A couple of years ago, when my husband had to leave for a year overseas, our family wanted to construct a list of ways to connect when it’s impossible to be together. We discovered some virtual games for kids that daddy would enjoy, too.
Finding games to play virtually was a lifesaver and has turned out to be equally as valuable now that we are stuck at home more due to this pandemic.
Free games that require little to no tools or equipment
GAME: Charades
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
HOW TO PLAY: one person picks a word or phrase to act out (silently), and the other person tried to guess what it is. My daughter enjoys mostly acting out animals, which I find an easier acting out option for younger kids.
While you don’t need anything and can incorporate this into your list of virtual games for kids, we appreciate the ease of having a game box of ideas to pick from.
GAME: Once upon a time
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
HOW TO PLAY: One person starts by saying “Once upon a time…” then the players take turns adding a sentence to crate a unique story. Have fun making it silly, scary, fun, or adventurous.
Of all the virtual games for kids, this one is so neat and different. It’s fun to see how your story evolves! It’s true you need nothing to play this but having a pack of story cards can add to your fun!
GAME: I Spy
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
HOW TO PLAY: Limit the spying to what you can see in the background of your cameras. One person finds something in the other player’s screen view says. For example, “I spy something blue.” The player guessing asks yes or no questions to try to figure it out.
GAME: Hangman
WHAT YOU NEED: paper and pencil
HOW TO PLAY: here’s a YouTube video for this how to play:
GAME: Tic Tac Toe
WHAT YOU NEED: paper and pencil
HOW TO PLAY: this is another easy two-player free game you can play with just paper and a pencil. Create your board and take turns making your spot to try and get three in a row.
GAME: One Word Story
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing.
HOW TO PLAY: One word story is similar to the game “Once upon a time” except instead of each person adding a sentence on their turn, they add one word at a time.
GAME: 20 Questions
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
HOW TO PLAY: 20 questions is another one of those fantastic, instant, fun virtual games to play with kids because you don’t need anything special. Pick a category sicks as zoo animals or items in the bathroom or any common, silly, or unique category you can come up with and get started.
Here are some variations for younger kids.
One person comes up with the thing and the other asks questions until they figure it out. Easy peasy and fun.
Board games you can play virtually
GAME: Guess Who
WHAT YOU NEED: each player needs a board game
HOW TO PLAY: Guess Who is a game of elimination to figure out the other person’s card. For this two-player game, each person picks a card; then, they each take turns asking yes or no questions eliminating people on the board to narrow down to the answer.
GAME: Chess
WHAT YOU NEED: at least one person needs a chessboard. You can also play with a chess app.
HOW TO PLAY: if you’re playing with only one chessboard, the player with the board makes the moves.
GAME: Checkers
WHAT YOU NEED: one person needs a checkers board game
HOW TO PLAY: like with chess, the player with the board makes the moves.
GAME: Pictionary
WHAT YOU NEED: if you’re using Zoom, you can use the whiteboard feature and if you’re using another platform, you can use a piece of paper propped up for the other player(s) to see as you draw
HOW TO PLAY: One player chooses something do draw, and the other player(s) try to guess what they’re drawing.
GAME: Battleship
WHAT YOU NEED: Each player needs a battleship game
HOW TO PLAY: this is a great game to play virtually because there’s no risk of your opponent seeing your board. First, each player places their ships on the board. Then, the two players take turns guessing coordinates to sink each other’s ships. The first player to sink all of the other player’s ships wins.
Read next: How to Get Your Child to Listen: a simple solution you’ve never heard of
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