Why play games at the dinner table
Dinner can turn into a flurry of “how was school?” and “finish your plate.” A short game gives everyone something to do besides watching each other eat. Many parents find that a light game takes the pressure off kids about their food, keeps people at the table a little longer, and gets the whole family talking.
The games below need no setup. Most use only your voices, and a few use a pen and paper. For question prompts to feed into these games, see our dinner game questions, and for more talk-based options, see table conversation games.
Ground rules that keep dinner running smoothly
A few simple habits make table games work better:
- Keep rounds short. Five to fifteen minutes is plenty. Stop while everyone still wants more.
- Eat first, play second, or alternate. Games that need hands, paper or lots of movement are easier once plates are cleared.
- Everyone can pass. A shy child or a tired teenager should be able to skip a turn.
- Rotate who picks the game. This keeps it from becoming one person’s project.
- Phones away. A game only works if people are paying attention.
No-prep talking games
Rose and Thorn
Each person shares a “rose” (something good from the day) and a “thorn” (something hard). Some families add a “bud,” something they are looking forward to. It works for nearly every age and doubles as a way to check in without asking direct questions. For more of these, see family communication games.
Two Truths and a Lie
One person says three statements about themselves, two true and one made up. Everyone else guesses the lie. To keep it easy for kids, limit statements to things that happened that day.
Would You Rather
Take turns asking “would you rather” questions, such as flying versus being invisible. The fun part is the follow-up: ask people to explain their choice.
Most Likely To
Someone reads a category like “most likely to adopt ten pets.” Everyone points at the person who fits best on the count of three, then people explain why.
Word games for the table
The ABC game
Go around the table with a word for each letter of the alphabet, starting with A. To make it harder, use a theme such as foods or animals, or try words that end with each letter. Our category game ideas can supply themes.
Word association
The first person says any word, and the next person says the first word it makes them think of. The chain can wander far, and it is fun to trace how it got there.
My Father Owns a Store
A memory game. The first player says “My father owns a store and he sells apples.” The next repeats that and adds an item starting with B, and so on down the alphabet.
Story starters
One person begins a story with a sentence, and each person adds one more. Silly twists are encouraged. You can stop after one trip around the table or keep going.
Guessing games
Twenty Questions
One person thinks of an animal, food, person or object. Everyone else asks yes or no questions to figure it out. Families often relax the 20-question limit with younger children. Narrowing the category, such as “animals only,” helps little kids succeed.
Guess the ingredients
If someone cooked, everyone tastes their food and guesses what is in it. The cook reveals the answers at the end. This is a good way to get kids interested in what is on the plate.
Guess that emotion
One person leaves the room while the rest pick an emotion, such as “worried” or “excited.” When they return, the group speaks or acts in that mood while they guess. It is a good fit for younger children. For more silent acting ideas, see acting games for groups.
Games for little kids
Choose games with one-step rules and quick turns: Rose and Thorn, the ABC game, simple animal Twenty Questions, and Guess that emotion. Let kids ask the questions sometimes, as their ideas are often the funniest.
Games for teens and adults
Teens and adults often prefer games with a bit of challenge or humor: Two Truths and a Lie, Most Likely To, themed word chains, and story starters with a genre (for example, a mystery) all work well. Many families find that letting teens run a round makes them more willing to join in.
Playing at a restaurant
When you wait for food, games that use only talking are the easiest. Twenty Questions, Would You Rather, Two Truths and a Lie and word games all work without clearing space. If you bring paper, keep it away from drinks and any hot dishes.
How to choose a game tonight
- Tired, short on time: Rose and Thorn.
- Wide age range: Twenty Questions with an easy category, or the ABC game.
- Want laughs: Most Likely To or story starters.
- Want to learn something new about each other: Two Truths and a Lie, or pull a few prompts from the dinner game questions.
FAQ
What are some fun games for kids to play at the dinner table?
Rose and Thorn, the ABC game, Guess that emotion and simple versions of Twenty Questions are easy starting points because the rules are short and turns are quick.
What are some fun word games for a dinner table?
The ABC game, word association, My Father Owns a Store and story starters need no supplies and work with a range of ages.
What if someone does not want to play?
Let them pass or listen in. Many people join in once the game looks fun. Forcing participation tends to make dinner more tense, which defeats the point.
How long should a dinner game last?
There is no fixed rule, but shorter is generally better. A single round or two is often enough.