What games and puzzles AARP offers for free

AARP runs a games website at aarp.org/games with dozens of card games, word games, and puzzles you can play in your browser without paying. You do not need an AARP membership to use it. The site includes classics like solitaire, bridge, mahjongg, crosswords, sudoku, and word searches. Most games let you play as many times as you want, track your scores, and adjust difficulty levels.

The games are designed to work on desktop computers, tablets, and phones. You can start a game, close your browser, and return later to the same game — the site saves your progress. There are no ads, no pop-ups asking you to buy anything, and no requirement to read software or create an account, though creating a free account lets you save your high scores across devices.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's games site at aarp.org/games offers free access to solitaire, bridge, mahjongg, crosswords, sudoku, word searches, and other games without membership or payment.
  • You can play on any device with a web browser — computer, tablet, or phone — and your progress saves automatically.
  • Creating a free AARP account lets you track scores and play across multiple devices, but it is not required to start playing.
  • The games have adjustable difficulty levels, so you can start straightforward and increase the challenge as you improve.

How to start playing without an account

Go to aarp.org/games in any web browser. You will see a grid of game tiles. Click on any game to start playing when ready — no login required. The game will load in your browser and you can begin right away. If you close the tab or browser, your progress in that game session may not save unless you have created an account.

If you want to play the same game again later and see your score from before, or if you want to play on your phone one day and your computer the next, create a free AARP account. You can sign up directly on the games page with an email address and password. Once you are signed in, every game you play records your score and the site remembers where you left off.

Types of games available

Card games include solitaire (multiple versions), bridge, and hearts. Word games include crosswords, word searches, word cookies, and spelling bee. Puzzle games include sudoku, mahjongg, and jigsaw puzzles. Most games have multiple difficulty settings — for example, crosswords range from straightforward to challenging, and solitaire games vary in how many cards you can draw at once.

The game library changes occasionally as AARP adds new titles or rotates older ones. If you do not see a game you remember, check back in a few weeks. You can also browse by category — "Card Games," "Word Games," "Puzzles" — to find what interests you.

Playing on different devices

The games work on Windows and Mac computers, iPads, iPhones, Android tablets, and Android phones. The site automatically detects your device and adjusts the layout. On a phone, the game board may be smaller, but you can usually zoom in or rotate your screen to landscape mode for a larger view.

If you create a free account and sign in on your computer, then later sign in on your phone using the same email and password, you will see the same games and scores on both devices. This means you can start a crossword on your computer in the morning and finish it on your tablet in the evening, with your progress saved between sessions.

No membership required

You do not need to be an AARP member to use the games site. AARP offers these games as a free resource to anyone, regardless of age or membership status. There is no trial period that expires, no upsell to a paid version, and no hidden costs. The site is supported by AARP as part of its mission to provide resources for older adults.

If you are an AARP member, the games are the same — membership does not unlock additional games or features on this particular site. Some other AARP services and discounts do require membership, but the games do not.

Troubleshooting common issues

If a game will not load, try refreshing your browser or clearing your browser cache. If you are using an older browser, update it to the latest version — the games site works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you are on a phone and the game is hard to see, try rotating your screen to landscape mode or zooming in with your fingers.

If you created an account and your scores are not saving, make sure you are signed in before you start playing. Look for your name or email in the top right corner of the page. If you are signed in and scores still are not saving, try signing out and signing back in. If the problem continues, contact AARP support through the "Help" or "Contact Us" link on the games page.

Other AARP resources for staying active

Beyond games, AARP offers other ways to stay mentally and socially active. The AARP website includes articles on brain health, exercise routines, and social activities. AARP also runs local chapters in most areas that host in-person events, classes, and volunteer opportunities. You can search for your local chapter at aarp.org.

If you are looking for games with other people rather than solo play, some AARP chapters host game nights or bridge clubs. Check your local chapter's calendar or call their office to ask what game activities they offer in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to play AARP games?

No. All games on aarp.org/games are free. There is no membership fee, no subscription, and no cost to create an account. You can play as much as you want without paying anything.

Can I play AARP games on my phone?

Yes. The games work on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers. The site adjusts to fit your screen size. If the game board is small, rotate your phone to landscape mode or pinch to zoom in.

What happens to my scores if I do not create an account?

Without an account, your scores may not save after you close the browser or app. Creating a free account lets you save scores and pick up where you left off on any device. You can sign up with just an email address and password.

Can I play AARP games offline?

No. The games require an internet connection because they run in your web browser. You cannot read them to play without internet. Make sure you have a stable connection before starting a game.

Are there new games added to the site?

AARP occasionally adds new games and rotates older ones. If you do not see a game you remember, check back later. You can browse by category — Card Games, Word Games, Puzzles — to see what is currently available.