Family conversation games give you something to do together when a visit or phone call needs a starting point. Choose one short game, take turns, and let everyone pass. The purpose is shared enjoyment, not testing someone's memory.
The ten ideas below include rules and prompts you can use immediately. Most need no supplies. Photos or a familiar object are optional. Ask the older adult what they would enjoy before choosing a game for them.
Pick a conversation game for today's visit
| Situation | A game to try | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| A short phone call | Either or, or the favorites round | No supplies |
| A visit with grandchildren | Three clues, or gentle trivia | No supplies |
| Someone enjoys storytelling | Photo noticing, or recipe talk | An optional photo or object |
| Words feel difficult today | Either or with visible choices | Two objects or pictures |
| You want a quiet ending | A small good thing | No supplies |
Choose one idea rather than working through the whole list. Let each person answer in their own way. A few words, a gesture, or listening can all be part of the game.
10 family conversation games with ready to use prompts
1. Either or
Offer two choices and take turns answering. Share your own choice first if that helps get things started. A reason is optional.
- “Would you choose a garden or a beach?”
- “Do you prefer pie or ice cream?”
- “Would you rather listen to piano or guitar?”
Adapt it: show two pictures or objects and invite the person to point. If those choices do not interest them, choose a subject they enjoy.
2. The favorites round
Pick one category. Everyone names a favorite, then the next person takes a turn. Different answers are welcome.
- A favorite meal.
- A favorite place to sit outdoors.
- A favorite animal.
Follow up: “What do you like about it?” Only ask if the person seems interested in saying more. You can use the 30 gentle conversation starters when you want a fresh topic for this round.
3. Photo noticing
Look at one photo together. Take turns naming something you can see before inviting a story. The photo can be a landscape, a pet, or a familiar place; it need not be a family portrait.
Try, “I notice a red umbrella. What catches your eye?” Then ask, “Would you enjoy being there?”
Adapt it: avoid questions that demand names or dates, such as “Who is this?” A photograph can be interesting even without identifying everyone in it.
4. Gentle trivia as a team
Read a question aloud and work out the answer together. Someone can suggest an answer, ask for a clue, or pass. Keep the answer available so the round never turns into a struggle.
- “Which season usually comes after spring?” Answer: summer.
- “What do we call a young dog?” Answer: a puppy.
- “Which instrument has black and white keys?” Answer: a piano.
These are starter questions. Ask whether the group would prefer a more challenging topic. For an online version, choose a category in BrainFunHub's Gentle Trivia and answer together.
5. Finish a familiar saying
Read the first part of a saying and invite a familiar ending. Offer the ending yourself if the saying is unfamiliar.
- “Better late than...” never.
- “A stitch in time saves...” nine.
- “Look before you...” leap.
Adapt it: choose sayings familiar to the person's language and background. You can talk about whether you agree with a saying instead of completing it.
6. Recipe story swap
Each person names a dish they like. Invite one detail about it, then share one of your own. No one has to remember the full recipe.
Try, “What would you put in your favorite soup?” or “Do you like a crisp pie crust or a soft one?”
Adapt it: bring a recipe card or food photograph if the person enjoys those. Choose a different topic if food talk brings up uncomfortable memories.
7. Three clues
One person describes a familiar object with up to three clues. Others suggest what it might be. Reveal the answer whenever the group wants it.
Example: “You use it outside. It opens above your head. It helps keep rain off.” Answer: an umbrella.
Another: “It has pages. You can borrow it from a library. You read it.” Answer: a book.
Adapt it: show two objects to choose between, or let the older adult give the clues while someone else guesses.
8. Music and a mood
Choose a familiar song together. Listen to a short portion at a comfortable volume, then each person describes its mood. Naming the song or performer is optional.
Ask, “Does that sound cheerful or calm?” If a story follows, listen. If not, enjoying the music is enough.
Adapt it: turn the music off before speaking if hearing the conversation is difficult. Check whether everyone wants another song.
9. Build a story together
Start an imaginary story with one sentence. Each person adds a sentence, an idea, or a word. Agree that the story can be silly and that passing is allowed.
For example: “A cat sat by the window.” “It spotted a yellow bird.” “The bird was carrying a tiny hat.”
Adapt it: offer a choice for the next event: “Should the cat go outside or stay by the window?” If keeping track of the story feels tiring, return to a simpler game.
10. A small good thing
Take turns naming something pleasant from today or something you would enjoy now. Keep it small and specific.
Try, “I enjoyed my cup of coffee. What would feel nice to you?” An answer might be sunshine, a comfortable chair, or a favorite song.
Adapt it: avoid insisting on a positive answer. Someone can say they have had a difficult day, pass, or choose a different topic.
Adapt conversation games for dementia and memory changes
These are social activities, not memory assessments or treatments. Dementia affects people differently, so follow the person's preferences and responses rather than assuming every game will suit them.
The Alzheimer's Association's communication guidance recommends giving time to respond, asking one question at a time, and avoiding criticism or correction. During a visit, try a quiet space and speak directly to the person.
If a detail in a harmless story seems mistaken, listen for what the person wants to share rather than turning the moment into a fact check. Offer a simple choice if an open question feels difficult. Pause or change activities if the person seems uncomfortable. For more support, read dementia conversation tips for calmer visits.
Copy this short visit plan
This is a copyable checklist, not a PDF download. You can write it on a card or save it in your phone notes.
- Ask: “Would you like to try a game or just chat?”
- Choose: one game and a topic the person enjoys.
- Begin: explain the rules in a sentence and take the first turn if helpful.
- Adjust: offer a choice, accept a pass, or switch activities.
- Finish: ask whether to continue or end the game.
- Remember: note a favorite topic for another visit, if the person is comfortable with that.
Common questions about conversation games
Can these work over the phone?
Yes. Either or, favorites, sayings, and three clues need no visual materials. Read one prompt, allow time for a response, and share your answer too. For calls with a screen, try video call conversation ideas.
What if my loved one does not want to talk?
Respect that choice. Offer to sit together, listen to something they choose, or try another time. A visit does not need a game to be meaningful.
Should we keep score?
Only if everyone wants to. Cooperative play and casual turns often suit a visit better. The useful result is time spent together, not the number of correct answers.