Family storytelling games — write a story together with kids

Storytelling is one of the few games that gets better when the grown-ups play badly. The rules below work around a kitchen table, on a long car journey, or remotely on Storybored.

The basic rule

Each player adds one sentence to the story, in order, until somebody says 'the end'. The youngest player gets to start. Nobody is allowed to say 'and then it was all a dream'.

Variations

For younger players, use picture prompts or story dice. For older players, set a target word count or genre. For very tired parents, agree the story has to finish before the kettle boils.

Play remotely

Storybored is built for exactly this — pick a private room, send the grandparents the join code, agree a turn order and write.

Write one together

Storybored is a turn-based story writing game for 2–4 players. Pick any line above, drop it as your opening, and pass the turn.

Start a story →