If you are searching for exciting games to enjoy with your kids, we have some parlor games for you. A fantastic list of popular parlor games for kids that will keep them entertained for hours.
These games are easy to set up, require just a few materials, and are suitable for kids of all ages in today’s world, where screens and technology often dominate. It’s important to encourage our children to engage in physical and social activities.
Parlour game is a great way to do just that. They promote bonding, teamwork, and lots of laughter. Our selection includes classic games like Straight Face and Camera Hot Potato, as well as newer favorites like Heads Up and Two Truths and a Lie.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party or a family gathering or want to have some quality playtime with your kids, these games are sure to be a hit.
Let’s check out some of the best parlor games for kids and find the joy they bring to our young ones’ lives!
1. Medusa
One of the most exciting parlor games for kids is Medusa. It’s a game that combines strategy, quick thinking, and a bit of silliness, making it a perfect choice for gatherings and parties. In Medusa, players sit in a circle, and one child is chosen as the Medusa. The Medusa wears a blindfold or closes their eyes tightly while the other kids silently pass an object, like a stuffed animal or a ball, around the circle. The objective is for the Medusa to tag someone by pointing at them while keeping their eyes closed. However, the catch is that the other players can freeze as soon as the Medusa points at them. If they’re caught moving, they’re out of the game. The last player standing wins and becomes the next Medusa.
2. Most Likely To
Most Likely To is a popular parlor game that’s all about guessing and having a good laugh. These types of parlor games are ideal icebreaker game that helps kids get to know each other better. To play Most Likely To, kids sit in a circle, and one child begins by asking a Most Likely To question. For example, Who is most likely to become a famous actor? All participants then point to the person they think fits the description best. The person with the most votes has to explain why they were chosen, leading to lots of fun and entertaining discussions.
3. Straight Face
Straight Face is a hilarious parlor game that challenges kids to keep a straight face while listening to funny. This game guarantees lots of giggles and amusement. To play Straight Face, kids sit in a circle, and one child takes on the role of the Joker. The Joker’s task is to make the other kids laugh by saying weird things without cracking a smile themselves. If a player laughs, they are out of the game. The last player to maintain a straight face wins and becomes the next Joker. This game not only promotes laughter but also encourages children to master the art of self-control, making it a fantastic addition to any parlor game lineup.
4. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a classic parlor game that’s perfect for promoting creativity and getting to know more about your friends. These types of parlor games are games of deception and deduction that can provide hours of entertainment. In this game, each child takes turns sharing three lines about themselves, two truths and one lie. The other players then have to guess which line is the lie. The player with the most convincing lie or the most challenging truth often wins the round. Two Truths and a Lie is an engaging way for kids to learn about each other’s experiences, interests, and abilities while also honing their ability to detect lines in a friendly and fun setting.
5. Mail Call
Mail Call is a parlor game perfect for kids’ gatherings that adds an exciting surprise factor. It is parlor games that spark creativity and keep everyone involved. To play, kids sit in a circle, and one child becomes the Mailperson. The Mailperson begins with a small item, like a toy, stuffed animal, or even something from around the house. They quietly tell a short message or a funny story about the item and then pass it secretly to another player. That player adds their part to the story by whispering something new to the item before passing it along. This keeps going until the item returns to the Mailperson. Finally, the Mailperson shares the item and how the story evolved with everyone.
6. Camera Hot Potato
Camera Hot Potato is a fun, modern twist on the classic hot potato game that we all know. Instead of using a real potato, we use a smartphone or a digital camera. Kids gather in a circle and take turns making a short video where they do something funny, act silly, or dance. Then, they pass the device to the next player, who adds their entertaining part to the video. This keeps going until someone decides to stop the video by pretending to pass a hot potato. The result is a funny video filled with spontaneous and creative moments. This game not only makes everyone laugh but also lets kids show off their special talents and personalities.
7. Would You Rather?
Would You Rather? is an engaging game that sparks lively conversations and uncovers interesting insights into each player’s preferences. To play, one person starts by asking another player a question that begins with Would you rather? These questions offer two options, often bizarre or thought-provoking, and the player has to pick one of them. For instance, Would you rather have the ability to fly like a bird or become invisible whenever you want? After giving their answer and explaining their choice, the player then asks another Would you rather? Question to someone else. These types of parlor games go on with each person taking turns asking and answering questions.
8. Telephone
A telephone is a classic parlor game that showcases the amusing way information can become distorted as it’s passed from one person to another. It’s a game that encourages attention to detail and communication skills. To play Telephone, you sit in a circle with your friends. One person starts by quietly telling a short message to the person next to them. Then, that person whispers it to the next person, and so on, until everyone has heard it. The last person says the message out loud. Usually, the final message is very different from the first one, which makes everyone laugh. Telephone shows how important it is to communicate clearly and how easily misunderstandings can happen.
9. How’s Yours?
How’s Yours? It is a parlor game that tests memory and attention to detail while also providing a dose of laughter. In this game, kids sit in a circle and take turns describing imaginary objects in front of them. They can get as creative and silly as they want, like saying, I have a rainbow-coloured pet unicorn with golden wings. The next player has to repeat this description and then add their fictional object; for instance, I have a giant floating ice cream cone next to my unicorn. As more objects get added, the game becomes more challenging, and players must remember the entire list. If someone forgets an object or messes up their words, they’re out of the game. These types of parlor games are a great way to exercise your memory and have a blast with funny descriptions.
10. Sticker Stalker
Sticker Stalker is a playful parlor game that involves a lot of laughter. To play, each player gets a bunch of small stickers. The goal is to secretly stick these stickers onto other players without them noticing. You’ve got to be really sneaky and careful when you do it. If someone realizes they’ve been stickered, they shout Sticker Stalker, and the person who stuck the sticker on them is out of the game. The last person with stickers still hidden wins. Sticker Stalker makes any gathering more exciting and keeps kids sharp as they try to outsmart their friends.
11. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a classic parlor game that encourages reasoning and critical thinking while providing hours of entertainment. To play 20 Questions, one child thinks of an object, person, or place without revealing it to the other players. The other players then take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what the chosen item is. They have a maximum of 20 questions to figure it out. Questions can range from Is it alive? to. Is it smaller than a breadbox? The person with the secret item can only answer yes or no. If the players correctly guess the item within 20 questions, they win. If not, the person who thought of the item reveals the answer. These types of parlor games challenge kids’ ability to ask strategic questions.
12. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is a parlor game that’s perfect for older kids and teenagers, providing an entertaining way to learn more about each other’s experiences and preferences. To play, everyone sits in a circle and takes turns saying things they’ve never done, like Never have I ever traveled to Europe. If someone else in the group has done that thing, they either sip their drink or raise their hand to show they have. The point is to uncover interesting or even a bit embarrassing facts about each other. These types of parlor games help build bonds and encourage friendly sharing of experiences, making it a great choice for gatherings with older kids and teenagers.
13. Crossed, Uncrossed
Crossed, Uncrossed is a parlor game that combines physical coordination with quick thinking, creating an entertaining challenge for kids. To play, kids sit in a circle with one child in the middle. The child in the center points to someone and says crossed or uncrossed. If they say crossed, the chosen player quickly crosses their legs. If they say uncrossed, the player must quickly uncross their legs. The child in the center tries to surprise others with sudden commands. If a player makes a mistake or hesitates, they’re out. The last player remaining wins and takes the center spot.
14. Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is an engaging parlor game that combines physical activity with strategy, making it a perfect choice for kids who enjoy a mix of excitement and decision-making. In this game, one child becomes Mr. Freeze and stands in the middle while the others spread out in the room or yard. Mr. Freeze’s job is to tag the other players and freeze them, but there’s a twist: players can only move when Mr. Freeze has their back turned. When Mr. Freeze faces them, they have to stay frozen where they are. The other kids try to change their positions when Mr. Freeze isn’t looking sneakily. If Mr. Freeze tags a player, that player can’t move anymore. The game keeps going until only one player is left unfrozen, and that player becomes the new Mr. Freeze.
15. Card Games
Card games are classic games that kids can enjoy. There are many different card games, ranging from easy ones like Go Fish to more challenging ones like Uno or Crazy Eights. To play these games, kids usually use a regular deck of cards or a special deck for games like Uno. The rules are different for each game, but most card games involve thinking, remembering, and a bit of luck. Card games help kids learn how to count, match things, and make decisions. You can play them with a few friends or a big group, so they work in different social situations.
16. Pencil-and-Paper Games
Pencil-and-paper games are fantastic activities that require just a sheet of paper and some writing tools, making them easy and enjoyable for kids of all ages. You have plenty of options to pick from, like Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, Dots and Boxes, and MASH. These games spark your creativity, sharpen your thinking skills, and help you plan strategies. Take Dots and Boxes, for example, where you take turns drawing lines to connect dots on a grid, trying to make as many boxes as you can. The player who makes the most boxes wins. These games aren’t just fun; they also encourage friendly competition and boost your brainpower. These types of parlor games are perfect for keeping busy during car rides or having a good time at home or school.
17. Puzzles
Puzzles are a great parlor game that promotes problem-solving skills and patience while providing hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. To play, you need a flat surface and a puzzle with pieces that fit together. The goal is to put the pieces together to make a picture. Puzzles come in different difficulty levels and themes, from easy ones with animals and landscapes to harder ones with famous art or complex designs. They make kids think about shapes, colors, and patterns, which is good for their brains and their hand skills. These types of parlor games are relaxing that you can enjoy by yourself or with friends.
18. Heads Up
Heads Up is a lively parlor game that challenges kids’ communication and deduction skills while offering loads of laughter and excitement. Here’s how it works: one child holds a card with a word or phrase on their forehead, but they can’t see it. The other kids take turns giving clues or acting out the word or phrase to help the child guess what it is. The trick is that the child with the card can only respond with yes, no, or pass. The goal is to guess as many words or phrases as possible within a set time limit. Heads Up promotes creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings and parties.
19. One If by Land, Two If by Sea
One If by Land, Two If by Sea is a parlor game that combines strategy and history, providing a unique and educational gaming experience for kids. In this game, you pretend to be generals from the American Revolutionary War. You start by making a map of where your battle will happen and then place your armies on it carefully. The aim is to beat the other player’s armies and catch their general. You do this by rolling dice or following some simple rules. While you play, you also learn about real events and tactics from history. These types of parlor games are a fun way to learn and have a good time, perfect for history buffs and curious kids.
20. Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic parlor game that generations of kids and adults have enjoyed. It’s a game where you use strategies, make deals, and manage your money. In Monopoly, players take turns moving around the board, buying, selling, and trading properties to make their opponents go broke. You must be smart with your money, make wise investment choices, and bargain with others. There are also special spaces on the board, like Chance and Community Chest cards, that can change the game. Monopoly teaches important lessons about handling money and negotiating while giving you lots of competitive fun. These types of parlor games are a great option for family game nights or get-togethers with friends.
Conclusion
All in all, it is a fantastic collection of parlor games for kids that promise hours of laughter and fun. These games aren’t just about having a good time.
They also help children develop important skills like working together, communicating effectively, and solving problems, whether you prefer traditional games like Monopoly or more creative ones like Medusa.
There’s something here for everyone. These games are about more than just winning. They’re about creating unforgettable moments with friends and family.
Remember that the best parlor games encourage everyone to join in and show interest in promoting fair gameplay. So, the next time you’re searching for an indoor activity.
Think about giving one of these games a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the happiness they can bring to your child’s life. Gather your dear ones, set up the parlor, and let the games begin.
These classics will continue to bring smiles to children’s faces for generations to come.
