The Best Family Card Games to Play with Teens
Teens can be tricky to entertain. Mine usually resort to sitting on the couch and playing video games with friends but we try to break them out of their comfort zone every once in a while. These family card games are fun for everyone, including the teenagers in your house. Play as a family or have them on hand for your teenagers to play with their friends.
Top family card games we love
Family Card Games
Five Crowns
Five Crowns is a variation of rummy ... which I had never played. There's some strategy involved but it is also simple enough that younger kids can play. My almost 8-year-old joined in and had as much fun as my teenagers did. This game is easy enough to set up and you can pull it out for a quick game when you need something to do. This game was new to us recently but it's one that I suspect is going to get a lot of playing time.
Exploding Kittens Card Game
I don't even know how to describe this game. The rules are insane ... but somehow it works. This game is actually really fun. It surprised me because I really didn't think I would enjoy it but there's some definite strategy involved and it's really fun to play with a group. we take this game with us when we travel because it's always a great way to pass the time.
Sushi Go! - The Pick and Pass Card Game
This pick and pass card game is always fun for a group. I mean, I'm always in for a food-themed game. The goal is to collect the best combination of sushi dishes as they pass by. You earn extra points for making the most maki rolls or for collecting a full set of sashimi. Leave room for dessert or your score will take a hit.
Monopoly Deal Card Game
Monopoly is a classic but it's one of those games that can just go on and on forever. This card-based version can be played in 30 minutes and doesn't have all of that annoying setup. I'm a huge monopoly fan but there are times when you just can't dedicate your kitchen table to a game for the next 3-5 days.
Cover Your Assets Card Game
Whenever I ask for game recommendations, this one always comes up. The goal of the game is to collect the most assets, which is tricky because other players can take the assets on the top of your card deck. The best way to protect them is to cover your assets with a new set of assets ... so you are literally covering your assets. This game is fast-paced and super competitive and is the perfect choice for game night.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
I mean, this game had me at the title. It says that the goal of this game is to build a unicorn army and betray your friends. It's a strategic card game that will destroy your friendships...but in a good way. Each game takes about 30-40 minutes to play, which is the perfect length when you need something to pull out at a party.
Phase 10 Card Game
Phase 10 is a classic Rummy-type card game that is fun to play with a variety of ages. We love this game when we need some quick entertainment and it is one that almost everyone in our family can jump in and enjoy. My teens love to take this game camping or to friends' houses because it's quick to set up and easy to teach people how to play.
UNO
You can never go wrong with UNO. This classic card game is a hit with teens and anyone else. It's a fast-paced game that is easy to learn and works great when you are away from home too. I used to play this in the mornings with my students during my days as a teacher and it was always fun to help them take a few minutes to relax.
Wizard Card Game
This game uses a mostly standard deck of cards with the addition of four Wizards and four Jesters. This is a very simple game that is easy to learn but definitely has some strategy involved. This one is always a crowd-pleaser at game night and such a great game for teens.
Taco vs Burrito - The Wildly Popular Surprisingly Strategic Card Game Created by a 7 Year Old
I've heard awesome things about Taco vs Burrito but what is amazing is this game was actually created by a 7-year-old. This game is fantastic for any age and is played with 2-4 players. The goal is to create the weirdest, wildest meal and there is a surprising amount of strategy to it.
We hope this list of family card games was helpful to you. If you are looking for some of our top family board games check out this list.
Finding ways to spend time together as a family can be tricky as kids get older. Our go-to is sitting in front of the TV together but that doesn’t create much interaction. I love when we are able to sit down together and play a game together. We always end up having a good time and it’s great to see my teens having fun together.
These family card games always help my teens let down their guard and have fun together with us as a family or with their friends. I try to make a point of pulling out one of our favorite family games at least once a week so we can enjoy that time together.
