Best Pen & Paper Games For Kids & Family

Welcome Pen and Paper Games!

Pen paper games have entertained every generation. Remember how you sneaked in a quick session of pencil and paper game during a boring lesson or in between classes? It is time to revisit these fun paper games and play them with your kids and family.

Nothing can be quite versatile and spontaneous than these paper and pen games for kids! They do not require any special preparation and can be played anytime without fuss. All you need for these fun games to play on paper is, well, a pencil or a pen and a piece of paper!

Fun Pen and Paper Games For Kids

These exciting pen paper games are a wonderful way to keep children entertained while spending quality time as a family.

And if you are thinking these paper games are only for kids, you are in for a pleasant surprise! Many of the games listed below make for fun pen and paper games for adults too. We bet you will love them!

Perfect for birthday parties, family reunions and game nights – Check out this amazing list of 22 Pen and Paper games that promise wholesome entertainment and endless laughs.

1. Word Out of Word

One of the most popular vocabulary pen and paper games is “Word out of Word.” This classic game is really easy, guarantees endless fun, and is super educational! 

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2+ players

How to play?

• Start by choosing an exciting base word, such as “garden.” 
• Set a timer for four minutes, and let the word-hunting game for kids begin!
• Players use the letters from the base word to create new words like ‘grade,’ ‘den,’ and ‘gear.’ Write down your word discoveries and share them with your fellow players. 
• Challenge yourself to find a word that uses all the letters from the base word, such as “danger” or “grande.” 

The word game on paper not only tests your vocabulary skills but also promotes friendly competition. Who can come up with the most words or the longest word?

2. Dot & Boxes With Dice

We bet you have played this classic pencil and paper game but have you tried its modern version with a dice? Super fun, this pen and paper game for kids is a must try and a great take-off from the classic, ever-loved dots and boxes.

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2 players 

How to play?

• Make dots on the paper or use a dot grid paper.
• Each player rolls two dice at a time, draws a grid on the paper depending on the number combination they get and writes their name’s initial in the grid. For example if the dice rolls 2 and 6, the player will draw a grid of 2X6 on the paper.
• Players take turns to roll the dice and the game continues till no more grids can be drawn. The player with the most grids wins the game.

This fun game to play on paper for two can be easily used to sneak in math for young kids. You can ask them to think before marking their grids to use the paper most optimally and can even encourage them to say out the product of two numbers aloud.

Related: Check out these Easy Math Card Games to gamify math.

3. Word Ladder

This is one of the most exciting, brain building word games on paper. Word ladder pen paper game for kids not only test their vocabulary but also their thinking skills.

Age: 5+ years

Number of Players: 1+ players

How to play?

• The game starts with selecting two words with the same number of digits. Write one word that is the starting word on top of the page and the second word, which will be the ending word, at the bottom.
• The challenge is to get to the ending word by changing one letter at a time of the starting word to make a new word. Only valid words are allowed and you cannot use proper nouns.

The best part of this fun paper game is that it doubles up as a game to play on paper alone and with friends. In case you are playing with friends, the player who completes the ladder first wins the game. 

4. Word Tennis

If you’re looking for paper games that combine quick thinking and creativity, “Word Tennis” is a great choice. It is one of the best games to play on paper with friends.

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play?

• To start, choose an initial word like “mouse.” 
• Player 1 says and writes down the word “mouse.” 
• Player 2 responds with a related word, such as “cheese,” and adds it to the chain. 
• Players continue taking turns, adding words related to the previous ones, like “cheese” to “pizza.” 
• Earn points for using unique and clever words and keep the rally going! 
• The game ends after a set of rounds or by mutual agreement. 
• The player with the most points becomes the champion of this fun game to play on paper!

This pen and paper game not only tests vocabulary but also promotes strategic thinking and fosters creativity as players try to come up with related words.

Quick Tip: Club these easy pen paper games with Fun Memory Games for Kids to boost their memory skills the fun way!

5. Paper Soccer

This drawing game on paper is a fun way to spend quality time together with your kids. It is a fun pen and paper game for adults as well as kids.

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2 

How to play?

• Take a grid paper and draw a soccer board with goals at each end and the ball, represented by a dot, in the middle.
• The challenge is to move the soccer ball into their respective goals by drawing a line connecting only two dots at a time.
• The line drawn to move the ball should not cut through the already drawn lines.
• If you hit the boundary (in fig: point 12) or the tip of an already drawn line (in fig: point 4), you get one extra bonus move from that hitting point.
• The first player to reach their goal wins the game.

This strategy two player game is probably one of the best games to play on paper for two players. We bet you will get more competitive than you think while playing this pen paper game with friends!

6. Storytime

For those who love storytelling and creating fantasy worlds, ‘Storytime’ is the perfect pen and paper game for groups. 

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2+ players 

This game takes you on an epic storytelling journey. Gather your group, grab pens and papers, and get ready to create a unique story. 

How to play? 

• The first player starts by writing a sentence to kick off the story. 
• Next, players take turns adding imaginative and descriptive sentences, building the plot with twists, turns, and exciting characters. 
• Embrace surprises and let the creativity flow as the story evolves. Continue the game, adding sentences to create an enthralling tale. 
• Decide together when to conclude the adventure, whether after a few rounds or a satisfying ending. 
• Share the masterpiece by reading the story aloud and marvel at the unique creation.

This game sparks the imagination, cultivates collaboration, and provides hours of storytelling fun.

Quick Tip: Check out this video tutorial for fun crafts to make with paper. They are perfect to banish boredom.

7. Bridges

Another strategy game to play on paper, Bridges is a fun game and offers a quick remedy from boredom. This fun paper pen game to play with friends is just right for short breaks between classes or playing at home.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: at least 2

How to play?

• Draw an abstract shape on paper and divide it into sections. 
• Each player uses a different coloured pen to make a bridge between sections. Each bridge should start from one section, cross-over a section and end in a third section. So for every bridge, three sections are used.
• Each section can only be used once to make the bridge.
• Players take turns drawing the bridges and the player who draws the last bridge wins the game.

Quick Tip: Looking for quick games to play? Check out Minute To Win It Games for nail biting excitement and infectious laughs!

8. Sim

Sim is hands-down one of the best strategy games on paper! This exciting two player paper game will test your smarts and force you to think critically.

Age: 8+ years

Number of Players: 2

How to play? 

• Draw six dots on paper representing the vertices of a hexagon.
• Players take turns to draw a line connecting two dots using coloured pen to differentiate between the line drawn by the players. The first player bound to make a triangle on their own colour loses the game.

This is a fun math paper game that boosts spatial reasoning abilities and critical thinking skills.

9. Name that Tune

If you’re a music lover, ‘Name that Tune’ game will have you grooving to the beat. This is great pen and paper games for parties, family reunions and get-togethers.

Age: 6+ years or for anyone who enjoys music

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• To play this paper and pen game, grab some paper and pens, and turn up the tunes! 
• Choose a DJ who will play snippets of songs. The DJ picks a song and plays a short snippet, like the intro or chorus. 
• Everybody tries to name the song as fast as lightning, scribbling their guesses on paper.
• The DJ reveals the correct song title, and players give themselves a point for every right guess. 
• The DJ spins more snippets from different songs, and the guessing and point tallying continue. 
• The player with the highest score at the end is crowned the music maestro! 

“Name that Tune” not only tests your music knowledge but also adds a dash of friendly competition and excitement to any gathering. It is a fun guessing game that entertains kids and adults alike!

10. Obstruction

This two player pen and paper game was invented by a Romanian mathematician, László Kozma and needless to say involves strategy. 

Age: 8+ years

Number of Players: 2 players

How To play?

• Take grid paper and make a square of 6X6.
• Players take turns writing their symbol (X or O) in the box within the square but making sure that the neighbouring boxes are empty.

The first player unable to mark their symbol loses the game.

11. Movie Parade

‘Movie Parade’ is a thrilling game that tests your movie knowledge and lets you showcase your drawing skills. 

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• Note down movie names on paper slips, fold them and keep them a secret. Each player gets to write two movies. 
• Once everyone’s ready, collect all the slips and put them in a glass bowl. 
• The task: Instead of acting, draw the movie/movie scene/something related to the movie on a piece of paper and let people guess. 
• Players can shout out their guesses, and the fastest correct guesser scores a point. 
• Rotate performers and continue guessing different movies, keeping the excitement going. The player with the most points at the end wins the Movie Parade crown! 

This game guarantees laughter, friendly competition, and a chance to showcase your critical thinking and drawing skills.

12. Doodle Duel

If you’re in the mood for some spontaneous doodle activities, “Doodle Duel” is the game for you. It’s a friendly drawing trail where players get to draw on the same sheet and about the same theme. 

It is one of the most amazing pen and paper games to play on paper for two!

For instance, each player gets 30 seconds to draw something related to the theme. Once the timer stops, the sheet is passed on to the next player. 

Age: 6+ years 

Number of Players:  2+ players

How to play?

• Grab a sheet, pen or pencil.
• Sit together in a circle.
• Decide on a theme or category for your drawing, like animals, objects, or sceneries. 
• Player 1 starts by making a small drawing related to the chosen theme.
• Player 2 continues by adding to the drawing in their own style.
• Keep taking turns— each player gets 20-30 seconds to draw something related. 
• Try to build upon what the previous player drew and make it flow together.
• Keep going until you’re both satisfied with the final result. 
• Admire and discuss the collaborative artwork you’ve created together.
• Optionally, you can repeat the process with different themes or start a new drawing. 

Let’s all show some love for each other’s artistic skills and have a good laugh, no cap!

13. Emoji Stories

“Emoji Stories” is a game where players use emojis to make funny and expressive stories! 

This game helps you to be creative and think of new ideas. You can use your imagination to come up with interesting and unique stories using emojis. It’s a fun way to be creative and think in a different and exciting way.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• Each player needs a pencil and paper. You can also use colors to make the game artistic. 
• Decide on a story theme or scenario and start drawing emojis.
• Each player takes turns drawing emojis that represent different parts of the story. 
• Connect the emojis together to create a cohesive and funny story. 
• You can do this in a group or each player can write their own stories depending on the emojis presented below. Creating stories in a group will teach kids the importance of teamwork and communication. On the other hand, solo stories will bring unique stories to the table that you can laugh at later! 
• Read the story aloud and enjoy the laughter as you uncover the imaginative tale you’ve created together.

Related: Check out Fun Creative Writing Ideas for Kids to hone your kid’s creative thinking and writing skills.

14. Portrait Exchange

‘Portrait Exchange’ is a game that tests players’ artistic skills as they draw portraits of each other. This fun drawing pen paper game guarantees silly laughs and lots of fun!

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• Each player needs a pencil and paper. Don’t be scared to use colors!
• Sit facing each other and set a timer for a specific duration. 
• Simultaneously, draw a portrait of your partner within the given time. 
• Try to capture their features and unique characteristics. 
• Once the timer stops, share your portraits and see how well you captured each other’s likeness. 

Appreciate the artistic interpretations and enjoy the funny or surprising results.

15. Draw the Superhero

If you’re in the mood for some superhero-themed fun, ‘Draw the Superhero’ is the game for you. This game allows players to collaboratively create a superhero character and backstory.

A fun game to play on paper with friends, this one is sure to get your little ones excited.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• Decide on the superhero’s name and powers. 
• On a sheet of paper, write the superhero’s name and their power at the top!
• Each player gets a turn to draw on the sheet, one by one. For instance, if the first player draws the head, the next one can draw the features or torso… and so on!
• Continue until the superhero is well-dressed and well-colored. 
• You can also continue drawing 2 or more superheroes in the same sheet of paper, if you like! It could be called the ‘Save earth squad.’ 
• Share your superhero creation, describe their powers and backstory, and let your imaginations roar.

16. Doodle Dash

“Doodle Dash” is a fast-paced doodling challenge where players draw to create the most creative and complex doodles. This game unleashes your artistic skills and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• Gather players and provide each person with paper and drawing tools.
• Each player gets their own sheet. The sheet will be marked with a theme/category. For example: Birthday party, animal shelter, School, etc. 
• Set a time limit for each turn, like 10-20 seconds. Each player will get 10 seconds to draw something related to the theme. Once the timer ends, they have to pass the sheet to the next person. This way, each player will receive a new theme on each turn, once the timer is up. 
• Players take turns adding to the doodle, extending lines and adding details.
• Pass the papers clockwise after each turn until every player has contributed to all the sheets! 

17. Guess the Number

“Guess the Number” is a classic pen-and-paper game that challenges players to guess a secret number within a specified range. A great pen paper game for adults as well as kids, this brain-teasing game will test your smarts and get you thinking logically

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players  

How to play? 

• One player becomes the “game master” and secretly chooses a number within a predetermined range, say 1-20. 
• The game master must add a hint to the number they have chosen. For example, if the number is 12; they say… “It’s more than my fingers.” 
• Each player writes down a guess on a piece of paper and hands it to the game master without revealing their guess to others. 
• The game master will announce the highest and lowest guesses without revealing the pre-decided number. For instance, the highest guess is “18” and the lowest guess is “11.” The game master will tell everybody that my chosen number is smaller from the highest guess and bigger from the lowest guess. 
• Players then write down a new guess based on the information they received. 
• The process continues until someone correctly guesses the secret number. That person becomes the game master for the next round.

18. Blind Drawing

“Blind Drawing” is a game that challenges players to draw based on a theme without looking at their paper, resulting in humorous and imaginative artworks.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play? 

• All the players must sit in a row and their eyes should be blindfolded. 
• Each player will have a sheet and a pencil.
• Select a theme, such as animals, objects, or famous landmarks, and let all the players know about the theme! 
• Set a time limit, and instruct everyone to draw based on the chosen theme, blindfolded. 
• Once the time is up, players reveal their drawings, and everyone takes turns guessing what the drawing represents. 
• Play multiple rounds with different themes and continue tallying the points.

19. Bulls and Cows

This math game to play on paper is a great entertainer and perfect for parties. Bulls and Cows is one of the most exciting pen and paper games for adults and family. 

The mission? Crack the secret 4-digit number chosen by the game master.

Ready to dive in? Here’s the rundown on how to rock this game and have a blast:

Bulls: The game master will scream bulls when your guess has a number that’s in the correct position. 

Cows: The game master will scream cows when your guess has a matching number but in the wrong position. 

If the guess has no correct numbers, the game master will say ‘pass’ or say ‘0 Bulls and 0 cows’.

Age: 9+ years

Number of Players: 2 players

How to play?

• Player A, the game master, chooses the number “5284” as the secret code. 
• Player B guesses 1234
• Feedback by the game master: 2 bulls, 0 cows. 

What does it mean: The game master is letting player B know that 2 numbers from their guess are the correct numbers and are at the correct position. 

Now, player B has to be very crucial with their second guess. You can do this by keeping 2 numbers and changing the other two. 

• Player B guesses: 1275. Feedback: 1 bull, 1 cow. (2 is bull, 5 is cow.)
• Player B guess: 7534. Feedback: 1 bull, 1 cow. (4 is bull, 5 is cow)
• Player B guess: 7254. Feedback: 2 bulls, 1 cow. (2 and 4 are bull, 5 is cow)
• Player B guess: 5274. Feedback: 3 bulls, 0 cows. (5,2, 4 are bulls)
• Player B guess: 5284.

And… it’s a WINNN! 

In Bulls and Cows, the goal is to decipher the code by keenly understanding the feedback your code-maker gives you after every guess! The challenge takes sharp skills to correlate all your guesses and the feedback. 

Bulls and Cows is an engaging mathematical pen and paper game that’ll engage you into guessing and detecting faster! 

20. Paper Telephone

Those who know about this game know just how hilarious ‘Paper Telephone’ gets! It is a great game to play on paper with a group and perfect for family reunions.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 4+ players 

It’s quite easy to play paper telephone but beware of the miscommunication that entails. This miscommunication doesn’t evoke fights, It evokes laughter! Each player gets to keep a pencil and a paper! Sit in a row, facing the back of the next player. 

The first player will whisper a line to the next person. The said person has to draw what they have been told! You cannot whisper more than once. Now, this person has to whisper the same sentence to the next person and so on until it has reached the last player!

How to play?

Example:

• First person says,  “A chicken wearing sunglasses rides a unicycle.”
• The game should follow until the whispering sentence has reached the last person.

Where does this miscommunication begin? It’s difficult to understand what the other person is whispering, especially if they only get to whisper one time! So, the next person has to draw whatever they have heard through bits of understanding. 

Each player will draw something completely unique and hilarious!  

Related: If you are looking for fun games to play with family, check out our exhaustive list of Easy Family Reunion Games.

21. Mystery Word

Get ready to sharpen your vocabulary with this ‘mystery word; that’s sure to enthral you!

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: 2+ players 

How to play?

• The game master will decide on a secret word and only leave hints for the players. 
• The players have to guess the letter. If the letter is correct, the game master will add the letter to the spelling board. 
• Players should continue to guess letters until the word is fully revealed or until they exhaust all their attempts.
• The mystery unfolds: As letters are revealed, players use their deduction skills to figure out the word. The player who correctly guesses the word wins the round.
• After each round, players can take turns being the word chooser, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

It is a strategic pen and paper game for groups that encourages linking information and thinking logically.

22. Sudoku

Sudoku is a masterpiece game that originated in Japan. It polishes and sharpens your mind. It’s basically a mathematical brain teaser! 

Related: If you love such number games, try our Number Puzzles! They are great at building math skills in kids and adults alike.

Age: 6+ years

Number of Players: Single players

How to play?

• Sudoku has random numbers scattered throughout the grid. What’s your task? You have to fill each row and column with 1-9 numbers, you cannot skip any number between 1-9. However, you can also not repeat the same number in the given row or column. 
• Additionally, your sudoku comes with already scattered numbers that you cannot scoot over! 
• Fill in empty squares with numbers between 1 to 9. 
• It takes unique techniques to truly complete the sudoku grid but it’s a brain teaser I have always loved! It will engage your kids in hours of brain training! 
• Look for patterns and logic throughout the grid, the answers will be right in front of your eyes. 
• Trial and error are okay; correct mistakes later.
• Keep going, solving one square at a time.

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