Game night just turned into a battle. Your kids are bored with the same old games. Screen time feels like the easy answer, but you know there’s something better out there.

Dice games change everything. They’re cheap, portable, and actually get kids excited.

No complicated rules to memorize. No missing pieces to hunt down at bedtime. Just simple fun that sneaks in learning without anyone noticing.

This guide covers dice games for kids that work for different ages and skill levels. You’ll learn exactly how to play each one, what supplies you need, and how to pick the right game fast. Let’s roll.

Quick Setup Checklist

Want to know what you need before you start? This handy checklist shows you exactly what each game requires. Grab your supplies, and you’ll be ready to play in minutes.

Dice Games for Kids

Ready to turn game night into something your kids will actually ask for? These dice games for kids are simple to learn and fun to play. Let’s get rolling with 11 games that work for different ages and skill levels.

1. Tenzi

Tenzi is all about speed and a little bit of luck. Each player gets ten dice and races to get all of them showing the same number. The first person to match all ten dice wins the round. It gets loud, fast, and super competitive.

How to Play:

• Give each player 10 dice and roll them all at once
• Pick which number you want to match and set those dice aside
• Keep rolling the remaining dice until all 10 show your chosen number

2. Pig

Pig teaches kids about taking chances and knowing when to stop. Players roll one die and add up points, but if they roll a 1, they lose everything for that turn. The goal is to reach 100 points first. Kids learn quickly that sometimes it’s smarter to bank your points than keep pushing your luck.

How to Play:

• Roll the die and add the number to your turn total
• Keep rolling to add more points or say “stop” to bank your score
• If you roll a 1, you lose all points for that turn and pass the die

3. Bunco

Bunco works well for groups and doesn’t require much brainpower. Players roll three dice trying to match the target number for each round. Round one aims for 1s, round two for 2s, and so on up to six. Kids love the social part and the fact that anyone can win.

How to Play:

• Roll 3 dice, trying to get the round’s target number (start with 1s)
• Score 1 point for each die that matches the target number
• The first player to reach 21 points wins, then moves to the next round number

4. Left Center Right

This game needs special LCR dice, but regular dice work too with a simple system. Players pass chips or coins based on what they roll. The last person with chips wins. Even toddlers can play this one because there’s no strategy, just rolling and passing.

How to Play:

• Each player starts with 3 chips and rolls 3 dice
• For each L rolled, pass one chip left; C goes to the center; R goes right
• Keep playing until only one person has chips left

5. Shut the Box

Shut the Box combines math practice with strategy using a special wooden box with numbered tiles. Kids roll two dice and flip down any tiles that add up to the total. The goal is to shut all the tiles. If you can’t make a match, your turn ends. Lower scores win in this game.

How to Play:

• Roll 2 dice and add the numbers together
• Flip down any combination of tiles that equals your total
• Keep rolling until you can’t match the total, then add up the remaining tiles for your score

6. Yahtzee

Yahtzee is like poker with dice. Players roll five dice up to three times per turn, trying to make specific combinations. Full house, straight, three of a kind, kids learn patterns while having fun. The junior version makes it easier for younger players.

How to Play:

• Roll 5 dice up to 3 times, keeping any dice you like between rolls
• Try to make combinations like three of a kind or a straight
• Write your score in the matching category on your scorecard

7. Farkle

Farkle pushes kids to make quick decisions about risk. You roll six dice and set aside scoring dice, then decide if you want to roll again or stop. Rolling all non-scoring dice means you“farkle” and lose your points for that turn, first to 10,000 wins.

How to Play:

• Roll 6 dice and set aside any that score points (1s and 5s count)
• Decide to stop and bank your points or roll remaining dice for more
• If no dice score on a roll, you farkle and lose all turn points

8. Dice Bingo

This version of bingo helps little ones learn numbers while playing. Make bingo cards with numbers 1 through 6 or use two dice for numbers up to 12. Kids roll and mark their cards. First to get five in a row shouts “Ingö!” and wins.

How to Play:

• Give each player a bingo card with numbers matching your dice range
• Take turns rolling the dice, and everyone marks that number if they have it
• First player to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins the game

9. Roll and Write Race

Kids love this because they can see their progress on paper. Draw a simple path or grid with spaces. Players roll a die and move that many spaces on their paper. The first one to finish their path wins. You can theme it with rockets, race cars, or animals.

How to Play:

• Draw a path with 30 spaces on paper for each player
• Roll one die and color in that many spaces on your path
• First player to color all 30 spaces and reach the finish wins

10. Math Dice Make 10

This game sneaks in math practice without kids noticing. Roll three dice and use any math operation to make the number 10. Addition, subtraction, multiplication – whatever works. Kids get faster at mental math the more they play.

How to Play:

• Roll 3 dice and look at the numbers you got
• Use addition, subtraction, or multiplication to make exactly 10
• First player to find a way to make 10 gets the point

11. Beat That Dice Challenges

This one gets kids moving and laughing. Roll a die to pick a challenge, such as “ hop on one foot while rolling” or “roll with your eyes closed.” You can make up your own challenges. Kids practice motor skills and follow directions while having a blast.

How to Play:

• Create a list of 6 silly challenges and number them 1 through 6
• Roll one die to see which challenge you must complete
• Do the challenge, then pass the die to the next player

How to Choose the Right Game Fast?

Not sure which game to pick? The right choice depends on who’s playing and what you want from game time. Here’s a quick guide to help you match the perfect game to your situation.

• By Age: Younger kids (ages 3-5) do best with Left, Center, Right, or Dice Bingo because they’re simple and visual. Older kids (ages 8+) can handle Farkle, Yahtzee, or Math Dice Make 10, which need more thinking.
• By Group Size: Small groups of 2-4 players work well for Pig, Shut the Box, or Tenzi. Big groups or parties need Bunco or Left Center Right since everyone can play at once.
• By Goal: Want to practice math? Go with Shut the Box or Math Dice Make 10. Need something fast and active? Try Tenzi or Beat That Challenges. Looking for pure fun with no learning pressure? Pig and Bunco are perfect picks.

The best game is the one your kids will actually want to play again. Start with something simple and watch which ones they grab off the shelf. You’ll figure out their favorites pretty fast.

In Closing

So there you have it. Eleven dice games for kids that actually work. Some teach math.

Some build strategy skills. Others make everyone laugh. The best part? You probably have everything you need sitting in a drawer right now.

Start with one or two games this week. See which ones your kids grab first. Pretty soon, they’ll be asking for game night instead of more screen time. That’s a win in any parent’s book.

Got a favorite dice game we missed? Drop it in the comments below. And if you found this helpful, save it for your next rainy day. Your future self will thank you when the kids say they’re bored.

Ready to play? Grab those dice and get rolling.