When you think of paper games, you might not have many memories popping up right away. That’s probably because it’s been ages since you last played them! These games were all the rage during elementary and middle school days. The rise of smartphones made them less popular, as they were way easier to carry around than a spiral notebook. However, paper games can still be a fantastic source of entertainment during road trips or on those rainy vacation days. They offer endless fun and creativity, proving that all you need is a bit of imagination to keep both your kids and yourself entertained.
Wondering which paper games to introduce to your little ones? Here are 13 timeless favorites that are sure to delight. And if you find yourself enjoying them just as much as your kids do, well, that’s a win-win!
Paper Games to Play at Home
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Tic-Tac-Toe
This timeless classic continues to be a favorite among kids. Just draw a grid with two horizontal and two diagonal lines. Players alternate marking their spots with an X or an O, aiming to be the first to get three in a row. It might not be the most thrilling game, but younger kids absolutely love it. Plus, it’s a great way to boost their logical thinking skills. -
Hangman
Another beloved game, Hangman is not just fun but also educational. You can make the game entertaining for adults by using humorous inside jokes for the words. For kids, you can keep it light with prompts like guessing dinner options or weekend plans. -
Snowman
For a more cheerful spin, try Snowman! This game follows the same basic rules as Hangman, but instead of a stick figure, players draw parts of a snowman for each wrong guess. -
Dots and Boxes
To play Dots and Boxes, you’ll need a sheet of grid paper filled with dots. Players take turns connecting the dots, trying to form squares. When a player completes a square, they initial it. This game is strategic and can become quite competitive! -
MASH
MASH is arguably the most cherished nostalgic paper game. Start by writing “MASH” at the top of your paper (which stands for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House). Then, list potential partners (real or fictional), future jobs, and more. A player picks a number, and you cross out entries until one remains in each category, predicting that person’s future. -
Racetrack
If your child loves Lightning McQueen from Cars, they’ll enjoy Racetrack. Players mark their starting positions on a grid, using symbols like Xs and Os to represent their cars. Each move must be strategic to avoid ‘crashing’ off the track. -
Sprouts
Sprouts is a less structured game than Dots and Boxes, but just as fun. Start with a few dots and take turns connecting them or adding new ones. The game ends when a player can no longer make a move. -
Word Finder
One player writes down six random letters (including at least one vowel) on paper. Set a timer, and see who can create the most words from those letters. The winner is the one with the highest score! -
Paper Fortune Telling
This nostalgic game may seem more complicated than MASH, but it’s just as fun. Crafting a paper fortune teller can be tricky at first due to the folding, but once you master it, the memories will flood back. -
Pictionary
If you’re into drawing, Pictionary is your game. Have someone think of a concept, and see how long it takes your family to guess what it is based on your drawing. -
Create-a-Story
Great for groups, this game starts with a couple of sentences written down. Each player adds a sentence while folding the paper to hide previous lines. At the end, read the story aloud for a hilarious surprise. -
Categories
Similar to Scattergories, this game involves dividing a sheet into four categories chosen by the group. After picking a random letter, everyone tries to list as many words as possible that fit. The player with the most unique answers wins! -
Paper Telephone
Players line up, and the person at the back draws a picture based on what they feel from the back of the person in front of them. The final drawings are compared to see how much they differ from the original. -
Word Scrambles
Take a word and scramble its letters on paper. The first person to correctly guess the original word wins. You can add excitement by implementing a time limit. -
Sightless Drawings
Try drawing with your eyes closed! In this game, one player is blindfolded and must create an image of a simple object. Judges then compare the results to see who got closest to the original idea.
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Summary:
These 13 paper games offer fun, nostalgia, and creativity for kids and adults alike. From classic tic-tac-toe to the imaginative world of MASH, these games are perfect for family gatherings or rainy days. Revisit your childhood while creating lasting memories with your children.