Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
The holidays might be over, but those short days, long evenings and snowed-in mornings are anything but over. And if there's one thing that pairs nicely with sub-freezing temperatures and the fluffy white stuff, it's a cozy blanket and a game of cards.
You'll want to get the hot chocolate simmering and invite the whole family, because these games are the perfect way for kids and parents to pass the time this winter.
War
There's no need to order a specialty deck or spend your much-anticipated playtime explaining the rules. A game of war is quick, easy and anything but boring. In fact, this game of pure chance tends to unveil the competitive edge in all ages.
For the basic rules of play, head over to Bicycle Cards or watch the tutorial below.
Old Maid
Like an actual old maid herself, this card game is still around. And best of all, it's every bit as fun as you remember it from your own childhood. A deck of Old Maid is easy to find – check out your local toy store or place a quick Amazon order. If you want, you can also play with a standard deck of cards, making one joker the Old Maid.
Best of all, you can play with anywhere from two to six players, so it's a great option when the whole family is home – or when just one is home sick from school.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
It might sound like gibberish, but this kind of nonsense has never been more fun! This 3-8 person game is action-packed and sure to delight the entire family.
Players take turns saying "taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza" as they lay cards down on the table. When a card played matches the word said, it's all hands on it! Watch your inner competitor take the lead in this fun, trendy mind-twister. Here's an easy tutorial on the rules of the game.
Happy Salmon
Some card games are so fun, they actually get physical. That's certainly the case with Happy Salmon, a card game with plenty of human interaction. Perfect for 3-8 players, this game is simple and quick to learn and so fun the whole family will easily pass away the afternoon with high fives, fist bumps, switcheroos and happy salmons.
You can buy Happy Salmon anywhere games are sold. To see how the boisterous game is played, watch this tutorial.
Memory
If you've got little littles at home, Memory is the perfect way to introduce them to the joy of playing cards as a family. Not only is memory simple enough for even toddlers to play, it's also a great way to keep your adult mind sharp.
Available in a wide variety of different themes – from animals to Disney characters – you can find a version of Memory perfect for your kiddos, then enjoy it with the whole family.
To refresh your memory—pun intended—you'll lay out all of the cards in even rows, forming a square on the table. On each player's turn, they will flip over two cards. If the cards match, the player collects them as a win. The idea is to remember where each card was turned over so you can collect a match on your turn.
Slap Jack
Aside from some minor hand-smacking injuries, there's not a card game out there easier or more fun than Slap Jack. Grab your old deck of face cards and get the action going! Players take turns flipping cards over from the top of the deck. When a Jack is played, the first hand on it gets to take home the stack! Feel free to make it interesting by putting prizes, chores or favors on the line!
Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
You read that right! The popular (though not children-appropriate) game that got everyone through the pandemic is now available in a clean, family-friendly version! Teach your kids the art of a witty joke with this highly entertaining card game.
Suggested for ages 8 and up, players get to compete for the funniest complementary answer card to the dealer's question card. Invite the neighbors and have a roaring (with laughter) good time.
However you're spending this winter, make sure you keep your kids entertained and cozy. With a card game, a warm drink and a ridiculously soft Minky Couture blanket, you'll be hoping for your longest, snowiest winter yet!
