If your family is anything like mine, we are missing our friends and family like crazy! Mommy meetups and play dates have been put on hold, but with technology today, there is a way to play free games for kids online. The following platforms/games provide a way to play online with friends and ways to host a virtual game night.
Connect with your family and friends with these links to free online games that your kids (and you) can play.
All of these online multiplayer games should be downloaded or played with parent supervision. Online safety is important with all activities our kids are doing these days. Having a conversation with your children about chatting online and stranger danger is important to do before letting them play any games.
Below are both websites to play games, and individual apps to download games. If you are looking for more educational games, check out these cool math games or these baby games for the younger kiddos. Need help with your kids’ classwork? Check out these education companies offering free online education subscriptions.
Air Console
1+ players; designed for ages 6+
Air Console is an online video game console where your smartphones are the game controllers. The only thing is you’re playing games together on one screen. To get around this, one person will have to stream the browser game over Zoom so everyone else can join. Or you can just play with your family instead.
The starter pack is free and comes with 11 games such as:
Air Console is a website that allows you to play free online games with your friends or family.
Playingcards.io
1+ players; ages vary
Playingcards.io is a website that allows you to play classic card games with up to 6 friends on your browser. All you have to do is share the “room link” to your friends, and you’re good to go. The games include:
Pogo
1+ players; ages 5+
This site has a bunch of games for both single users or for multiplayers. There are plenty of free online games such as:
Play some classic board games online with friends or family with these different sites and apps.
Skribblo
This drawing game is fun for even the younger kids and a bit like an online version of Pictionary. Create a private room so your family can play together without distractions, then you’ll be given prompts to draw. The random word generator is fun, but if you have younger children you’ll want to control the content by creating your own customize-able word list.
Our favorite learning program is on sale! You can try it out with 2 months for only $5!
Houseparty
(1-8 ppl; ages 6+)
Billed as a “face-to-face social network”, Houseparty is an app that’s gaining users rapidly because of its simple ability to host easy group video chat. It’s not a new app though – it’s actually been around since 2016 and in 2019 was bought by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite.
It’s appealing because it’s simple to use.
You can pop in and out of a “house” rather than having to make a call, plus the barrier to entry is low requiring only basic personal details (yet you can find your friends very easily).
Like a few of the other video calling apps, Houseparty is free to use. There are some in-app purchases, but they’re not a requirement to use. The app is available for iPhone/iOS and Android as well as macOS.
The games, which can be played by up to 8 people at the same time, include:
- Heads Up!
- Chips & Guac- similar to Apples to Apples
- Trivia
- Quick Draw.
A note for parents: It is possible for people you may not know to join the “houseparty.” To keep this from happening, set the app to private mode before letting your kids play.
Houseparty is a fun online way to play games or chat with those you care about.
Bunch
2 to 8 people, depending on game
Bunch is very similar to Houseparty so if you get bored, download Bunch from your app store (along with your friends) and try some of their games.
The pre-installed games on Bunch include:
- Mars Dash- puts you and your friends in the shoes of a space-exploring astronaut in this simple, yet action-packed game.
- Pool- allows you to play the classic game of pool.
- Draw Party- brings the fun of Pictionary to your smartphones & tablets.
- Charades- a popular game on Bunch just like the normal Charades you would play in person.
Mario Kart Tour
Download this classic game for free from the app store or play store and challenge your kids to a race with Mario and the gang. In-game friends can be added to your account, or you can play against strangers. Just watch out for in-app optional purchases, and make sure that parental controls are in place to prevent unauthorized charges.
This game is based on the old party favorite where players hold up a piece of paper on their forehead and try to guess what is written on it by asking questions. With the online version, you can nix the pen and paper and use your phone to display a category and object for the other players to give you clues. This classic game is available for both Android & Apple users.
THINK FAST! Name a fruit that starts with the letter “B”. What about an animal that starts with the letter “R”? The more creative your answers, the more points you score! This classic game is available for both Android & Apple users.
The classic game of creating and spelling out words available for both Android & Apple users.
Although most people associate this game with getting outside, it’s actually possible to play at home. Kids will love trying to find their favorite characters whether you do it indoors or in the backyard. Each player should add themselves to your friend list so that you can interact as you play. This classic game is available for both Android & Apple users.
Avo is a fun app that tells the story of an avocado brought to life in this magical adventure. Only available for Apple devices.
- Ages: 4+
- Players: Up to 6
- How to play: Get on Apple store
Host a virtual game night with your friends and family with these online games.
FOR MORE STUCK AT HOME RESOURCES:
Make reading even more fun with this PB kid summer reading challenge.
Source: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/141076/virtual-game-night/
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