🎉 Quiet games

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A quiet game keeps the noise level low even at its most exciting: no shouting, no running, and sometimes even a rule against talking. These games suit the library, the car, a waiting room, an evening at home or a classroom where others are working.

Who Am I? may be the perfect quiet game, since it is all questions and answers in a low voice. Hot and Cold can be played in total silence too, with whispers instead of shouts. The difference between a quiet game and a calming game matters: a quiet game just doesn't make noise, and the energy can stay high. A calming game is meant to bring the energy itself down.

Practical tip for long drives: prepare a 'bank' of characters for Who Am I? in advance, so you don't waste time thinking once you're already in the car.

Our top picks

🚫 The Yes/No Game: Questions and answers in a low voice: challenging and funny without raising the noise.
🧩 Word Links: Word puzzles you can play in a whisper, in the car or a waiting room.
🔄 Who Switched Places?: The detective looks, then two players swap without a sound. Staying silent is part of the rule.
🦁 If I Were an Animal: 'If I were an animal, I'd be...' A calm, personal talking game, great for the end of the day.

All 14 games

I Went ShoppingAges 6+ · 4-20 players · 5-10 min If I Were an AnimalAges 5+ · 4-25 players · 5-10 min What's the Connection?Ages 8+ · 2-20 players · 5-10 min Who Switched Places?Ages 5+ · 6-25 players · 5-10 min Three-Word Birthday WishesAges 7+ · 4-30 players · 5-10 min Silent Line-UpAges 7+ · 6-30 players · 5 min My Favorite ThingAges 5+ · 4-25 players · 5-10 min What's Missing? (Kim's Game)Ages 5+ · 3-20 players · 5-10 min The Mirror GameAges 5+ · 2-20 players · 5-10 min The Yes/No GameAges 7+ · 2-20 players · 5-10 min The Secret WinkerAges 8+ · 8-20 players · 10 min Word LinksAges 8+ · 2-20 players · 5-15 min Fold-and-Draw MonstersAges 5+ · 4-20 players · 10-15 min Tic-Tac-ToeAges 4+ · 2-30 players · 5-15 min

Questions and answers

What is the difference between quiet games and calming games?

A quiet game just doesn't make noise, and the energy can stay high. A calming game is meant to slow the pace of the activity itself.

Can quiet games be played with just one child?

Yes, absolutely. Who Am I? and Hot and Cold work great with two players, not just in a group.

Which quiet games work in the car?

Spoken word and thinking games: What's the Connection?, Word Links, I Went Shopping and The Yes/No Game. Nobody needs to get up or write, and you can stop at any moment.