5 Games That Teach Emotional Intelligence (And Feel Just Like Playtime)

Who says learning emotional skills has to feel like schoolwork? Some of the best EQ lessons come through play. Here are five parent- and teacher-approved games that build self-awareness, empathy, and regulation—without your child even realizing they’re “learning.”

Emotion Charades

What it teaches: Emotional awareness, body language, expressive communication

How to Play: Just like traditional charades, but with a meaningful twist! Write down a list of emotions—basic ones like happy, sad, angry, as well as more nuanced feelings like jealous, proud, anxious, or grateful. One person acts out the emotion without using words, while the others guess.

Why it works: This game helps children understand that emotions aren’t just felt—they’re shown in facial expressions, body posture, tone, and behavior. It boosts their ability to read others’ emotions and recognize subtle social cues, a key part of empathy and social intelligence.

Variation for younger kids: Use emotion cards with facial expressions for reference or let them draw the emotion if acting is tricky.

Feelings Jenga

What it teaches: Self-reflection, emotional vocabulary, communication

How to Play: Take a regular Jenga set and write emotion-based questions or prompts on each block (use stickers or a marker). Such as:

• “Describe a time you felt really proud.”

• “What makes you feel calm?”

• “What do you do when you're frustrated?”

• “What’s a kind thing someone did for you?”

As players pull out a block, they answer the question before adding it to the top of the tower.

Why it works: This game turns a classic into a tool for emotional exploration. It encourages kids to reflect on their experiences, share personal stories, and listen to others—boosting both self-awareness and empathy.

Empathy Detective

What it teaches: Perspective-taking, compassion, curiosity about others

How to Play: Find a person in a magazine, storybook, video, or out and about, like at a park. Ask your child questions about the person and work together to decide what the person might be feeling or doing. Try questions like:

• “How do you think that person is feeling right now?”

• “Where do you think they are coming from or going to?”

• “Do you think they are friends with the person they are with?”

Make sure to tell your child what “clues” you used to make your guesses “I found a clue! He is smiling, so I think he is happy.”

Why it works: Empathy starts with imagining what someone else might be feeling. This game encourages children to step outside their own perspective and tune into the emotions of others—essential for developing kind, socially aware humans.

Emotion Bingo

What it teaches: Emotional literacy, attention to feelings in context

How to Play: Create a Bingo card with emotions instead of numbers. Each square might feature an emotion word (excited, lonely, embarrassed) or face illustrations showing different expressions. As you read a story, watch a movie, or go about your day, your child can mark off emotions they see or hear being expressed.

Why it works: This game helps children associate feelings with real-life situations, boosting both comprehension and vocabulary. It encourages active listening and sparks great discussions about why characters or people might feel the way they do.

Try This Week: Pick One Game to Start With

Choose one of these games to introduce at home, in your classroom, or even during a playdate. You’ll be amazed how quickly emotional skills grow when kids have the space to explore them through laughter, movement, and connection.

Remember: Emotional intelligence isn’t built overnight—it grows with every playful, thoughtful interaction. These small moments of learning add up to big gains in self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.