Pocket Games for Kids: Small Handheld Fun

The best pocket games for kids are the ones that live in a bag and come out when there is a gap to fill. They are small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, simple enough to start straight away and cheerful enough that kids ask for another go. You will find plenty in our handheld games range and across our wider games and puzzles.

Here is how each type works, how to turn solo play into a friendly contest and where these little games fit best.

Handheld maze games

The 4 pack maze game has four assorted maze games of around 5.5cm each, with shapes including a star, circle, square and triangle on the pack shown. Hold one flat in your hand and tilt and turn gently to work through the maze. The shapes and colours may vary from pack to pack, which means each pack feels a little different.

To make it a contest, set a timer and see who finishes first, or swap mazes with a friend and compare how long each one takes.

Maze games are good for patient, steady hands. Younger players can start by simply guiding the piece along the paths, while older players can try to beat their own best time. Because the pack has four, you can keep one in a bag, one at home and give two to a friend.

Mini pinball games

Mini pinball is a pocket version of a classic arcade game. The football pinball 6 pack has six pocket-size games with a pitch design and yellow flippers. The zoo animal 6 pack has six assorted 5.8cm designs with a green plunger, and the space pinball 2 pack gives you two assorted games with a rocket and planets design, spring plunger and small coloured balls.

• Use the plunger to launch the ball, then aim for the scoring pockets
• Play five rounds each and add up your scores
• Set a target score and race to reach it first

Pinball packs are made for sharing. A 6 pack means a whole group can play at once instead of taking turns, and the small size means they fit in a pocket. Mixing a few designs, such as football and zoo animals, gives everyone a favourite.

Handheld water games

Water games are a transparent, water-filled toy with rings inside and two push buttons. Press the buttons to move the rings through the water and enjoy the colourful designs. The monster and capybara versions are each 10.7 x 7.4cm, with colours and designs that may vary. They are a quieter choice for waiting rooms and cafes because they are sealed and quiet.

Ways to play together

• Maze relay. Pass one maze around the group and record each person's time.
• Pinball league. Everyone plays three rounds on the same game, and the best total wins the week.
• Swap and play. After each round, trade games so everybody tries a different one.
• Pocket Olympics. Combine the maze, pinball and water game scores into one total.

The key is to keep rounds short. A game that takes two minutes is easy to play again, and kids will happily line up for another turn. If a game is too tricky, let younger players have a head start or play with a partner. If it is too easy, add a rule such as using your non-dominant hand or finishing before the sand timer runs out.

Where pocket games work best

They are brilliant in cafes, in waiting rooms and at appointments. For games built around the car, see our games for road trips. They also suit stocking fillers, school holiday bags and small prizes. Multi-packs make party planning easy, because one 6 pack of pinball games can fill six bags. Browse our party bag toys for more small prizes. Because the games are so small, you can tuck a few into a school bag, a drawer or a handbag and forget they are there until they are needed. Keep a pack in your bag and a spare at home, and the next long wait will not feel quite so long.