Memory Games for Seniors
Play a free memory matching game with large, clear pictures. Turn over two cards at a time and find all the pairs. There is no timer, nothing to download and no account to create. Your game is saved in this browser, so you can stop and come back later.
How to play the matching game
- Tap a card to turn it over.
- Tap a second card. If the two pictures are the same, they stay face up.
- If they are different, both cards stay visible for a moment, then turn back. Try to remember where each picture was.
- Find every pair to win. Fewer moves is a better score.
Choose your level
- 6 pairs (12 cards) is a gentle start, with the biggest cards.
- 8 pairs (16 cards) is a good everyday game.
- 12 pairs (24 cards) is a real challenge.
The game shows your best score for each level. Try to beat it next time.
Tips for remembering where the cards are
- Say the picture out loud. "Cat, top row, on the left." Hearing it helps you remember it.
- Work row by row. Turn over new cards in order, so you always know which cards you have seen.
- Make up a short story. "The dog sits by the house" links two places in your mind.
- Start with the corners. Cards in the corners and along the edges are easier to find again.
More memory games to try at home
- Matching with real playing cards. Lay out pairs from a normal deck face down and play the same game at the table.
- What is missing? Put ten small things on a tray, look for a minute, then cover the tray and remove one. Which one is gone?
- The shopping list game. One person says "I went to the shop and bought apples." The next person repeats the list and adds one more thing.
- Card games. Solitaire also asks you to remember which cards are still hidden. Our solitaire tips show how.
For more free games that play in your browser, see our list of free online games for seniors.
Do memory games help your memory?
Scientists are still studying this. A report from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine called the evidence for brain training "encouraging although inconclusive" (National Institute on Aging). There is no proof that a game like this prevents memory loss or dementia. Play it because it is enjoyable, and enjoy it with family and friends too.
Frequently asked questions
Is the memory game free?
Yes. It is free to play. Small ads may appear outside the game and never cover the cards.
Is there a time limit?
No. Take as long as you like. The game counts moves, not seconds.
How can I make the game easier?
Choose 6 pairs. You get fewer cards, and each card is bigger.
Does it work on an iPad or a phone?
Yes. It works in the web browser on an iPad, an Android tablet, a phone or a computer. See how to put a game on your iPad Home Screen.
Can grandchildren play too?
Yes. Take turns: each player turns over two cards, and the player with the most pairs at the end wins.