We hear from game masters all the time who would like to introduce the young people in their lives to Dungeons & Dragons. Tabletop RPGs aren’t just a great way to have fun, they also help kids build important skills like creativity, teamwork, and the art of storytelling.
The idea of getting kids to sit down and focus for a game might feel intimidating, but don’t worry, we’re here to show you how easy it can be to bring them into the adventure! Whether you’re looking to play at home with the family, start a DnD group at a school, or run a club in your community, here are eight great tips to help you bring the next generation of young heroes into the fold.
1. Keep an eye on the clock
A full day of DnD can be pretty exhausting for children, so aim for sessions that last around 1-1.5 hours. This will help keep the energy high and avoid them getting restless.
Aim to have a 10-15 minute break towards the middle of the game, so everyone can use the restroom and have a quick snack. This break is also a good chance to ask the group what their predictions are for what happens next – you could even incorporate their ideas for an epic payoff in the finale!
If they’re still eager for more after the 1.5 hour mark, you can always give them a cliffhanger ending to get them thinking about the next session.
2. Use pre-generated characters
Creating a D&D character from scratch, including all their stats, can be overwhelming for some kids – especially if it's their first time playing. Instead of spending time on character creation, we recommend using pre-generated characters so you can focus on teaching them how their skills and abilities work. Our GM’s Starter Pack includes free, downloadable Level 1 characters that you can print out before your game.
Characters that cast spells have a lot more to remember, so we’d recommend saving those classes for kids in the group who are more confident with the rules.
3. Keep it light and fast-paced
Keep the game moving with plenty of action. Avoid getting stuck in complex rules or long decision-making – if a rule slows things down, simplify it or make a quick call to keep the momentum going.
Encourage creativity and problem-solving by letting the kids try fun ideas, even if they bend the rules a little. For example, if they come up with the clever plan of using Mage Hand to pick up an important clue, don’t worry if the item goes over the weight limits of the spell!
4. Make combat optional
Kids might enjoy solving mysteries, outsmarting villains, or helping a lost creature find its way home just as much as swinging a sword. Giving them different ways to handle challenges (like sneaking past enemies, talking their way out of trouble, or using clever tricks) keeps the game fresh and engaging.
Some kids love combat, while others prefer puzzles or role-playing, so letting them choose their approach makes the game more fun for everyone. Plus, when battles do happen, they’ll feel more exciting and meaningful rather than just another obstacle to get through.
5. Make it collaborative
D&D is at its best when everyone feels like part of the adventure, so make sure each player gets a chance to contribute. If one player is quieter or unsure what to do, gently prompt them with a question like, “What’s your character doing while this is happening?” or “Does your character have any spells that could help here?” You could give quieter players unique details only their character notices, like a hidden clue or a strange sound, to draw them into the story – then, create a moment for them to react, encouraging them to share their thoughts and involve the group.
Cooperative challenges (like opening a heavy door together, distracting a monster, or combining skills to solve a mystery) keep the group engaged and working as a team. The best games make the whole party feel like heroes, not just one star player!
6. Use a one-shot adventure
One-shots are the perfect way to introduce kids to D&D without a big commitment. These self-contained adventures let them jump straight into the action and wrap up in a single session.
Our book One-Shot Wonders has a 100+ easy-to-run one-shots. We’ve used these to run sessions for kids at our local gaming stores, and there are hundreds of teachers around the world who use the book to run gaming clubs at their schools. All the adventures in the book are appropriate for all ages, so you can pick any one and jump straight into the action. Here are some one-shots we recommend to get started:
The Cat’s Mother (p 10) → An arctic adventure about protecting newborn sabre-toothed tiger cubs and helping conservationists.
Hilltop Herd (p 98) → The party need to track down a farmer's missing goats as soon as possible, before the animals wander too far.
Making a Scene (p 144) → After a theatre act comes down with illness, the party need to fill in and make sure the audience have a good time.
7. Watch a kid's table actual play
Seeing how other game masters run Dungeons & Dragons for kids can make it feel more approachable and easier to try. The Kids Table is a fantastic channel for family-friendly actual play D&D adventures. Allison from the channel ran the adventure ‘Hilltop Herd’ from One-Shot Wonders for her group with players aged 6, 11, and 13, and they all had a blast!
Click HERE to check out the video!
8. Make the game interactive
Adding handmade props, colourful character sheets, battle maps, and music can make the game feel more exciting and immersive for kids. Even simple visuals – like a treasure map, mysterious letter, or gold coins – can spark their imagination and make the world feel more real. Sound effects or background music can set the mood, whether it’s an eerie tune for a spooky cave or upbeat music for an exciting chase. Letting kids interact with physical objects, like rolling a special “magic” die or pulling a clue from an envelope, can make the experience even more engaging and memorable.
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D&D is for everyone, and bringing kids into the game is an adventure in itself! With these tips under your belt, you’ll be all set to create unforgettable moments for the young adventurers setting off on their new journey.
Have you run D&D games for kids, or are you looking for even more tips before you start? Join the conversation on Discord, and pick the brains of other game masters, we’d love to hear from you! See you there.
