Best One Player Card Games for Kids | Fun & Educational

One player card games have been a lifesaver in our house for quiet time, travel days, and when my son just wanted something fun to do on his own.

Over the years, we’ve tried a wide mix, from logic puzzles and word games to storytelling adventures, all in card game form.

Some helped with spelling or math, others were just pure fun, but the best ones kept him thinking without needing a second player.

This list includes our favorite solo card games, organized by age and interest, to make it easier to find something your child will actually enjoy playing independently.

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Top Solo Card Games for Kids to Play Independently

These one player games are a mix of fun, focus, and quiet challenge, ideal for kids who want to play on their own without screens or extra setup.

From memory-building activities for preschoolers to logic-heavy strategy games for tweens and teens, this list is grouped by age to make it easier to find the right fit.

Whether your child likes puzzles, words, math, or a bit of adventure, there’s something here they can enjoy playing solo.

Matching Memory Game

One of the first games my son played solo, and still a favorite for younger kids. Flipping and matching cards builds focus, memory, and early thinking skills in a way that feels like play. The summer camp theme keeps it fun, but you can swap in printable versions with topics your child loves (we’ve used animals, geography, even holidays). This is a simple solo game that helps kids build independence and confidence.

We’ve used printable memory games as a fun way to reinforce topics we’re learning about, from animals to geography.

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Flags of The World

Geography didn’t click for my son until we made it feel like a challenge. This flag flashcard game turned memorizing country flags into a trivia-style race against himself. Each card has a slide-reveal hint system, which made it more interactive. We’ve paired this with map puzzles to connect visuals and facts. A solid solo pick for kids who enjoy testing their knowledge or need a creative way to review.

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One Two Many Rabbits

What looks like a light bunny-themed game is actually a fast-paced mix of dice and card strategy. Playing solo, kids try to beat their own score by balancing risk and logic in under 20 minutes. My son loved the short rounds and challenge to “do better next time.” It’s also a sneaky way to reinforce quick math and decision-making without it feeling like a lesson.

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Bag of Dungeon

If your child loves adventure but doesn’t always have a group to play with, this solo dungeon crawler hits the mark. It uses a mix of cards and tiles to build a new maze each time, with monsters to battle and items to find. The unpredictability kept my son engaged, and the solo mode lets kids control their own quest. A great pick for fantasy lovers or reluctant readers who enjoy story-style games.

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Grove: A 9 Card Solitaire Game

This compact game plays like a logic puzzle meets orchard planning. With just nine cards, kids try to place them in ways that yield the biggest fruit harvest, no luck, just smart choices. It’s quick to learn, hard to master, and surprisingly engaging for puzzle-minded kids. We’ve used this as a screen-free brain break on trips or quiet mornings when something calm but challenging is needed.

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Yammer

This quick solo word game is great for kids who love vocabulary challenges but want something faster than Scrabble. In solo mode, players try to build high-scoring words from their hand, aiming to beat their own best results. We’ve used it for fun spelling practice, it reinforces phonics and word structure without feeling like schoolwork. Easy to set up and play independently.

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5-Minute Mystery

Perfect for kids who love puzzles and time pressure. In this fast-paced card game, players race against the clock to find matching clues and solve a case in just five minutes. My son loves the timer aspect, it turns each round into a mini escape room. The solo mode works well for independent thinkers who enjoy visual scanning and deduction. A fun warm-up before school or between subjects.

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Quiddler

If your child enjoys word-building, Quiddler is a strong solo option. Players create the best possible words from letter cards, aiming to improve their score each round. It’s similar to Bananagrams but more structured. We’ve used it to reinforce spelling and vocabulary, especially because it scales well, short words for younger players, more complex ones for older kids. Ideal for quiet time or educational play.

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Five Crowns

This classic rummy-style game works surprisingly well solo. Players draw and discard, trying to create runs and sets while the wild card changes each round. In solo mode, the challenge is to beat your previous high score, so it stays motivating. My son liked it because it felt like a grown-up card game, but without needing anyone else to play. Strategic, short, and satisfying.

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Ten

A math-focused game where players aim to reach a total of ten without going over, sounds simple, but each turn is a test of probability and risk-taking. This has been great for reinforcing mental math and planning ahead. Playing solo, kids build sequences and push their luck to build the best score. If your child likes numbers and puzzles, Ten hits that sweet spot between fun and focus.

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House of Danger

This card-based mystery adventure plays like a choose-your-own-path book with decision points that shape the story. Kids take on the role of an investigator, making choices, solving puzzles, and navigating strange scenarios. My son loved the suspense and control, it’s part story, part game, and works really well as a solo experience. Great for readers who want more interactivity or kids who enjoy storytelling and detective games.

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Onirim Card Game

Onirim is a beautifully designed solo card game where players try to escape a dreamworld by collecting door cards while managing threats and resources. It’s strategic and relaxing at the same time, quiet and focused, but not boring. My son liked the visual patterns and the challenge of managing the deck. A solid fit for kids who enjoy card puzzles with a calm pace and unique theme.

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Mini Rogue

This compact dungeon crawler uses a small deck of cards to create a new solo adventure each time. Players explore, battle monsters, gather loot, and make decisions that shape their survival. It’s one of those games that packs a lot of story and strategy into very few pieces. If your child is curious about RPGs but wants something manageable, Mini Rogue is a great solo starting point.

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Arkham Horror The Card Game

This one’s for older kids or teens who want a deeper, immersive solo game. Players take on the role of investigators navigating eerie mysteries, using a deck of cards to fight, explore, and uncover secrets. It’s rich in narrative and decision-making, with branching paths and real consequences. Not light or quick, but for the right teen, it’s absorbing and atmospheric.

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One Deck Galaxy

A clever sci-fi solo game where kids build civilizations, manage resources, and expand across the galaxy using just one deck of cards. It mixes math, logic, and light storytelling in a way that’s accessible but still challenging. My son liked the way every decision felt like it mattered. Great for kids who like to plan ahead and explore “big picture” strategy on their own.

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Looking for more solo games? Check out these great one player board games!

Last Updated on 10 July 2025 by Clare Brown