The Best Card Games for Tweens

Looking for a fun, low pressure way to connect with your tweens? These card games for tweens are quick, low pressure, and LOTS of fun. They’re a sure way to spend time with your kids that you’ll BOTH enjoy!

As my daughter has gotten older, we’re having to learn new ways to connect with each other. She doesn’t want to play barbies with me anymore (which, honestly, thank goodness, because I was never a fan), but she still wants to spend time with me.

The in-between phase can be hard on everyone, but we all still want the chance to spend time with our kids in fun ways.

Luckily, having older kids brings on a brand new phase- spending time together on activities that we BOTH actually like!

So if you’re looking for quick, meaningful ways to spend time with your older kids (ages 8-12) too, check out this list of the best card games for tweens.

kids playing cards; text: the best card games for tweens

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The Best Card Games for Tweens

What the Fish

This game is a quick one, which makes it easy to sneak in a card game here and there.

kids playing what the fish

And my tween daughter LOVES punishing me with the Kill Cards, and keeping me at bay with the Protection cards.

Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza

EVERYONE we’ve ever played this game with absolutely loves it. It’s fast paced, silly, and just as fun for grown ups as it is for tweens.

Take turns saying words the words in order while putting cards down. If the words and the card match, slap the cards. The last to get them keeps the cards.

It’s such a simple premise, but SO much fun!

Taco Vs. Burrito

This is one is DISGUSTING, which as you may know, is every tween’s idea of a good time.

Take turns adding unusual ingredients to your taco or burrito (think fish eyes and dirty socks). Each one will give or take away points. The rules are a little complicated, but easy to get the hang of.

And your tweens will think this card game is HILARIOUS.

War

This game is a total classic. Using just a regular deck of cards, take turns putting down cards. The higher value card takes all.

kids playing war

You can also put a twist on this to practice addition or multiplication facts for kids who struggle.

It’s an easy one, but my daughter will happily play this card game for HOURS.

Poetry for Neanderthals

Another bizarre entry, we know, but consider this card game for tweens: Poetry for Neanderthals.

It’s a word guessing game where the object is to use little words, not big ones. Use a big word? Get bopped with the ‘No Stick.”

We can practically hear the belly laughs, now.

Speed

I used to play this card game as a tween myself! It is as fast paced as you want it to be, and kids love it as much as adults do.

kids playing cards

I’m not the expert on this one, but it does use a regular deck of cards. You can get the full rules on how to play Speed here.

Goat Lords

This is a SILLY one, but bear with us- help create a Goat Empire by giving birth to twin goats (aka matching pairs).

I know.

BUT your tweens will find this card game hilarious, and we think you will, too.

Uno

Another classic card game for tweens that is sure to be a hit. It’s fast paced and fun, and they’ll absolutely love sticking it to you with their “Draw 4” cards.

kids playing uno

It’s a fairly quick game, too, so it’s a good way to bond when you’re short on time.

Kids Against Maturity

Yep, it plays like what it sounds like- a kids’ version of Cards Against Humanity.

Choose the funniest “answer” card to answer the “fill in the blank card.” The funniest answer wins!

Throw, Throw Burrito

Yep, another Mexican-food-themed game. Give the tweens what they want, I guess.

This is another silly, action packed game where you collect cards and make matches while dodging thrown burritos.

Like I said, give the tweens what they want!


So there you have it, a whole list of the best card games for tweens. These games will give you a great chance to bond with your 9-13 year olds, while squeaking a little more fun into your day.

What are your tweens’ favorite card games? We’d love to hear about any that we missed in the comment section!

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