9 Easy Games to Make in Python (Perfect for Beginners)

Python is one of the best programming languages for beginners, and what better way for them to learn (or reinforce their new skills) than by creating their own games? With simple syntax and powerful libraries like NumPy, Matplotlib, and PyGame, kids can learn the benefits of Python while building fun and interactive games in relatively no time. 

We’ll explore some easy yet exciting games kids can create with Python. And while the end goal is something fun and cool, doing so helps practice fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and user input. 

So, grab your code editor (we use PyCharm), and let’s dive into the world of Python game development!

1. Number Guessing Game

A simple game where the computer picks a random number, and the player tries to guess it.

Concepts Learned:

• Variables (storing the secret number)
• User input (input() function)
• Conditional statements (if statements to check the guess)
• Loops (to keep the game running until the correct guess)

Best Way to Get Started:

• Start by generating a random number using random.randint().
• Write a basic if condition to check if the guess is correct.
• Add a loop to allow multiple attempts.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Forgetting to convert input to an integer (input() returns a string). Use int(input()).
• Not handling invalid inputs (letters instead of numbers). Use try-except for error handling.

Want a full break down? Check out this post on how to make a Python random number guessing game. 

Starter Code:

import random

number = random.randint(1, 100)  # Computer picks a number
attempts = 0

while True:
   guess = input("Guess a number between 1 and 100: ")
   if not guess.isdigit():  # Check if input is a number
       print("Please enter a valid number.")
       continue
   guess = int(guess)
   attempts += 1
   
   if guess < number:
       print("Too low! Try again.")
   elif guess > number:
       print("Too high! Try again.")
   else:
       print(f"Congratulations! You guessed it in {attempts} tries.")
       break

Learn more—What does elif mean in Python?

Sample Output:

2. Word Rescue

The player guesses letters to reveal a hidden word before running out of attempts.

Concepts Learned:

• Lists (to store words and guessed letters)
• Loops (to keep the game running)
• String manipulation (displaying correct and incorrect guesses)

Best Way to Get Started:

• Start with a predefined word and display underscores for missing letters.
• Add a loop for multiple guesses and reveal correct letters.
• Implement a system to track incorrect guesses and limit attempts.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Not handling duplicate guesses (players guessing the same letter twice).
• Not checking if the player has already won (end the game once all letters are guessed).

Starter Code:

Learn more—How to Print New Lines in Python

Sample Output:

3. Tic-Tac-Toe

A two-player game where Xs and Os are placed on a 3x3 grid.

Concepts Learned:

• Lists (to create a game board)
• Loops (for updating the board)
• Conditional statements (to check for a winner)

Best Way to Get Started:

• Use a nested list to represent the 3x3 grid.
• Allow players to input their moves and update the board.
• Check for a winner using conditions that detect three marks in a row, column, or diagonal.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Not checking for invalid moves (players entering a number outside 1-9 or choosing an occupied space).
• Not handling ties (declare a draw if the board is full with no winner).

Starter Code:

Sample Output:

4. Quiz Game

A multiple-choice or true/false quiz where players answer questions and receive a score.

Concepts Learned:

• Dictionaries (to store questions and answers)
• User input handling
• Conditional statements (checking if the answer is correct)

Best Way to Get Started:

• Store questions in a dictionary with corresponding answers.
• Use a loop to ask each question and compare the user’s input with the correct answer.
• Keep track of the score and display results at the end.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Not accounting for case sensitivity (convert input to lowercase).
• Not giving the user a way to exit the game (use q to quit).

Starter Code:

Sample Output:

5. Word Scramble

The computer scrambles a word, and the player has to guess the correct word.

Concepts Learned: 

• String manipulation
• Randomization (random.sample())
• Loops & conditional statements

Best Way to Get Started: 

• Use random.choice() to select a word from a list.
• Scramble the letters using random.sample().
• Ask the player to guess the unscrambled word.
• Give them multiple attempts to guess correctly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Using random.shuffle() on a string (It doesn’t return a shuffled string). Use "".join(random.sample(word, len(word))) instead.
• Not handling case sensitivity → Convert guesses to .lower().
• Not limiting attempts → Allow only 3-5 guesses before revealing the correct answer.

Starter Code:

Sample Output: 

6. Mad Libs

Concepts Learned: 

• String formatting (.format())
• User input handling
• Dictionaries to store responses

Best Way to Get Started: 

• Write a story template with placeholders {} for missing words.
• Use input() to collect words from the player.
• Store words in a dictionary and replace placeholders using .format().
• Display the completed story at the end.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Not handling empty inputs → Ensure users enter something instead of leaving it blank.
• Forgetting to validate user input → If a word type is "adjective," ensure the user doesn’t input a number.
• Using incorrect placeholder format → Must match dictionary keys exactly when calling .format().

Starter Code:

Sample Output: 

7. Word Ladder

Concepts Learned: 

• String Manipulation – Checking and modifying words by comparing characters.
• Loops & User Input Handling – Keeping the game running while validating player input.
• Conditional Logic – Ensuring each new word differs by only one letter.
• Function Usage – Creating a helper function (is_valid_change()) to check word validity.
• List & String Comparisons – Using zip() to compare characters in two words efficiently.

Best Way to Get Started: 

• Start with a word list (e.g., "cat" → "bat" → "bit" → "big").
• Ask the player to enter a new word that is one letter different from the last word.
• Check if the new word is valid before proceeding.
• Set a goal word, and the game ends when the player reaches it.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Not checking word length → Ensure words are the same length before comparing.
• Skipping validation → The new word must change exactly one letter.
• No word list checking → Ideally, integrate a dictionary API or a word list to ensure all words exist.

Starter Code:

Sample Output:

Moving Forward

Altogether, these 7 games are great starting points for kids learning Python while also being able to have a bit of fun. 

Have a child stuck in their learning journey? Check out our Python summer camps or one-on-one Python tutoring.