What games does AARP offer online
AARP offers a collection of free games directly on its website that you can play in your browser without downloading anything. The games include card games like bridge and solitaire, word games like crosswords and word searches, puzzle games, and trivia. You do not need to pay to play, and you do not need to be an AARP member — though you will see membership offers on the site.
The games are designed to be accessible on desktop computers and tablets. Most load quickly and have large text and buttons, which makes them easier to use if you have vision changes or arthritis in your hands. You can play for a few minutes or spend an hour; there is no time limit and no pressure to finish.
AARP also hosts a separate games section called AARP Games, which is a dedicated platform with additional titles and leaderboards where you can see how your scores compare to other players if you want to. This section requires you to create a free account with an email address, but membership is not required.
Key Takeaways
- AARP's free games include solitaire, bridge, crosswords, word searches, and trivia, all playable in your web browser without downloading software.
- You do not need to be an AARP member to play, though the site will show you membership information.
- Creating a free account on AARP Games lets you save your progress, track scores, and compare results with other players on leaderboards.
- Games are designed with larger text and buttons to make them easier to use if you have vision changes or hand arthritis.
How to find and start playing
Go to aarp.org and look for the Games section in the main menu or search bar. You can also search "AARP games" in any search engine and click the official AARP link. Once you are on the games page, you will see thumbnails of different games organized by type — card games, word games, puzzles, and trivia.
Click on any game that interests you, and it will open in your browser. Most games start when ready; you do not need to wait for anything to load. If you want to save your scores or play on multiple devices, create a free account by clicking "Sign In" or "Create Account" at the top of the page. You will need an email address and a password.
If you are using a tablet, the games work the same way. Use your finger to tap cards, letters, or buttons instead of a mouse. The screen will adjust to fit your tablet's size.
Popular games on AARP's platform
Solitaire is one of the most played games on the site. AARP offers several versions, including Klondike (the classic version most people know) and FreeCell. You can play as many hands as you want, and the game keeps track of your wins and losses if you are signed in.
Bridge is a card game that requires strategy and memory. If you already know how to play, AARP's version lets you play against the computer. If you are new to bridge, the site has tutorials and tips to help you learn the rules.
Crosswords and word searches are updated regularly, so there are always new puzzles to solve. Word searches ask you to find hidden words in a grid of letters. Crosswords use clues to help you fill in words across and down. Both games have difficulty levels, so you can choose straightforward, medium, or hard.
Trivia games test your knowledge on topics like history, movies, geography, and general knowledge. You answer multiple-choice questions and see your score at the end. Some trivia games are timed, and others let you take as long as you need.
Creating an account and saving your progress
You can play games without an account, but your scores will not be saved if you close your browser or turn off your device. Creating a free account takes about two minutes. Click "Sign In" at the top of the page, then click "Create Account." Enter your email address, create a password, and click the confirmation link that AARP sends to your email.
Once you are signed in, your scores, wins, and game history are saved automatically. If you play on a desktop computer one day and a tablet the next, your progress will be there on both devices. You can also see leaderboards that show the top scores from other players, though you can choose not to appear on them if you prefer privacy.
AARP will send you emails about new games, special events, or membership offers. You can turn off these emails by clicking "Manage Preferences" in any email from AARP or by going to your account settings on the website.
What to do if a game is not working
If a game will not load or freezes while you are playing, try refreshing your browser by pressing Ctrl+R on a Windows computer or Command+R on a Mac. Close the game and open it again. If the problem continues, clear your browser's cache and cookies, which are small files that store information about websites you visit. Instructions for clearing cache vary by browser, but you can search "[your browser name] clear cache" for step-by-step help.
Make sure your internet connection is working by opening another website. If other sites load fine but AARP games do not, try a different browser. AARP games work best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
If you are still having trouble, AARP has a contact form on its website where you can describe the problem. Go to aarp.org, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click "Contact Us." Select "Games" from the topic menu and describe what is happening. Someone from AARP will respond within a few business days.
Playing games on your phone
AARP games work on smartphones, but the experience is different from a tablet or computer. The screen is smaller, so text and buttons may be harder to tap. Some games work better on phones than others — word searches and crosswords are easier to play on a small screen than card games like bridge.
If you want a better experience on your phone, AARP also has mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Search "AARP Games" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to find them. The apps are free and include many of the same games as the website, plus some games that are only available in the app.
The apps let you play offline, which means you can play even if you do not have an internet connection. Your progress will sync back to your account once you are online again.
Other ways to play games on AARP
Beyond the games section on aarp.org, AARP also hosts online events and tournaments where you can play against other members. These are usually announced in AARP's email newsletter or on the Games page. Some tournaments are competitive with prizes, while others are just for fun.
AARP also partners with other websites to offer games. If you see a game on another site that says "Powered by AARP Games," it is the same game you would find on aarp.org, and your account works there too.
If you are an AARP member, you may have access to additional games or features through your membership, though the core games are free for everyone. Check your member benefits or log in to your AARP account to see what is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to play AARP games?
No. All games on AARP's website and in the AARP Games app are free. You do not need to be an AARP member to play. AARP shows membership information on the site, but you can ignore it and play without joining.
Can I play AARP games offline?
The website games require an internet connection. However, the AARP Games mobile app for iOS and Android lets you read games and play offline. Once you are online again, your scores will sync to your account.
Is my personal information safe when I create an account?
AARP uses standard security to protect your email and password. You only need to provide an email address and password to create an account — you do not have to share your real name, address, or payment information. If you have concerns about privacy, you can read AARP's privacy policy on its website.
Can I play AARP games with friends?
Most AARP games are single-player, so you play against the computer or solve puzzles on your own. However, leaderboards let you see how your scores compare to other players. Some AARP events and tournaments are multiplayer, but these are announced separately on the Games page.
What should I do if I forget my password?
Click "Sign In" on the AARP Games page, then click "Forgot Password?" Enter your email address, and AARP will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email and create a new password. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk folder.