Whether you're trying to teach kids about counting or just looking for some fun games for them to play, dice games can push their learning and mathematical skills. Explore some fun and original dice games that kids can try alone and with friends.
One and Done
One and done is a simple math game that works on adding and introduces younger kids to odds (the odds of rolling a 1 are 1 in 6). To play this dice game, you are going to need:
- 3 dice
- Paper and pens for score
- 2 children or more
Start Playing
The rules are fairly simple. If you get a 1, you are done.
- Start with the oldest child.
- They will roll the dice.
- If they roll a 1, play moves to the next child.
- If they don't get a 1, they write the number down and roll again. They will continuing adding their rolls on the paper until they roll a 1.
- First player to 75 wins.
First to 50
This works as a memory game and is great for sequencing. To play, you are going to need:
- 6 dice
- Paper and pen
- 2 children
Getting Started
Each sequence is worth 10 points on the first roll, 5 points on the second roll and 2 points on the third roll. Now to play.
- Have each child roll to see who gets the highest number. The highest number goes first and gameplay moves clockwise.
- Roll the dice.
- After rolling, the child will look for a 1, 2, 3 sequence. If they don't have one, they get two tries before moving on to the next player.
- Each roll will build off the last sequence. So, if you got 1, 2, 3, you need to get a 2, 3, 4, etc. When you get to 6, you will start back at one (5, 6, 1).
- If you are trying for the wrong sequence, players can call out "Missing Sequence" and you will lose a turn.
- The first player to 50 points wins.
The reason this gets challenging is because you need to remember what sequence you are on and how many points you get. So, children work on sequencing, memory, and addition.
18 for Fun
This is a fast-paced game that older kids will like with dice. Not only do you have to have luck on your side, but you have to be good at bluffing. For this game, you'll need:
- 2 cups
- 3 dice per person
- M&Ms, Hershey Kisses, or Tic Tacs
- 2 or more players
Time to Get Playing
The rules for the game are simple. You either need to be the one closest to 18 or you need to get the other player to fold.
- Each player gets 1 cup, 3 die, and a dozen pieces of candy.
- The oldest player gets to go first.
- Together, shake the die in your respective cups and turn them over on to a flat surface.
- Each player peeks at their dice and adds them up quickly.
- The player whose turn it is will either say 18, if you are close to 18, or draw if your numbers are really low.
- If you say draw, play is over. Roll again with next person taking their turn.
- If 18 is said, the other players can either give you candy or say "show them."
- If "show them" is said, everyone shows their dice.
- If you show them and you are the highest, they give you three pieces of candy. If one of the other players is higher, you give them one piece of candy.
- When one person runs out of candy, the game is over.
This works on quick addition, bluffing and fun. Plus, the candy is a huge bonus.
Can You Get to Ten?
This is similar to bowling but with dice. You'll need 3 dice and something to write with. Play is simple. Every time you are working to get a total score of 10.
- 6 is a gutter ball.
- Double 5s are a strike.
How to Play
It's helpful if kids are familiar with bowling, but an adult can assist.
- Throw one die at a time. For example, a 3 on the die is 3 pins down.
- Stop when you get close to 10.
- This might take throwing all 3 die or just 2.
- If you go over 10, that is considered a scratch. For example, if you throw a 4 and a 5, you could quit or roll the last die to try to get a 1. However, if you get a 2 or more, you get zero points for the whole round.
- The goal is to get to 100 in 10 rolls.
Dice Games With Printables
Printable games add fun especially for a single player. Not only can they add a visual aspect, but the games can get more involved when you add a printable. Give a few of these printable dice games a try. If you need help downloading any of the printables, check out a guide for Adobe help.
Tic Tac Dice
After printing the blank or numbered board, you'll roll two dice to try to get a Tic Tac Toe. You can play alone or with a friend.
Use Your Senses
This game isn't only fun; it can get a little silly. You'll roll the dice to find out what you are going to smell, lick, look at, or listen to. It is great for helping little kids to learn their senses and have fun at the same time. If you don't have any of these things at home, you can find them on a computer or roll again.
Shooting for the Stars
Have fun shooting for the stars in a fun dice game you can play with friends or alone. The point is to get your roll to match the number in the star so that you can color them. Color one group before moving on to the next.
Playing Dice
Much like cards can be fun and engaging for kids so can dice. Plus, they are great for learning. Try out these dice games with your kids in class, at home or while you are babysitting for a fun, learning experience.