When you think of paper games, you might not recall many at first glance. That’s likely because it’s been ages since you’ve engaged in them—these games were once staples in elementary and middle schools. Their popularity waned with the rise of smartphones, which are far more portable than a spiral notebook. However, paper games are fantastic for adding a bit of fun during road trips or when rainy weather interrupts your vacation plans. Plus, folded paper games are endlessly enjoyable, and let’s be honest, who ever really tires of them? They prove that all you need is a bit of creativity to keep kids (and yourself!) entertained.
Looking for some classic paper games to play with your little ones? Here are 13 timeless options that are sure to delight. And if you have just as much fun as your kids do, that’s a win-win!
Classic Paper Games to Enjoy at Home
- Tic-Tac-Toe
This all-time favorite game is still a hit today. Simply create a grid with two horizontal lines intersecting two diagonal ones. Players alternate marking each box with an X or an O, with the first to get three in a row winning. While simple, it’s great for younger kids and helps develop logical thinking. - Hangman
Another classic, Hangman also has educational benefits. While playing with adults, you can use humorous inside jokes for words. With kids, let them guess dinner options or weekend plans instead. - Snowman
For a more cheerful twist, try Snowman, which follows the same rules as Hangman but features a snowman drawn for each incorrect guess. - Dots and Boxes
In Dots and Boxes, players start with a grid filled with dots, connecting them to create squares. The goal is to close off squares and claim them with your initials, making it a strategic and thrilling game. - MASH
MASH stands as one of the most beloved nostalgic paper games. Start by writing “MASH” on your paper (standing for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House) and listing potential suitors, kids, vehicles, jobs, and towns. Have the player pick a reasonable number, and cross out options until one remains in each category to predict their future. - Racetrack
If your child is a fan of Lightning McQueen from Cars, they’ll love Racetrack. Players use marks like Xs and Os to represent cars, and must strategically move their cars on a grid to avoid “crashing.” - Sprouts
Similar to Dots and Boxes, Sprouts starts with a few dots on the paper. Players take turns connecting dots or adding new ones until no more moves can be made. - Word Finder
One player writes down six random letters (including at least one vowel), and then sets a timer. The player who creates the most words from those letters wins. - Paper Fortune Telling
Though a bit more intricate than MASH, paper fortune tellers were incredibly popular in elementary school. If folding paper feels daunting, don’t worry—once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze! - Pictionary
If you enjoy drawing, Pictionary is the game for you! Have an outsider come up with funny things to draw and see how long it takes your family to guess. - Create-a-Story
Perfect for groups, this game begins with one person writing two sentences. Each player contributes a sentence while folding the paper to hide previous lines. The resulting story can be hilariously nonsensical! - Categories
Similar to Scattergories, each player divides their paper into four categories. After selecting a random letter, everyone writes as many words as they can under the chosen categories. The player with the most unique words wins. - Paper Telephone
In this game, players draw pictures while relying on the person behind them to guide them with their back. Once everyone has drawn, compare the final images to see how much they differ from the original. - Word Scrambles
Choose a word and jumble its letters on a piece of paper. The first person to guess the original word wins, and you can add a time limit for extra excitement. - Sightless Drawings
Ever tried drawing with your eyes closed? In this game, one player is blindfolded and must draw a simple item. The resulting images are then judged for accuracy without knowing who drew what!
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Summary
This article highlights 13 nostalgic paper games that are perfect for kids and adults alike, encouraging creativity and fun without the need for screens. These games can be played anywhere, making them ideal for family gatherings or road trips.
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