The best dice games are fun for kids of all ages! Learn these games to play with dice for simple play anywhere.
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Teach your kids how to play these dice games for easy family fun!
We love dice games for kids for multiple reasons. First, they’re quick to learn and usually only need a few 6-sided dice to play. Second, dice games teach lots of skills:
- math, counting, adding, and keeping score
- patience, taking turns, and following rules
- luck, strategies, and unfortunately – you can’t always win
Dice games are super portable. You can take them with you in a bag or pocket for a few minutes of gameplay anywhere. They make a great alternative to screens when waiting for food at a restaurant.
For these dice games, you’ll need a handful of dice and a way to keep score. We like a classic pencil and paper, but anything will do. A few of these games require poker chips, coins, or some small item you can use for betting or passing.
We included a mix of games in this collection, including some classics you may have played as a child. Generally, these dice games are for all ages, but kids may have more fun if they already know how to count and add up to 6.
Get a refresher on how to play your favorites or learn a new game together!
Tips for teaching kids to play dice games
- Start by going over the rules, and remember everyone may need reminders as they play.
- You can also modify the rules to fit the ages of your kids.
- Play a few practice rounds where an adult helps each kid on their turn.
- Learning to roll dice by hand is tricky. Try using a plastic cup to shake and gently pour them out.
- If your dice seem to be flying off the table, use a tablecloth. You can even just spread out a thick blanket or large piece of felt.
Favorite dice products
- Standard 6-sided dice
- Dice poppers
- Large soft foam dice
- Felt-lined dice cup
- Large soft polyhedral dice
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Kid-friendly dice games
Dice games that work for one player
Note that these games can be played with a group, but they work for a singleton because you’re rolling and adding toward a score.
Stuck in the Mud
To play Stuck in the Mud, you’ll need 5 dice and a pencil and paper to keep score. Roll the dice and tally your points, but watch out for 2s and 5s. They’ll get stuck in the mud!
Learn how to play Stuck in the Mud from Family Game Shelf.
Fifty
The goal of Fifty is to get a score of 50 points. Roll a pair of dice; different combinations will give you different points.
Learn how to play Fifty from Fun Party Tips.
Yahtzee
Yahtzee is a popular game using 5 dice. Roll each round and try to match preset hands. You’ll need a Yahtzee scorecard, but you can print one from WikiHow.
Learn how to play Yahtzee from WikiHow.
Dice games for at least 2 players
Aces in the Pot
Aces in the Pot is a quick game based on luck. In addition to a pair of dice, you’ll also need 2 markers per player. They could be poker chips, buttons, or any small item.
Learn how to play Aces in the Pot from Learn New Games.
Sevens
In this game of luck, 7s are unlucky! Players take turns rolling a handful of 6 dice and adding up points. This game can be short or long, depending on how many rounds you decide to play.
Learn how to play Sevens from Game Rules.
Pig
You only need a single 6-sided die to play Pig, plus a way to keep score. Each player rolls and adds up points. You can roll multiple times on your turn, but avoid rolling a one or you’ll lose your points for that turn.
Learn how to play Pig from The Spruce.
Buck Dice
Buck Dice is a simple game of luck using 3 dice. Players begin by each rolling a die; the highest goes first and the lowest is the buck (point) number for that round.
Learn how to play Buck Dice from What We Do All Day.
Farkle
Farkle might sound challenging; the goal is to get 10,000 points. Each round gets more exciting as players can risk all their points to get even more.
Learn how to play Farkle from Game On Family.
War
War the dice game is played just like War the card game. Players each roll a single die and the higher number gets the points. When they match, players must battle to see who will win.
How to play War from Math for Love.
Knock Out
Knock Out is an adding game perfect for math practice. Each player chooses a knock out number they must avoid on their turn.
Learn how to play Knock Out from Family Games Treasurehouse.
Dice games for 3 or more players
Tenzi
Tenzi is a fast-paced game perfect for a group. Each player needs a set of 10 dice and rolls quickly to get them all to the same number.
Learn how to play Tenzi from Thirty Handmade Days.
Liar’s Dice
Each player needs a cup and 5 dice for this sneaky pirate game. Bid, bluff, and roll your dice to guess what numbers everyone has rolled.
Learn how to play Liar’s Dice from Awesome Dice.
Going to Boston
Going to Boston is a simple roll-and-add game with 3 dice. You can make this game more challenging for older kids by multiplying one of the dice.
Learn how to play Going to Boston from Dice Game Depot.
Left Center Right
Left Center Right is fun for older kids. In addition to 3 dice, you’ll also need 3 poker chips per player for keeping score. Chips are passed around the table based on the dice rolled.
Learn how to play Left Center Right from Bicycle Cards.
Our list of games to play with dice will give you hours of fun! Play them on family game night, take them along on a road trip, or stay up late rolling dice on vacation. Be sure to save this post so you can double check the rules anytime!
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