What free games AARP makes available
AARP offers a collection of free games on its website that you can play directly in your browser—no read, no membership fee required. The games include card games like bridge and solitaire, word games like crossword puzzles and word search, and puzzle games like sudoku and mahjong. Most are designed to be played solo, though some have leaderboards where you can see how your score compares to other players.
You do not need an AARP membership to play. The games are part of AARP's free online content, available to anyone who visits the AARP website. Some games let you create a free account to save your progress and track your scores over time, but this is optional.
Key Takeaways
- AARP's free games are available on the AARP website without membership or payment, playable directly in your web browser.
- The collection includes card games, word games, and puzzle games, with options for both casual play and competitive scoring.
- You can create a free account to save your progress and scores, but it is not required to play.
- Games are designed to work on desktop computers and tablets, though some may work on phones depending on screen size.
How to find AARP games on the website
Go to aarp.org and look for the "Games" section, usually found in the main navigation menu or under "Entertainment." You will see a list of available games organized by type—card games, word games, puzzles, and others. Click on any game to open it in your browser and start playing when ready.
If you cannot find the games section easily, use the search box at the top of the AARP website and type "games." This will take you directly to the games page. From there, you can browse by category or search for a specific game by name.
Types of games available
Card games include bridge, solitaire, and other traditional card games. These are often played against the computer or with a scoring system that tracks your performance.
Word games include crossword puzzles, word search, and word-building games. These games test vocabulary and pattern recognition and range from straightforward to challenging difficulty levels.
Puzzle games include sudoku, mahjong, and jigsaw puzzles. Many of these have multiple difficulty settings so you can choose how challenging you want the game to be.
Each game typically has instructions built in, so you can learn the rules before you start playing. If you are unfamiliar with a game, the instructions will explain how it works.
Creating an account to save your progress
You can play AARP games without an account, but creating a free account lets you save your progress, track your high scores, and see how you rank on leaderboards. To create an account, click the sign-up or login option on the games page and follow the prompts. You will need an email address and a password.
Once you are signed in, your scores and progress are saved automatically as you play. This means you can come back to a game later and pick up where you left off, or start a new game and see your score added to your history.
Playing games on different devices
AARP games work best on a desktop computer or tablet with a full-size screen. Most games are designed for mouse or touchpad control, which works smoothly on these devices. If you want to play on a smartphone, the experience may be cramped depending on the game and your phone's screen size, though many games are still playable.
To play on a tablet, open your web browser, go to aarp.org, and navigate to the games section just as you would on a computer. The games will adjust to fit your tablet's screen. For phones, the same process works, but you may need to rotate your phone to landscape mode for a better view.
What to do if a game is not working
If a game will not load or freezes while you are playing, try refreshing the page in your browser. Close the game completely and open it again. If the problem continues, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.
Make sure your browser is up to date. Older browser versions sometimes have trouble running games smoothly. If you are using an older version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, update it to the latest version and try the game again.
If a game still does not work after these steps, you can contact AARP's customer service through the website. Look for a "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the AARP website to find phone numbers or a contact form.
Other free entertainment on AARP's website
Beyond games, AARP offers other free content including articles on health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics. There are also videos, recipes, and a section for entertainment news. Many of these resources are organized by topic, so you can browse what interests you.
If you enjoy games and are looking for more ways to stay mentally active, AARP also publishes information about brain health and cognitive fitness. You can search the site for articles on memory, focus, and other topics related to keeping your mind sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an AARP membership to play the games?
No. AARP's games are free and open to anyone, regardless of membership status. You do not need to pay or join AARP to access them.
Can I play AARP games on my phone?
Yes, but the experience works better on a tablet or computer because of screen size. Most games are playable on a phone if you rotate it to landscape mode, though some may feel cramped on a small screen.
Will my scores and progress be saved if I do not create an account?
No. Without an account, your progress is only saved while you are actively playing that game in your browser. Once you close the game or browser, your progress is lost. Creating a free account lets you save your scores and come back to games later.
What should I do if a game keeps freezing?
Try refreshing the page, closing and reopening the game, and clearing your browser's cache. Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version. If the problem continues, contact AARP's customer service through their website.
Are there games for different skill levels?
Yes. Many games, especially puzzles like sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, offer straightforward, medium, and hard difficulty settings. Word games and card games also vary in difficulty. You can choose the level that works best for you.