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Travel

May 16, 2026

Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Families with Young Kids

We have one simple rule in our family when it comes to road trips: no screens for the first three hours.

That might sound a little crazy to some families who buckle up and immediately pass back the tablets. And truly, no judgment at all. Every family has to do what works for them. But when I started thinking about it, I realized something. In our normal day-to-day life, if we’re driving around town for 30 or 45 minutes, the kids aren’t on screens. They talk, they look out the window, they ask questions, they play little games. So they don’t actually need a screen the second we pull onto the highway.

I’m also really intentional about how I pack for road trips. I spend time putting together activities, travel binders, and little surprises to make the drive fun. If I’ve taken the time to plan it out, I want the kids to actually enjoy it. The three-hour rule helps us ease into the trip, settle into the adventure, and use all the screen-free activities we packed before turning to devices.

And honestly? Some of our best car ride memories have happened in those first three hours.

So what do we actually do for those first three hours?

Over time, I've built a simple list of screen-free games and activities that keep our kids engaged, talking, and even laughing. These are the ones that consistently work for us.

Travel Binders

Combine an elementary school teacher with someone who loves binders and organization, add in a mom who needs to keep her kids entertained on a long road trip, and voilà… you get a travel binder.

I make these for my kids whether we’re flying on an airplane or loading up the car for a long drive. Every trip gets its own version. Even the name will change depending on how we get to our destination. It is either "__(name's)___ Road Trip Binder" or " __(name's)___ Airplane Binder". I like to include a few new and exciting activities each time, but there are also a few staples that always stay the same.

For example, my oldest son loves tracking license plates. I include a blank map of the United States where he colors in each state as we spot it's plate. Every road trip, he gets a fresh map and starts again. It’s simple, but he looks forward to it every time.

That’s really the balance I try to keep. There are a few predictable favorites the kids expect to find in their binders, but I also swap in new pages or activities they haven’t seen before. It keeps things familiar enough to feel comfortable, but new enough to feel special.

Before we get into what is all in the travel binders, lets start with the basis. What do you need for a travel binder? You only need a few things to get you started.

3 Ring Binder – 1-inch would be plenty, but feel free to get larger if you'd like.
Pencil Pouch – I fill this with crayons, pencils, pens, etc for the trip. It zips up and clips right into the binder so it won't go anywhere. It is an easy way to keep loose items together
3 Hole Punch – You will want a way to hole punch all your papers before putting them in the binder.

That's all you need to get started! The rest is up to you on what you want in your binder.

What Goes In My Travel Binder?

The options are truly endless here and differ based on the age and interests of your child. However, I will give you a few staples of items I like to put in my binder for all of my kids.

State Flag Page

For whatever state we are traveling to, I include a colored copy of the state flag for reference and then a black and white copy for the kids to color.

Coloring Pages

My husband came up with the idea of creating personalized coloring pages of our kids and they were a HUGE hit! I wrote a step-by-step guide in a post called How to Create Personalized Coloring Pages of Your Kids Using ChatGPT.

I also love to print coloring pages of the kids' favorite movie character, sport, animal, etc. One of my favorite websites for coloring pages is Monday Mandala. You can find a coloring page for just about anything on here & it is amazing!

I Spy Games (for car trips)

Road Signs, restaurants, items along the road, car colors…whatever it is, there is a roadtrip ISpy Game for it. I like to include these to help the kids pass the time. I always includes ones with pictures for my younger kiddos.

Blank Paper

There is something about blank paper that opens the door for kids to be creative in so many ways. I love to see what free drawing/coloring/writing they come up with

Stickers

Buy a cheap pack of stickers and let your kids go crazy (on the paper and not on the car windows of course) :) My kids love sticking them all over the papers in their binders and it keeps them busy for a while.

You can get 1,400 colored dot stickers for $6 on Amazon. The options are endless with what your kids choose to do with these in their binder!

Tonie Box

One thing we almost always pack for road trips is our Toniebox. It has been such a great screen-free option for our kids. Instead of staring at a tablet, they get to listen to stories, music, and Bible songs in a hands-on way. They love choosing which character to put on top, and it gives them a sense of independence without needing help navigating a screen. It is easy to use, durable enough for travel, and the audio keeps them engaged while still allowing them to look out the window, color, or follow along in their travel binders.

Another big bonus for road trips is that it has a headphone jack. That means they can plug in and enjoy their stories without the entire car listening along. It keeps things peaceful up front while still letting them stay entertained in the back seat. For long stretches of driving, it really is the perfect middle ground between total quiet and full screen time.

If you want to learn more about the Tonie Box, check out my Tonie Box Review.

Magnet Drawing Board

Magnetic drawing boards are another road trip favorite in our car. They give kids the freedom to draw, doodle, and create without the mess of markers or crayons rolling under seats. I love that everything stays contained, and when they’re ready for something new, they can simply erase it by pushing down the magnet balls and start over. It keeps their hands busy, and sparks creativity. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to toss into a backpack making them a simple, no-prep win for long trips.

🛒 Find Magnetic Drawing Board on Amazon

Writing Tablet

LCD writing tablets are another easy win for screen-free road trips. Kids can draw, practice letters, play tic-tac-toe, or make up their own little games, and with one press of a button the screen clears and they can start all over again. I love that they feel “techy” enough to be exciting, but they are still completely screen-free and mess-free. They are thin, lightweight, and easy to slide into a backpack or seat pocket, making them perfect for long stretches in the car when kids just need something simple to keep their hands busy.

🛒 Find the Writing Tablet on Amazon

Magnet Men

Magnet men are one of those simple toys that somehow keep kids entertained for a surprisingly long time. Their magnetic hands and feet let them connect in all sorts of creative ways, whether they are building long chains, forming circles, or balancing them in funny poses. They are small, lightweight, and easy to toss into a travel bag, which makes them perfect for car rides. I love that they encourage imagination and fine motor skills without any noise or screens, just quiet, creative play in the back seat.

🛒 Find Magnet Men On Amazon

Mini Magnet Blocks

Mini magnetic blocks are another great screen-free option for road trips, especially for kids who love to build. The pieces snap together easily, making it simple to create numbers, letters, towers, or little animals right on their lap tray. I love that they encourage creativity and problem-solving without taking up much space, and the compact case keeps everything contained so pieces do not roll all over the car. They are small enough to pack easily but engaging enough to hold attention for a good stretch of the drive.

🛒 Find Mini Magnetic Blocks on Amazon

Coloring Matching Puzzle

This wooden color matching puzzle is a great hands-on activity for road trips, especially for younger kids who love problem-solving. The goal is simple but engaging: match the colored discs to the pattern shown on the card above. It encourages focus, fine motor skills, and early logic skills while keeping little hands busy. I love that it feels educational without feeling like “school work,” and the sturdy wooden design makes it durable enough to handle travel. It is a quiet, contained activity that can hold attention for longer stretches of the drive. Our son would use this as early as 3 years old. It is never too early to let them start playing around with it to begin to figure it out on their own!

🛒 Find Color Matching Puzzle on Amazon

Toddler Zipper Activity Book

Toddler zipper activity books are such a great option for little ones on road trips. Each page is filled with hands-on activities like zipping, buckling, buttoning, matching shapes, naming days of the week and months of the year, and much more which helps build fine motor skills while keeping them fully engaged. I love that it feels like play, but they are actually practicing real-life skills along the way. The soft, quiet design makes it perfect for the car, and since everything is attached, there are no loose pieces to lose under the seats. It is an easy way to keep toddlers busy and focused during long stretches of driving.

🛒 Find Activity Book on Amazon

Alphabet Race

The Road Trip ABC Game is one of the easiest and most engaging ways to pass the time in the car. The goal is simple: start with the letter A and find something outside the window that begins with that letter. It could be a road sign, a restaurant name, a word on a truck, or even a name on a billboard. Once you find A, you move on to B, and keep working your way through the alphabet all the way to Z. It turns ordinary highway scenery into a fun scavenger hunt and keeps everyone scanning and thinking. For younger kids, you can simplify it by having them look for the letter itself, even if it appears inside a word. That way everyone can play at their own level while working toward the same goal.

5-in-1 Road Trip Activity Cards

This road trip activity card pack is such an easy grab-and-go option for families. I love that this set includes five different types of games in one small box, like scavenger hunts, trivia, riddles, talking games, and “Guess Who I Am.” That variety makes it great for different ages and attention spans, and you can switch things up whenever the energy in the car starts to dip. Some cards are perfect for younger kids who need simple prompts, while others challenge older kids to think a little deeper. It is compact, mess-free, and easy to pass around, making it a simple way to keep everyone engaged without pulling out a screen.

🛒 Find Road Trip Cards on Amazon

Magnet Dot Art

Magnetic dot art boards are a fun and mess-free creative option for road trips. Kids use the magnetic pen to pull colorful dots into place and create pictures, patterns, or follow activity cards. It feels a little bit like magic watching the dots pop into position, which makes it extra engaging for younger kids. I love that everything stays contained inside the board, so there are no loose pieces rolling around the car. It is quiet, hands-on, and perfect for keeping little artists busy during long stretches of the drive.

🛒 Find Magnet Dot Art on Amazon

Reusable Games & Activities

If you’re traveling with younger kids, reusable “Search and Find” activity cards are such a win for road trips. These colorful scene cards invite kids to look closely and find hidden objects, circle specific items, or complete simple challenges using a dry erase marker. It turns the backseat into a quiet little scavenger hunt. Because the cards are reusable, they can wipe them clean and start all over again, which makes them perfect for long drives or even pulling out at restaurants or waiting rooms later on.

🛒 For younger kids: Find Reusable Search and Find on Amazon

For older kids who need a little more of a challenge, reusable travel game books are a fantastic screen-free option. These typically include word searches, spot-and-find puzzles, mazes, logic games, and other brain-teasing activities that keep them thinking and engaged.

What I love most is that they feel independent. Kids can work quietly on their own, solving puzzles and checking off challenges without constant help. And because they use dry erase markers, the pages can be wiped clean and reused again and again. That makes them perfect for long car rides, plane trips, or even rainy days at home.

They’re compact, easy to toss in a backpack, and offer just enough challenge to hold attention without turning into frustration. For older elementary-aged kids especially, these reusable travel game books strike that perfect balance between fun and focused.

🛒 For older kids: Reusable Activity Games on Amazon

Memory Matching Game

If you’re looking for a quiet, engaging activity that works especially well for younger kids, this memory matching game is such a great option for car trips. The concept is simple: flip open two doors at a time and try to find matching pictures hidden underneath. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. It keeps little minds working and attention focused for longer than you might expect.

What I love about this version is that everything is built in. The small flip doors stay attached, so there are no loose cards sliding under car seats. That makes it perfect for travel. Kids can play independently, compete with a sibling, or even take turns with a parent in the front seat. It also strengthens memory skills, focus, and visual recognition without feeling like “learning.”

Another fun feature is that many of these boards include interchangeable themes like animals, colors, shapes, or vehicles. That variety keeps it fresh and allows you to adjust the difficulty depending on your child’s age. Whether you’re driving a few hours or tackling a full-day road trip, this is a reusable, mess-free activity that helps pass the time in a meaningful way.

🛒 Find Memory Matching Game on Amazon

Sticker Stampers

Sticker stampers are such a fun and easy addition to any road trip bag. Instead of peeling tiny stickers off a sheet, kids simply press down and stamp one out at a time. It feels exciting and interactive, almost like using a toy, but it keeps them focused and busy in the best way.

I especially love these for car rides because they are compact and contained. The stickers stay inside the stamper until they are pressed onto a page, which means less mess and fewer little sticker scraps floating around the back seat. Pair it with a small notebook or activity pad, and kids can decorate scenes, complete activity pages, or create their own little stories.

Another bonus is that many of these stampers are refillable, so they can be used again and again for future trips. It is a simple, screen-free activity that sparks creativity while keeping little hands happily occupied during long stretches of driving.

🛒 Find Sticker Stampers on Amazon

🛒 Find Sticker Refills on Amazon

Reusable Sticker Books

Reusable sticker books are one of my favorite road trip activities for younger kids. They combine creativity with quiet play, which is exactly what you want during long stretches in the car. Kids can create their own scenes using themed stickers like safari animals, farm life, or ocean adventures, and then peel them off and start all over again.

What makes these especially great for travel is that the stickers are designed to be repositioned. That means no one-time use, no wasted sheets, and no sticky residue everywhere. If a giraffe ends up floating in the ocean or a tractor ends up in the jungle, they can simply move it and redesign the scene. It encourages imagination and storytelling without any screens involved. They are lightweight, easy to slide into a backpack, and simple enough for kids to use independently.

🛒 Find Reusable Sticker Books on Amazon

Travel

Jul 11, 2026

Corpus Christi with Kids: Beach, Aquarium & Family Fun

If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly beach trip with a mix of relaxing time and a few fun activities, Corpus Christi, Texas might be worth considering.

We loved how easy everything felt, from spending time at the beach to visiting the aquarium. It was the kind of trip where we could slow down a bit and just enjoy being together as a family.

Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium was a great stop in Corpus Christi. There was a good mix of things to see and do, including dolphin presentations, touch experiences like stingrays, and a wide variety of animals like sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. We also liked that there were both indoor and outdoor exhibits, which made it easy to explore at our own pace.

It felt interactive without being overwhelming, which worked really well with a toddler and kept his attention throughout our visit. This is a place we would stop again in the future.

Corpus Christi Beaches

While in Corpus Christi we explored the beach as well as found some fun outdoor parks and playgrounds to enjoy. While Corpus Christi isn’t our favorite beach destination we’ve visited, it was still a great place for our toddler to play in the sand, splash in the water, and enjoy some outdoor time. I wouldn't plan a trip to Corpus Christi just to visit the beach, but since we were there doing other things, the beach was a great bonus!

Is Corpus Christi Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed family getaway. The Texas State Aquarium was a highlight of our trip, and the beaches provided plenty of opportunities for simple family fun. While we probably wouldn’t choose Corpus Christi solely as a beach vacation destination, we enjoyed our time there and would happily stop again on a future Texas road trip.

We paired our Corpus Christi visit with a few days in San Antonio, which made for a great family road trip. Be sure to read our San Antonio family travel guide for more ideas and activities.

Travel

Jun 13, 2026

Disney Wish Cruise Review: Tips, Tricks, and What Families Should Know Before You Go

We recently returned from a sailing aboard the Disney Wish and had a great time exploring everything the ship has to offer. If you're considering a Disney cruise with kids, there is no shortage of activities, entertainment, character experiences, and family-friendly fun.

A Disney cruise offers many of the things families love about Disney vacations, but with a more relaxed pace. Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, you unpack once and spend your days enjoying the ship, the entertainment, and time together as a family.

One thing worth mentioning is that I have only sailed on the Disney Wish, so I can't personally compare it to Disney's other ships. However, one thing I've consistently heard from experienced Disney cruisers is that the Wish can feel a little less intuitive to navigate. There are more hallways and separate spaces to walk through when getting from place to place, whereas some of the other Disney ships are said to have a more open layout. It wasn't a major issue for us, but it did take a day or two before we felt comfortable finding our way around.

Bonus Tip: Give Yourself a Day to Learn the Ship

The Disney Wish is a large ship, and it may take a little time to learn where everything is located. We occasionally found ourselves taking the long way around or walking through multiple hallways to get where we wanted to go.

By the second day it felt much easier to navigate, so don't stress if you spend the first day checking the map frequently. That's completely normal!

Tips and Tricks for Families Sailing on the Disney Wish

1. Take Advantage of the Kids Clubs

One of the biggest highlights of the ship, in my opinion, was the Oceaneer Club, which is designed for children ages 3–10. It includes multiple themed spaces where kids can play, explore, create, and interact with Disney stories in a way that feels much more immersive than a typical kids club.

Disney also offers clubs for ages 11–14 and 14–17, so older kids and teens have spaces designed specifically for them. Families traveling with little ones will appreciate that there is even a nursery available for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years.

One tip I would highly recommend is taking advantage of the Open House on embarkation day. During this time, families can explore the kids clubs together before the clubs officially begin operating. This is also a great time to complete registration so that dropping your kids off later in the cruise is quick and easy.

My kids are pretty shy, and even after seeing all the fun activities available, they were still hesitant to leave us. Looking back, I wish we would have encouraged them to spend a little time in the club earlier in the cruise. Toward the end of our trip, we let them go into the kids club while we waited just outside for a few minutes. Knowing we were nearby gave them the confidence to explore on their own. They didn't stay long because we had dinner reservations, but that short experience made a huge difference. After that, they kept asking to go back. If I could do one thing differently, it would be introducing them to the kids club earlier in the cruise so they could have enjoyed it even more.

One thing to note if you have younger children traveling with older siblings (my kids are 4, 5, and 8 years old) is that they might not all get to be together in the kids club. My 5 and 8-year-olds were able to move around the Oceaneer Club much more freely, while my 4-year-old was required to stay with a counselor-led group. I completely understand the safety reasons behind that policy, but it did mean he couldn't simply follow his siblings wherever they wanted to go. His older brother and sister could join him, but he couldn't always join them. Because of that, he didn't enjoy the experience quite as much as the older two. I think kids who are 5 and older may get a little more out of the experience since they have more freedom to explore the different areas on their own.

2. Don't Miss the Broadway-Style Shows

The Disney Wish features three incredible live theater productions:

Disney Seas the Adventure
The Little Mermaid
Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular

Even if your family doesn't normally attend live theater, these productions are worth making time for. The costumes, music, sets, and special effects were impressive, and our kids were entertained the entire time.

Disney offers two showtimes each evening to accommodate the different dinner schedules. I believe the shows were around 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Since our dinner seating was at 5:45 PM, we attended the later show each night.

Most of the performances lasted about 45 minutes to an hour. While 8:30 PM was a little late for our younger kids, the shows did such a great job keeping their attention that they stayed engaged despite being tired from a full day of fun.

3. Ride the AquaMouse

The AquaMouse was one of our family's favorite experiences on the Disney Wish.

Part water slide and part water coaster, it takes riders over the edge of the ship with special views of the open ocean below. It's a fun mix of Disney storytelling, water slide thrills, and amazing scenery that makes it a unique experience for both kids and adults.

One tip we learned is to plan your rides strategically. Riding early in the day can help you avoid some of the longer waits, but one of the best times to ride is while the ship is in port. Many guests leave the ship to explore, which often means significantly shorter lines than on sea days. We found this to be a great time to enjoy the attraction with less waiting.

4. Check Out Hero Zone

When our kids needed a break from swimming, Hero Zone was a fun place to burn off energy.

This recreation area includes:

Basketball courts
Ping pong
Air hockey
Organized activities
Special events like a giant inflatable obstacle course

Check the daily schedule because activities can change throughout the cruise.

5. See Characters Often

One thing we loved compared to Disney World was how easy it was to meet characters.

Throughout the cruise characters that were available to see were:

Mickey
Minnie
Donald
Daisy
Pluto
Goofy
Chip and Dale
Spiderman
Ant Man
Wasp
Black Panther
Captain Hook
Jack Sparrow
Bluey/Bingo

As well as several princesses including:

Tiana
Cinderella
Rapunzel
Belle

Character lines were generally much shorter than what we've experienced in the Disney parks, and there were opportunities throughout the cruise to see characters in different outfits and settings. Even if you missed one appearance, there were usually several more opportunities to see them later in the cruise. This was especially true for the main characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and the princesses who seemed to make appearances throughout the sailing. We loved that the character meet-and-greets felt much more relaxed and easier to fit into our schedule than they typically do at Disney World.

6. Save Room for Ice Cream

The cruise ship offers "free" unlimited soft-serve ice cream, which was a huge hit with our kids. I say "free" because you don't pay for it when you get it, but let's be honest, it's probably built into the cost of the cruise somewhere along the way!

No matter where we were headed, it seemed like someone in our family was asking for another ice cream cone. Between pool breaks, afternoon snacks, and evening treats, the kids enjoyed multiple cones throughout the cruise.

The Disney Wish also features an Inside Out-themed ice cream shop that was another favorite stop for our family. Unlike the soft-serve stations, this ice cream does cost extra and is purchased separately. We enjoyed mixing things up with some specialty ice cream creations and fun toppings in between all the soft-serve cones. It was a fun treat and a nice change of pace during the cruise.

7. Enjoy the Rotational Dining Experience

One of the most unique parts of a Disney cruise is the rotational dining system.

During our sailing we enjoyed:

Worlds of Marvel
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
1923
Pirate Night

Each restaurant offered its own atmosphere, entertainment, and menu while allowing us to keep the same dining team throughout the cruise.

It was fun experiencing a different restaurant each night because every dinner felt unique. From the interactive Marvel experience to celebrating Anna and Kristoff's engagement at Arendelle with Elsa, Olaf, and friends, there was always something new to look forward to.

One thing we especially loved was keeping the same wait staff throughout the cruise. By the second night they already knew our preferences, remembered our kids, and went above and beyond to make every meal special. They truly got to know our family and spoiled us beyond measure. It was one of those little touches that made the Disney cruise experience feel extra magical.

8. Enjoy the Pools, But Know What to Expect

There are multiple pools on the Disney Wish, giving families several places to cool off and have fun throughout the day. The pools are fairly shallow, with depths ranging from about 2 to 4 feet.

Our kids still had a blast splashing around and playing in the water, but it's a little different than spending time at a typical neighborhood pool. Because the pools are smaller, fairly shallow, and shared by thousands of guests, they can get crowded during peak times. Due to the shallow depths, the pools are more for splashing, playing, and cooling off than they are for traditional swimming.

Families with younger children will also appreciate the Toy Story-themed splash area designed for kids ages 4 and under. It features fun water play elements and gives little ones their own space to splash and explore.

That said, the pools and splash areas were a great way for our family to cool off, relax, and have fun between all the other activities happening around the ship.

9. Download the Disney Cruise Line App

One hidden gem on the Disney Wish is an interactive game built into the Disney Cruise Line app.

Families can complete missions, search for clues throughout the ship, and interact with special displays using their phones.

Our kids loved hunting down the locations and completing the challenges. It became a fun activity whenever we had a little downtime between other events.

10. Don't Try to Do Everything

This might be our biggest piece of advice.

There is so much happening every day that you simply won't be able to do it all—and that's okay.

Pick the experiences your family is most excited about, leave room for spontaneous fun, and enjoy the slower pace. Some of our favorite memories came from moments we never planned.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a family vacation that combines Disney magic with a more relaxed pace, the Disney Wish is a great choice. Between the incredible entertainment, character experiences, themed dining, kids clubs, and family activities, there was never a shortage of things to do. At the same time, it felt much less stressful than trying to fit everything into a Disney World vacation.

The Disney Wish created so many special memories for our family, and it's a trip we would happily recommend to any family considering their first Disney cruise.

Games

Jun 2, 2026

Disney Games for Kids: Fun Ideas for Family Game Night

If you have Disney fans in your house, you know how much kids love anything that brings their favorite characters to life.

Whether it is princesses, Pixar movies, or classic Disney characters, themed board games are a fun way to bring a little bit of that magic into your home.

We always enjoy finding games that everyone can play together, and Disney-themed games are usually an easy win. They are familiar, fun, and a great option for family game night.

Here are some Disney games that have been fun for our family and would be a great fit for any Disney lover.

Disney Eye Found It!

If your family loves Disney and enjoys games that keep everyone engaged, Disney Eye Found It! is one we come back to again and again.

What makes this game stand out is how different it feels every time you play. The board is packed with detailed Disney scenes, and each round challenges players to find specific hidden objects. Even though you’re using the same board, it never feels repetitive because you’re always searching for something new.

Why We Love It

Perfect for mixed ages – Younger kids can spot big, obvious items while older kids (and adults!) hunt for trickier ones
Cooperative gameplay – You work together, which keeps things positive and fun
Great attention builder – It naturally helps kids focus and stay engaged
No reading required – Easy for younger kids to jump right in

A Game That Grows With Your Family

One of the best parts about this game is how it adapts to your kids. When they’re younger, it’s all about finding simple objects and enjoying the colorful Disney scenes. As they get older, they start spotting harder items faster and even competing a little more.

It’s one of those rare games that doesn’t get old quickly, which is a huge win for family game night.

🛒 Find Disney Eye Found It on Amazon

Disney Code Names

If your family enjoys word games with a little strategy, Disney Codenames is a fun way to bring Disney into game night.

The goal is simple: give one-word clues to help your team guess the right Disney characters on the board. It sounds easy, but it takes some real thinking!

How We Play with Younger Kids

With our kids (ages 4, 5, and 8), we’ve found the best setup is for my husband and I to be the clue givers, while the kids are the guessers.

Being the clue giver actually takes a lot of thought. You have to connect multiple cards with one clue while avoiding the wrong ones, which can be challenging even for adults. We’ve let our kids try being the clue giver, and while they can do it, it definitely takes practice and a lot more thinking than they’re usually up for during game night.

Why We Love It

Great for teamwork
Builds thinking and word association skills
Easy to adjust for younger kids

It’s a game that grows with your family and one that gets even better as kids get older and start creating their own clues.

🛒 Find Disney Codenames online

Disney Hedbanz

This is a fun and interactive game for the whole family.

Each player wears a headband with a Disney character card they can’t see and asks yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are.

Why We Love It

Easy for younger kids to play
Lots of laughs and silly moments
Quick and simple to set up

Our kids love asking questions like “Am I a princess?” or “Am I an animal?” and trying to guess as fast as they can.

It’s one of those go-to games when you want something light, fun, and easy for the whole family to enjoy.

🛒 Find Disney Hedbanz on Amazon

Disney Guess in 10

If your child loves guessing games but doesn’t want to wear a headband, Disney Guess in 10 is a great alternative.

Instead of wearing a card, players ask up to 10 questions to figure out the Disney character on the card. It feels very similar to Hedbanz, but a little more relaxed and flexible.

Why We Like It

No headbands needed
Easy for younger kids to jump into
Encourages thinking and asking good questions

It’s a great option if your kids enjoy guessing games but want something a little simpler or less silly than wearing the headbands.

🛒 Find Disney Guess in 10 on Amazon

Disney Parks UNO

Disney Parks UNO is a favorite in our house and we play it almost daily.

If you already know how to play UNO, you can jump right in. The fun twist is the special Mickey Wild card, which lets you switch hands with another player. That something our kids always get excited about! They actually call this game "Mickey Uno" because of that special card.

Why We Love It

Familiar and easy to play
Fun Disney-themed cards featuring rides and characters
The Mickey Wild card adds an extra layer of excitement

Each card has a special Disney ride, park, or character on it, which makes it even more fun for Disney fans.

It’s a simple, fun game that never gets old and is always a hit with the whole family.

🛒 Find Disney Uno on Amazon

Disney Matching Game

The Disney Matching Game is a simple, classic that’s perfect for younger kids.

Players take turns flipping over cards to find matching pairs, featuring fun Disney characters like Mickey, Ariel, and Stitch.

Why We Love It

Easy for little kids to learn
Great for memory and focus
Quick and fun to play

This is one of the first games our kids could play on their own, and it’s still a fun, low-key option for family game time.

🛒 Find Disney Matching on Amazon

Disney Spot It

Disney Spot It! is one of those games that gets everyone focused and excited right away.

The goal is simple: find the one matching symbol between two cards as fast as you can. There’s always a match but it’s just a race to spot it first!

Why We Love It

Quick and easy to learn
Keeps kids engaged and focused
Great for all ages
Easy to throw into a bag or purse and play anywhere

It’s fast-paced, a little competitive, and perfect for short bursts of fun during family game night.

🛒 Find Disney Spot It online

Disney Mickey and Friends Monopoly

If your family enjoys longer game nights, Disney Monopoly is a fun way to bring a classic game into your Disney collection.

Just like traditional Monopoly, players move around the board buying and trading—but this version features Disney characters, locations, and fun themed details throughout.

Why We Love It

Familiar gameplay that older kids can learn quickly
Fun Disney-themed board and pieces
Great for family game nights when you have more time

This is a great option for families with slightly older kids who are ready for a longer, more strategic game. It’s a fun way to mix a well-known classic with Disney characters your kids already love.

🛒 Find Disney Monopoly on Amazon

Whether you have a house full of Disney fans or just one child who loves all things Disney, these games are a fun way to bring a little extra magic to family game night. We have enjoyed finding games that everyone can play together, and the familiar characters always seem to make them even more exciting. Hopefully this list helps you discover a new favorite game to add to your collection!