Family games: a drawing game for kids and adults
Looking for family games that children and grown-ups can play together? Try making one surprising creature between you. In Monster Maker, two or three people draw a hidden head, body and legs. Everyone contributes to the same picture, and the reveal gives you something to laugh about together.
A family game without scores or a timer
Drawing together gives players with different interests a shared starting point. One person might carefully draw a dragon face while another adds a potato-shaped body. The parts do not have to match, and nobody needs to copy a perfect example.
There are no scores or timed drawing turns in Monster Maker. A younger child can add a few shapes while an older player adds details. Let each person decide when their part is ready, and help with the controls when needed.
Set up your family game night
You need one iPhone or iPad with the app installed for each group playing at the same time. Gather around a table so passing the device and watching the reveal are easy.
- Choose two or three players. With three, everyone draws one part; with two, one person takes two turns.
- Pick an optional theme together, such as a pet from another planet. Keep the details of your own drawing secret.
- Draw the head, body and legs in turn, finishing each part before passing the device.
- Reveal the monster together, give it a name, and change who starts the next round.
Playing with four or more family members
Each app game supports two or three players. Four people can play as two pairs; five can make a pair and a trio. Use one device per group if you want to draw at the same time, then bring everyone together to show the creatures.
With one device, rotate participants between completed monsters. You can also use folded paper for the other group. Invite anyone watching to suggest a name or a home for the finished creature.
Try a family drawing game on paper
Fold a sheet into three sections for the head, body and legs. Draw one part, leave small joining lines at the fold, then hide your drawing and pass the sheet on. Unfold it only after the last part is finished.
Paper and pencils are enough for this version. In the app, completed parts fold away for you and the finished monsters go into a gallery. Games on one shared device work without internet once the app is installed.
Three prompts for your next family round
Choose a setting everyone recognizes and let each player imagine a different detail:
- A creature that lives behind the fridge: what does it eat?
- A pet for a family on the moon: how does it move?
- A garden visitor: does it have leaf ears, flower buttons or muddy boots?
Questions about the game
Can we play as one child and one adult?
Yes. Choose two players and take turns across the three parts. One of you draws twice. Swap who starts next time so you both try different parts.
Does this family game need Wi-Fi?
A game on one shared iPhone or iPad works offline. Download the app and arrange any purchases before you lose internet access. Online play and iCloud syncing need a connection.
Can we play with relatives who live elsewhere?
The app also supports online invitations for two or three players using their own devices. Turns can happen at different times. Check the app for the current purchase requirements.