10 Best Word & Spelling Games for Kids Rated in 2024
Ana
Jessica Mentzer
Reading comprehension skills provide important, lifelong benefits. Learning to read, write, and spell can be challenging though, especially at first. If you’re looking for a game that will improve your child’s vocabulary and spelling abilities, we applaud you! Games are a fun, far less-stressful way to help children develop many of the academic skills with which they struggle. Below, we’ve collected ten of our favorite spelling and word games for you and your little ones to enjoy together!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 21 hrs of research
Super portable
Easy to learn
No paper, pencil, points, or gameboard needed
Pace can be as fast or slow as you want
No need to wait for your turn
10 Best Word & Spelling Games Reviewed
1. Bananagrams
Super portable
Easy to learn
No paper, pencil, points, or gameboard needed
Pace can be as fast or slow as you want
No need to wait for your turn
Small parts posse choking hazard
Easy to lose tiles over time
Bananagrams might be a hard word to write but it's a classic, as fun to say as it is to play. You'll see this cute yellow banana bag hanging around daycares, libraries, coffee shops, and basically everywhere. Players collect a certain number of face down letter tiles in the center pile to start the game. Then each player flips over their tiles, creates words, and connects them crossword-style.
Read moreEducational Value
Not only does the game teach rules, word recognition, pattern building, and spelling, but it includes checking for mistakes. All the adults and kids can double check for misspellings as a built-in aspect of the game. Plus there are no penalties for any mistakes.
Entertainment Value
Eventually, all the tiles will be used up and the first player to finish says, "Bananas!" At that point, everyone checks for any mistakes. If the first player to finish made no mistakes she wins! Buying this game for your home will ensure there's a familiar favorite for any get-together, large or small.
Ease of use
This provides a safe context for everyone to learn. And unlike say Scrabble, where players keep their letters private, in Bananagrams, everyone sees all that is going on. Peeking isn't a problem so kids can learn from the adults in case they are stuck.
Effectiveness
The game is real-time, no turn-taking here, which means there is always something to keep everyone busy.
2. Sight Word Swat a Sight Word Game
Simple fly swatting game that features over 200 sight words
Promotes early literacy, spelling and using vocabulary words
Included with the set is; four fly swatters and 110 double sided cards
Cards color coded for grade level
Best suited for children over the age of five years old
Cards not all one color on both sides, hard to sort for player’s level
Not a great game for only two players to engage in
Watch the kids as they buzz around with excitement about learning to spell using this learning game. The game is a fast paced game that includes reading, learning to spell, and quick reactions. Each player gets a fly swatter and has to be ready to swat at any time. As they keep their eyes on the board and their swatters ready another player calls out a sight word and the first player that is able to find the work and swat it, wins it. It is a great way to get the kids excited about words.
Read moreEducational Value
Included with the game are over 100 cars that are double sided. Each of these double sided cards features a sight word, which means there are over 200 words to learn in this game. The words that have been selected for this game are words that are most frequently used in children’s books and in their school lessons. This makes up one huge collection of sight words.
Entertainment Value
Excited, ready, and go! The skills that the kids need to master and be the next winner for this game are also skills that they need to be a successful reader and speller. The only thing that is different from a school lesson and this game is the level of fun. It is a playful competition that the kids will love engaging in. The speed will get them going every time. Watch them become faster and faster each time that they play.
Ease of Use
The company that has created this game has created a mission to help kids love to learn. This mission shows well through this game. It is simple to set up, simple to learn how to play and is a learning environment that parents will love to provide their kids with. Another cool feature of the game is the color coded sight words. Each of the sight words has a colored card that corresponds with the grade level.
Effectiveness
When does the time go when you are having fun? It flies! Especially with this fly swatting game. The kids are easily able to spend hours playing this game and before they know it they will know every word in this box. That means through a simple game the kids will learn to read, write, and spell over 200 different words.
3. SET Enterprises Quiddler
Quick and easy to learn and play
Very portable
Teaches language and math skills
Good for kids and adults
Super popular
Quiddler dictionary not included
Recommended ages 8 and up
Winner of 20 awards, Quiddler is a word based card game consisting of word formation over eight rounds (four rounds in the mini version). Each round, players get one more card dealt, so words can get bigger, or they can form more words during a turn. Letter cards have point values with higher values for less commonly used letters.
Read moreEducational Value
Not only do kids learn word formation and proper spelling, but they get a secret education in probabilities. Like Scrabble tiles, Quiddler's point system indicates letter frequency in the English language. Point values also teach them math skills, while taking a new card from the draw pile or the discard pile is a great lesson in statistics.
Entertainment Value
The player with the most points wins. Since bonus points get awarded for both most words, and largest word, kids with smaller vocabularies don't necessarily have a disadvantage
Ease of use
With a handful of letters, players work to create words with the letters, sounds simple enough. It is a fun and playful game that allows players to explore their spelling abilities while also being creative at the same time. This is one of the games that everyone loves to play and also has a fun time learning new words while doing it. It is also a great way to keep the kids learning without them even realizing that they are working on their spelling words.
Effectiveness
Is the draw pile getting low? That could be good or bad depending on what letters people have played. This game is deceptively simple because it actually contains a lot of important everyday skills!
4. Not Parent Approved: A Hilarious Card Game
Short or long games are possible
Smaller sized cards for kids
Ultra-portable
Absolutely hilarious
Easy for anyone and everyone to play
Some references may go over everyone's head
Reading required
If you've heard of Cards Against Humanity, you should know it has a lot of things you shouldn't repeat around children. But it is very very funny. This kids version is totally acceptable, albeit with lines like, "For the science fair I made...Gymnastics leotards that ride up your butt." If you have any concerns, you can always remove any specific inappropriate cards.
Read moreEducational Value
This game includes lots of informal, unusual, and pop culture reference words that kids might have heard but never actually seen in print. It's a hilarious way to expand vocabulary and general knowledge. Kids also build social skills.
Entertainment Value
The entertainment value is said right there in the title of the game. A game with that title has to be fun, right? It sure is. The game will test your mind and give a few laughs at the same time. It is a simple fill in the blank game that will keep the spelling skills on point plus is easy to learn at the same time. Whether going over to a friend’s house or enjoying family night this game is sure to cause a few smiles.
Ease of use
The best players have to think like the player who is choosing the winning card that round. Would your younger brother's favorite card be the same as your grandmother's? You'll have to strategize and read people to win.
Effectiveness
So why is the game so silly? Reminiscent of Apples to Apples, a topic card gets played each round. Players finish the sentence on the topic card with one of their own answer cards.
5. Level A Flash Cards
Simple game, no need for a rulebook even
Ultra-portable design
Rounded edges for easy sorting
Opaque so you can't see through the card
Use it to also build sentences
No game rules
As per the Dolch and Fry reading lists, this pack contains the 108 most common basic sight words. There are 56 cards in total, all double-sided and made from thick cardstock kids won’t be able to see through. The corners on these cards are rounded to allow for quick sorting. This pack is most suitable for children ages 4-8.
Read moreEducational Value
Flash cards are perhaps the fastest and easiest way to build vocabulary and reading skills. Sight words are especially tricky for new readers so the only way to learn them is practice, practice, practice.
Entertainment Value
Building their word and spelling confidence with this game every week. It is a set of cards that the kids will easily pick up and start reading. The thing is how fast can they get through the deck? That’s the challenge and a challenge that is accepted by all. As they strengthen their skills they will get faster and faster. Who is the fastest kid in your family?
Ease of use
Most of the included words are one syllable (occasionally two) and all of them are terms that will frequent your child’s literature no matter what they pick up. As a “Level A” pack, it is geared towards very basic words. When your children are ready for a challenge, level them up to the next set of vocabulary flashcards.
Effectiveness
The best way to get the kids ready for reading is repetition. This card pack is a great added resource combined with other games and study materials.
6. Learning Resource Pop For Sight
Durable materials
Simple concept open to more additions
92 sight words in one box
Very portable design
One of the many options
More luck than skill based
Big time with some fun will happen each time that the kids bring out this game. It is a game that kids are able to play that will boost their sight word list and also challenge them in a game of speed. The key to being the best at this game is to be a quick reader plus getting the words right every time. It is a game that looks like popcorn but is not meant for any type of eating. The fast paced game will keep and hold their attention each and every time.
Read moreEducational Value
Pop is a series of games and this one builds literacy, increases vocabulary and improves fluency. You can even be a stickler for pronunciation if you want.
Entertainment Value
Sight words are particularly tricky words we use a lot in English but that are very difficult to sound out. The better your child knows her sight words, the better off she will be learning to read quickly and effortlessly.
Ease of use
Instead of using a chalkboard though, use popcorn! Players say the name on the popcorn cards correctly. If you a draw a "Pop" though, say goodbye to your card stash. The player with the most cards wins.
Effectiveness
Pop is very simple and there lots of great modifications players have made to tailor it to their liking. And if you buy any other Pop games, you can mix things up and keep it fresh.
7. Little Treasures Matching
Multimedia system helps to keep kid's attention
Easy to use pieces
The colorful, fun, artsy design looks great
Adjustable difficulty settings
Designed mostly for preschoolers
The Little Treasures Matching Game is a great option for little ones just beyond their toddler years. It involves blocks, pictures, and letters, giving children visual cues as well as something tactile to hold onto and stimulate their little brains. This preschool-level game challenges memory skills, strategic thinking, word recognition, and spelling. The blocks help advance hand-eye coordination and playing with friends also increases sociability!
Read moreEducational Value
Whether you have a tactile learned or a visual learner, this game is helpful for many different little ones. It promotes hand-eye coordination, memorization, word recognition, strategic thinking, and spelling skills.
Entertainment Value
We like that this game has many different components to facilitate learning. Use whatever tactic teaches best: pictures to start and then calling out words for kids to spell on the fly as they progress.
Ease of use
Meant for two or more players ages three and up, this game includes eight letter cubes, 30 picture-cards, and sixty word-cards, all with basic three and four letter words. Children work to match the objects to their names using the flashcards and letter cubes.
Effectiveness
The cardholder covers the name of the picture, allowing children to guess for themselves before the answer is revealed. Or, use the deck as flashcards!
8. Scrabble Junior
Two sides that fit different ability levels
Gets the kids ready for the big kid version
Made of soft materials
Flashy and colorful style Cardboard tiles don't last as long as the hard versions
The playmat is not as stable or durable
Cardboard tiles don't last as long as the hard versions
The playmat is not as stable or durable
Scrabble might be the biggest, best word game out there so you got to give a standing ovation to anyone who pulls off a good kids version. Well not only did they make a kids version, but they gave it two sides. Why? Well, every parent is faced with the challenge of adjusting the game difficulty for their kids as they grow. Scrabble Junior gives you one game board side for the tots to learn on and the other once they can form their own words!
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Educational Value
Scrabble is classic for a reason. Its competitive puzzle-solving tests vocabulary, spelling, strategy, and creativity. The Junior version does just the same but is much more approachable for kids. The whole family can play the advanced side of the board. But if the kiddos are just learning to read, the handy intro side teaches word formation with handy illustrations too.
Entertainment Value
The beginner side includes pictures and some key letters to fill in. Players get points for each word they complete. The advanced side looks more familiar. A blank board is ready for any words
Ease of use
The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Now you might recall the crushing weight of a "Q" tile with no "U" insight in regular old Scrabble. But in this Junior version there is just one tile for that, "QU" to make things a bit easier.
Effectiveness
With two sides of play it's a great way both to teach the young ones basic reading and spelling skills, or play a simple word game with the whole family. We like how much thought the designers put into this one, or actually two games.
9. Gamewright Rory's Story Cubes
NO RULES! Well...hardly any rules.
Design your own experience.
Totally open-ended
Super portable
Super easy to learn, just start playing!
You get what you put in
Get their imaginations rolling with this game. It is a game that will sharpen their wit and built their minds right before your eyes. Included with the set are 54 images that have been printed on special cubes. These problem solving, training creative, and developing answer cubes are just what the kids need to create a story that will last a lifetime. Each time the dice is rolled a new story will be told.
Read moreEducational Value
Ever feel like kids have too many rules to follow these days? Rory's awards creativity and sheer imagination over all else. With a roll of these story cubes, kids get a chance to build their own story instead of watching someone else's on the TV.
Entertainment Value
Simply one of the easiest games to play with one of the hardest ways to play it. The cubes are inspiring to create stories that were never told before, as they expand their imaginations there game playing will pick up and before you know it the laughs will be had. With over 10 million ways to create and develop a story from just 6 cubes with just a few imagines, it will provide countless hours of entertainment.
Ease of use
Will the story end up all clunky and awkward? Or can you child pull off a short story that is as funny as it is original? The game comes with a handy guide to give some direction. Compete with one another or get everyone to join together and craft a classic you won't ever forget.
Effectiveness
Rory's Story Cubes is simplicity on a Zen level. Not only can they prompt unforgettable social events for the whole family, but they get used as icebreakers for work retreats and even story ideas to cure writer's block!
10. ThinkFun Zingo Sight
Made for kids 7 and under
Durable parts
Fun and educational
Visual cues for words
Expandable design
The base set has only 24 words total
Don't put the cards upside down in the Zinger!
There are all sorts of Zingo sets out there but Sight Words contains all the most commonly used words in English. By learning these words first, kids are way ahead when it comes to reading their first book. Zingo makes learning them a game by combining Bingo with a neat word dispenser: the "Zinger!"
Read moreEducational Value
Said is not spelled S-E-D. But how should a child know that? Zingo does a great job at connecting these weirdly written hieroglyphs to their spoken word equivalents. The game builds concentration, vocabulary, and word recognition
Entertainment Value
If you see a word that matches your sheet, call it out! You get the word and filling in your whole sheet first wins you the game
Ease of use
Included with this game for kids is something that we would hope that every game would have: a clear and easy set of instructions to read and follow. The manual to this game is what makes playing this game so wonderful and simple. It is a set of high quality instructions that allow players to pick up the manual and start playing immediately. It is perfect for those kids that love a kid only game night.
Effectiveness
This game is specifically designed for teaching those young ones the fundamentals they need to get reading. It's educational through and through.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
Learning is such a breeze when kids are enjoying themselves and isn't it just THE WORST when it is boring? All of these games are educational and fun. Most of the games on our list do require at least some reading skill and all of them help encourage social interaction. These games can also help your child think more creatively as they challenge their growing problem-solving abilities.
Entertainment Value
While a few games here don't have many or any rules, others have a lot to make the gameplay rewarding. There is no wrong way to go here. We believe children need both open-ended games to exercise those rambunctious imaginations and stricter rule sets to keep things fair in a competitive context.
Ease of Use
Fun and educational are the primary criteria for all of these games. We want kids to learn, but we know it can get a bit boring and difficult. After that, we considered simplicity balanced out with the game's longevity. Easy to learn is good but it isn't perfect if the game is the same after the 10th playthrough.
Effectiveness
You can't beat simplicity. Even for adult games, a simpler game can often be the first choice among many possibilities. Junior games always do that work for you. Every great game balances luck and skill and we took those factors into consideration too. Rolling dice is simple, but it is not really skillful. Always look for a game's age category and total play time. Most games print them right on the box.
Educational Value Entertainment Value Ease of Use Effectiveness 
For instance, sight words are essential to learning for reading but they are just plain tough. Many are non-phonetic which means they cannot be sounded out in order to be spelled properly. Several games we found magically make these tricky terms fun to memorize.
Other Factors to Consider
Emotional Development
Word games are a wonderful way for families to bond. Game night is a great way to get children away from screens and explore their critical thinking and creative skills. Not only will your house be filled with laughter but these will be the memories that your children will remember growing up.
Social Development
Word and spelling games are perfect to get your children excited about learning. They're a a way for your child to enhance their vocabulary and reading skills. Your child will be able to tell stories, learn a different way of spelling all while having fun as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is this game going to be fun for my child?
The secret of making games fun for individuals is making new rules. A lot of game designers are happy about such game modifications. Sometimes they include different game modes in the rulebook. Other times, families and even kids themselves make up rules to keep things more balanced or moving quickly. Feel free to experiment! A boring game can become amazing with a few simple changes.
q: How do I play this game? Are we playing it right?
Games come in many forms. Some simple toddler or pre-K word games don't come with many rules. With these, the plan is to really tailor it to your child. It may take several tries before kids master the concept of turns, plays, points, or word orders. You may have to wait before your child reaches the appropriate maturity and try introducing it to them again. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer's website, game blogs or online videos. Watching is always the easiest way to learn from our experience.
q: What age level is this for? Is that a requirement?
Not at all. Almost all games include an age requirement because of the reading and math skills required to play. But those are just guidelines. Does your child read a year ahead of her age? Then she might be able to play it earlier.
q: How many people can play at a time?
This really depends on the game. Some games are very strict about the number of players because it changes to core mechanics of the game. For other games, it really doesn't matter, that would include any that say 1+ without an upper limit. On rare occasions, the stated number of player can be overly optimistic. Things can get really unwieldy around the dinner table with more than six players.
q: How long does this game last?
In terms of the longevity of the pieces, that all depends on specifics for each game. But developers know kids are harder on games than adults. In terms of the number of playthroughs for a game, it depends on what the game was designed for. Sight word games might only last kids a few years before they advance beyond them. You can always add more rules to keep it fresh. Many games include modified rules for changing things up. Beyond that, check for game expansions packs or new sets.
q: What about electronic word games? My kids are always on their phones!
Any form of word and spelling game can have a positive effect on your child’s language and spelling skills. There are many games available for free for both Android and Apple smart devices such as phones and tablets that can give your child an opportunity to learn in environments where traditional games may be difficult to play such as the in the car. The downside to electronic games is that they are typically designed only for a single player and remove the important social aspects that come with playing together. For this reason, screen time should be limited to no more than two hours per day and only used when other multiplayer formats would not be possible
q: We finished the game and now my kids are bored. Where do we go from here?
The fun thing about the word and spelling games is that they never really end. Many of the games on this list have expansions or add-ons available that can add high skill levels or extra challenges. Adult word games like the popular Cards Against Humanity are also on the rise and can keep the fun going while past your children’s school age. Some adult-themed games can be easily modified to suit children by simply changing a rule or removing a few pieces but make sure to check the instructions and reviews to determine if a game is suitable for your child prior to purchase.
Contributed/Written by Collin Pointon
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