, you’re in luck! Here are some amazing free games for kids that your little ones will want to play over and over again.

Why finding free games for kids is more important than ever

While it’s all too easy to reach for a screen the moment boredom sets in, there are plenty of fun and budget-friendly alternatives that parents should consider. Classic games like hide-and-seek or timeless pen-and-paper favorite games such as tic-tac-toe not only provide entertainment but also offer significant developmental benefits—all for free.

Engaging in screen-free activities is essential because striking the right balance between structured play and free play is key. This combination allows kids to unleash their creativity, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and ignite their imagination—vital ingredients for healthy cognitive and emotional growth.

Plus, when these games are played with friends or siblings, children get to practice important social skills while learning valuable lessons about turn-taking and teamwork.

Free games online for kids that won't cost a dime

While it's important to manage screen time there are free children's games online that aren't free to start playing or come with heavy in-app purchases. Here are some of the best online games that are educational and are available for a range of age groups.

PBS Kids Games

Over 250 free online educational games from PBS Kids shows. Target age range: For children aged 2–8. Why it's fun: Fun, colorful graphics with beloved PBS characters. New games are also added weekly. Educational benefits: Covers topics like math, science, literacy, and social studies.

Coolmath Games

The platform features over 1,000 games catering to young children that they can play online. Target age range: K-12. Why it's fun: Combines learning with fun through age-appropriate games like "Fireboy and Watergirl," "Run," and "Bloons Tower Defense." Educational benefits: Reinforces math skills and includes strategy, trivia, and creative games.

ScratchJr

Teaches kids to program interactive stories and games. Target age range: Ages five to seven. Why it's fun: Sparks creativity through storytelling and game-making. Educational benefits: Builds basic coding skills, creativity, and teamwork Download from the App Store or Google Play.

ABCya

Free educational games aligned with Common Core standards. Target age range: Kindergarten to sixth grade. Why it's fun: Interactive games with rewards and levels for an engaging experience. Educational benefits: Covers math, reading, science, and social studies.

National Geographic Kids games

Offers videos, images, games, and articles on nature, history, and more. Target age range: Designed for ages 7–12; younger kids may prefer National Geographic Little Kids. Why it's fun: The platform features interactive games, puzzles, and short videos that make learning about nature enjoyable. Educational benefits: Supports subjects like English, math, science, geography, and history.

Paper.io

Control a colorful square to claim territory and dominate the map while avoiding other players. Target age range: Suitable for ages 4+, though older players may enjoy its complexity more. Why it's fun: Fast-paced gameplay demands quick reactions and strategic thinking. Educational benefits: Improves hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and strategic planning. Download from the App Store.

Classic paper-and-pen games

Whether at a restaurant or on a long car ride, these classic paper-and-pen fun games will keep kids entertained without a screen or special equipment.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Two players compete to align three of their symbols ("X" or "O") in a 3x3 grid. Number of players: Two. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: Draw a 3x3 grid on paper. Decide who is "X" and who is "O." Take turns marking one empty square with your symbol. The first to form a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of three wins. Variations: Use a larger grid or time turns for added challenge. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Simple, fast-paced, and encourages strategic thinking.

Hangman

A word-guessing game where one player picks a word or phrase, and the other guesses letters. Incorrect guesses add parts to a stick-figure 'hangman.' Number of Players: Two. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: One player writes dashes for each letter of the word. The other guesses letters or the full word. The game ends when the word is guessed (guesser wins) or the hangman is fully drawn (chooser wins). Variations or modifications to make the game more challenging: Use harder words or limit incorrect guesses. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Builds vocabulary, spelling, and phonetic skills while being interactive and social.

Dots and Boxes

Players take turns drawing lines between adjacent dots on a grid to complete squares (boxes) and claim points. The player with the most boxes wins. Number of Players: Two. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: Start with a 4x4 grid of dots on paper. Take turns drawing one line (horizontal or vertical) between two adjacent dots. Completing a square earns a point, allows marking it with initials, and grants an extra turn. The game ends when no more lines can be drawn. Variations: Use a larger grid for added challenge. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Easy setup, promotes spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and planning skills.

Battleship

A two-player strategy game where players locate and sink each other's hidden fleet on a grid. Number of Players: Two. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: Players create two 10x10 grids—one for placing ships secretly and another for tracking hits and misses. Ships are placed horizontally or vertically, and players take turns calling out coordinates (e.g., "B-5") to attack. Hits and misses are marked, and players announce when a ship is sunk. The game ends when one player sinks all opponent ships. Variations: Expand the grid or add hidden rules for extra challenge. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Easy setup, promotes spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and planning.

Pictionary

A drawing and guessing game where players illustrate words or phrases without using letters or numbers. Number of Players: Up to four. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: Divide into two teams. Each team’s 'picturist' draws a word or phrase for teammates to guess within one minute. Correct guesses earn points; the first team to finish wins. Variations: Use harder words or focus on categories like movies, songs, or books. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Encourages teamwork, creativity, and laughter with silly drawings and guesses.

MASH (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House)

A fun fortune-telling game predicting aspects of a player's future (home, spouse, career, etc.). The name comes from the four housing options: Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House. Number of Players: Two. Step-by-step instructions on how to play: Write 'MASH' at the top of a page. Add categories (e.g., spouse, kids, car) with 4–5 options each—some good, some bad. Player 2 draws a spiral or tally marks while Player 1 says 'Stop.' Count the marks to get a number. Use it to eliminate options until one remains in each category. Circle the results and read the "future" aloud. Variations: Add categories or use dice for the magic number. Why it's fun and engaging for kids: Encourages creativity, humor, and social interaction.

Tips for maximizing fun and minimizing screen time

Parents should monitor and limit their child’s screen time, following American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.  For children two to five, an article published by Common Sense Media states that screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programming.

The AAP also suggests co-viewing or co-play games with your children and finding other activities to do together. Additionally, parents should create screen-free zones, such as bedrooms, and designate media-free times like family meals.

Outdoor play and physical activity are also essential; children aged 5 to 17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, according to information from the Canadian Government.

The bottom line

There’s a treasure trove of free games out there for kids that only require a trusty pen and paper, not to mention a plethora of online options that won’t cost you a dime. These games are fantastic for reinforcing what kids learn in school while also giving their imaginations and creativity a delightful workout.

But no matter which game you pick, remember to join in on the fun. Playing together is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. If your little one is also diving into online games, it’s wise to keep an eye on screen time and play alongside them whenever you can.