Introducing Tabletop RPGs for Kids: Easy and Fun Games to Play Together
Introduction
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family. They spark imagination while also helping kids develop cognitive, social, and language skills. These games encourage confidence, creative thinking, and teamwork, all while having a great time together.
You’ve probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), one of the most well-known tabletop RPGs. While it's a fantastic game, it can be complex, even for adults. With its many rules, different types of dice, and various bonuses to keep track of, it can feel overwhelming at first. However, its immersive storytelling and creativity make it a classic choice for those looking to get into roleplaying games.
During my years as a teacher, I ran a Dungeons & Dragons after-school club, and it was incredibly popular. The game provided an opportunity for kids to express their creativity, collaborate, and unwind after a busy school day. It fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence in a fun and engaging way.
But D&D isn’t the only option! There are many other fantastic RPGs designed specifically for kids that make a great introduction to fantasy roleplaying. Here are five tabletop RPGs that are perfect for getting started.
Hero Kids
Hero Kids Website
A simplified introduction to traditional D&D, Hero Kids is designed for ages 4–10 and uses six-sided dice instead of the traditional set of seven polyhedral dice. The characters are pre-generated, with a variety of classes to choose from. The game is easy to pick up, making it accessible to young players and newcomers to tabletop gaming.
Beyond the Wall
Beyond the Wall Website
Aimed at older kids and young adults, Beyond the Wall is designed for players who want to jump straight into the game with minimal preparation. Inspired by the stories of Ursula K. Le Guin, Susan Cooper, and Lloyd Alexander, this game casts players as childhood friends who must defend their home village from monsters and dark forces. The first adventure provides everything needed to start playing right away.
Mouse Guard
Mouse Guard Website
Based on the beloved comics by David Petersen, Mouse Guard is a traditional pen-and-paper RPG that emphasizes teamwork and character interaction. It uses a simple six-sided dice system and follows the "Burning Wheel" RPG ruleset. Designed for ages 10 and up, this game encourages problem-solving and cooperation as players take on the roles of brave mice defending their world.
Adventures with Friends
Adventures with Friends Website
This collection of four one-shot adventures by Rose Whittaker serves as an excellent introduction to the D&D rules system. Adventures with Friends comes with everything needed for immersive storytelling, including character sheets, paper miniatures, maps, and paper craft kits. Ideal for ages 10 and up, it provides a seamless way to experience tabletop RPGs without the complexity of long campaigns.
Animal Adventures
Animal Adventures Website
A streamlined version of traditional fantasy RPGs like Pathfinder and D&D, Animal Adventures includes everything needed to jump into the game, including miniatures! The rules are straightforward, and prewritten character sheets allow for quick setup and play. Expansion packs are also available, offering more opportunities to explore new campaigns and adventures.
Final Thoughts
There are so many wonderful RPGs to play with your mini geeks, and these five are just the beginning! If you’re looking for more recommendations, visiting your local board game shop is a great way to discover new games and get expert advice.
If you enjoy playing TTRPGs why not gift your players (Young and Old) our DnD themed Starter Kit? you can get it from here: https://minigeekboutique.com/products/travel-dice-and-storage-tin
Have you played any of these RPGs with your kids? Or do you have other favourites? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your experiences!