13 Best Free Games Kids Will Love in 2024

Looking for free games kids will love? Check out our top picks that provide fun without breaking the bank.
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Candy Land coverSnakes and Ladders coverChutes and Ladders cover

13 Best Free Games Kids Will Love: Choosing the perfect board game for kids can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered! We focus on games that are fun, easy to learn, and keep children engaged. These picks are all about free games kids can enjoy without breaking the bank. Whether it’s about racing to the finish line, solving puzzles, or just having a good laugh, these games ensure your little ones are entertained for hours. Ready to discover some fabulous fun? Let’s get started!

On this list:

13 Candy Land

Candy Land cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Candy Land is a classic that kids love for its simple, colorful path and fun candy-themed locations. It’s perfect for younger kids as they don’t need to read to play. We’ve had countless giggle-filled games with our kids and their friends. The game’s bright colors and sweet theme keep kids interested and help them learn about taking turns and following rules.

12 Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Snakes and Ladders stands the test of time with simple rules and exciting twists. It’s a joyful ride up ladders and a bit of a bummer sliding down snakes, but always engaging. We still remember the shrieks of joy and fake tears when landing on a snake. Great for teaching counting and patience.

11 Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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A variation of Snakes and Ladders. Instead of snakes, there are slides which might be a bit less scary for some kids. We’ve found that the more modern theme can be more relatable for kids today. It’s the same concept: climb up ladders and slide down chutes, keeping the fun and learning going.

10 The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Kids love pretending to be sneaky squirrels gathering their nuts for winter. This game has always been a hit in our gatherings. Color matching, fine motor skills, and a bit of strategy make it both fun and educational. And who doesn’t love being sneaky?

9 Zingo!

Zingo! cover

  • Age Range: 4+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 10-15 minutes

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Zingo! is Bingo with a twist for kids. It’s fast-paced, super fun, and helps with word recognition and matching skills. The kids get so excited yelling ‘Zingo!’ once they complete their boards. We love how it brings kids together for a competitive yet friendly play session.

8 Hoot Owl Hoot!

Hoot Owl Hoot! cover

  • Age Range: 4+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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In Hoot Owl Hoot!, kids work together to get all the owls back to their nest before the sun comes up. We’ve found it great for teaching cooperation and strategy. The theme is adorable, and the cooperative play means no one is left grumpy from losing.

7 Connect 4

Connect 4 cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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An oldie but a goodie. Connect 4 is perfect for teaching kids about strategy and planning ahead. It’s quick, engaging, and often leads to rematches. We remember hours of intense matches trying to outsmart each other. The design is simple but so effective.

6 Guess Who?

Guess Who? cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Guess Who? is a classic face-guessing game that kids and adults both enjoy. The mystery element keeps kids intrigued while they learn to ask good questions and think logically. We had so many laughs when trying to guess the characters and asking funny questions.

5 Blokus

Blokus cover

  • Age Range: 5+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Blokus is a brilliant game for developing spatial awareness. It’s like Tetris but on a board. Each player tries to fit their pieces on the board while blocking others. It’s fascinating watching kids’ minds work out their moves while having friendly competition.

4 Labyrinth

Labyrinth cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20-30 minutes

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Labyrinth is a bit more complex, involving a shifting maze that players navigate to reach treasures. It’s fantastic for older kids who enjoy puzzles and strategy. We always felt a sense of adventure while playing, and the game remains fresh with every play.

3 Sleeping Queens

Sleeping Queens cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Sleeping Queens is a whimsical game created by a six-year-old! Players must wake the queens with a strategy that involves math and memory. It’s delightful and quirky, and we loved the characters and magical elements. Kids learn while they play, making it a win-win.

2 Catan Junior

Catan Junior cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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A kid-friendly version of the popular game Catan. Catan Junior simplifies the trade and build mechanics, making it suitable for younger players. We’ve had tons of fun with the pirate-themed play, and it’s a great stepping stone to more complex strategy games as kids get older.

1 Ticket to Ride: First Journey

Ticket to Ride: First Journey cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15-30 minutes

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The best one! Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a simplified version of the Ticket to Ride game. It’s perfect for introducing kids to the world of board games. The excitement of connecting cities and completing tickets is something we’ve enjoyed with our kids. It’s educational without feeling like it. It makes route planning fun and engaging for young minds. Plus, the quick play time keeps everyone interested.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.