What AARP Games offers and where to find it
AARP Games is a free online collection of card games, word games, and puzzles available on the AARP website. You do not need an AARP membership to play — the games are open to anyone. You can access them by going to aarp.org/games, or by searching "AARP Games" in your web browser.
The collection includes familiar games like solitaire, bridge, crosswords, and sudoku, along with less common options like mahjongg and bejeweled-style matching games. Most games can be played directly in your web browser without downloading anything to your computer.
You can play as a guest without creating an account, but creating a free AARP account lets you save your progress, track your scores, and compete on leaderboards if you want to. The account setup takes about two minutes and requires only an email address.
Key Takeaways
- AARP Games is a free collection of card games, word games, and puzzles available at aarp.org/games with no membership required.
- Most games play directly in your web browser without downloading software or installing apps on your computer.
- You can play as a guest when ready, or create a free account to save scores and compete on leaderboards.
- The site works on desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, though a larger screen makes some games easier to play.
Types of games available
AARP Games organizes its collection into several categories. Card games include solitaire (multiple versions), bridge, hearts, and spades. Word games include crosswords, word searches, and spelling games. Puzzle games include sudoku, mahjongg, and matching games where you swap tiles or pieces to clear the board.
New puzzles are added regularly — for example, a new crossword puzzle is typically posted each day. Some games have multiple difficulty levels, so you can start straightforward and work up to harder versions as you improve.
The games are designed to be playable in short sessions (10 to 15 minutes) or longer ones, depending on how much time you have. You can close a game and come back to it later if you have created an account.
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 that interests you — it will open in your browser window. Most games have a brief tutorial or instructions that appear before you start playing.
You can play when ready as a guest. Your score will be recorded during that session, but it will not be saved if you close the browser or leave the page. If you want to come back to the same game later and see your previous score, you will need to create a free account.
If a game does not load or seems slow, try refreshing the page or using a different web browser. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all work well with AARP Games.
Creating a free account and saving your progress
To create an account, click "Sign In" or "Create Account" at the top of the AARP Games page. You will be asked for an email address and a password. You do not need to provide your name, phone number, or any payment information — it is completely free.
Once you are signed in, your scores and progress are saved automatically. You can see your high scores for each game, view your game history, and check leaderboards to see how you rank against other players. Some games let you earn badges or achievements as you play.
If you already have an AARP account for other reasons (newsletters, member discounts, etc.), you can use that same login to access AARP Games. You do not need a separate account.
Playing on different devices
AARP Games works on desktop computers, tablets (iPad, Android), and smartphones. The games automatically adjust to fit your screen size. On a phone, some games may be easier to play in landscape mode (turning the phone sideways) because it gives you more space to see the board.
There is no app to read — you straightforward open your web browser and go to aarp.org/games. This means you do not have to worry about storage space on your device or keeping an app updated.
If you are using a tablet or smartphone and want to play offline, some games can be downloaded as apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but the web version works fine for most people.
Tips for getting the most out of AARP Games
Start with games you already know how to play — solitaire, crosswords, or word searches — to get comfortable with the site. Once you are familiar with how the games work, try something new like mahjongg or bridge if you want a challenge.
If you are stuck on a puzzle, many games have a hint button or undo button that lets you take back your last move. Use these features — they are built in to help you keep playing and having fun.
If you enjoy competing with others, check the leaderboards after you play. Some people play the same game every day to climb the rankings. You can also challenge friends if they have AARP accounts.
If a particular game frustrates you, switch to a different one. The point is to enjoy yourself, not to feel stressed. AARP Games has enough variety that you can always find something that matches your mood.
Troubleshooting common problems
If a game will not load, try clearing your web browser's cache (temporary files). Instructions for doing this vary by browser, but you can usually find the option under Settings or Preferences. Close the browser completely and open it again, then go back to aarp.org/games.
If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page. AARP will send you an email with a link to reset it. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
If a game seems to run slowly or freeze, you may have too many browser tabs open. Close some tabs and try again. If the problem continues, try a different web browser.
If you have a question about a specific game or need technical support, AARP has a contact form on its website where you can describe the problem. Response times vary, but AARP typically replies within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to play?
No. AARP Games is free and open to anyone, regardless of membership status. You do not need to pay anything or provide membership information to play.
Can I play offline or read games to my computer?
The web version requires an internet connection. Some games are available as downloadable apps through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but most people find the website version convenient enough.
Is my personal information safe when I create an account?
AARP uses standard security measures to protect account information. You only need to provide an email address and password — no credit card or Social Security number is required. Read AARP's privacy policy if you want details about how they handle your data.
Can I play the same game with a friend?
Some games have multiplayer or competitive features where you can see how your score compares to others on the leaderboard. A few games let you challenge a specific friend if they also have an AARP account, but most games are single-player.
What should I do if I find a bug or the game does not work right?
Try refreshing the page or closing and reopening your browser first. If the problem continues, use the contact form on aarp.org to report it. Include the name of the game and describe what happened so AARP can investigate.