Fun Memory Matching Games for Kids
Flip two cards, hope they match, and try to remember where that sneaky third card was hiding — memory matching games get even better when kids draw the picture cards themselves.
What Are Memory Matching Games?
A memory matching game uses a set of cards, each with a matching pair, laid face-down in a grid. Players flip two cards at a time hoping to find a match, and when the cards are hand-drawn instead of store-bought, the game becomes a fun art project before it's even played.
Easy Instructions to Get Started
- Draw-Your-Own Deck: Cut plain paper or index cards into equal squares, then draw the same simple picture twice on two separate cards — repeat with eight to twelve different pictures for a full deck.
- Themed Matching Set: Pick a theme like animals, fruits, or shapes, and draw every pair to match that theme so the finished deck feels like a mini collection.
- Speed Match: Lay all the cards face-down and set a timer. Players race to find as many matching pairs as possible before time runs out, keeping any pairs they find.
- Odd-One-Out Round: Add one extra unmatched card to the deck. Whoever flips it last, after all real pairs are found, has to draw the next deck for everyone else.
Why Kids Love Memory Matching Games
Drawing the deck first gives kids ownership over the game before a single card is even flipped, and recognizing their own doodles mid-game adds an extra layer of fun. The format also rewards careful attention rather than speed alone, so younger and older kids can compete on fairly even footing.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Keep drawings simple and bold so cards are easy to tell apart even from a few feet away.
- Start with just eight cards (four pairs) for younger kids and increase the count as memory skills grow.
- Store finished decks in an envelope or small box so they're ready to play again anytime.
- Let kids trade decks with friends for a fresh set of pictures to memorize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards should a homemade memory deck have?
Eight to sixteen cards works well for most kids — that's four to eight matching pairs, which keeps rounds long enough to be challenging but short enough to hold attention.
What age is best for memory matching games?
Kids as young as three can play with a small, simple deck, while older kids can handle bigger decks with more detailed drawings.
Can more than two players play at once?
Yes — memory matching works well with any number of players, just taking turns flipping two cards until the whole deck is matched.
Conclusion
Memory matching games turn a set of hand-drawn cards into a game that's fun to make and fun to play. For another head-to-head drawing showdown, try drawing battles next.