Learning about money doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right activities, kids can practice saving, spending, and counting – all while having a blast. These board games, online tools, and DIY ideas turn financial lessons into fun, hands-on experiences.
Board Games
Monopoly®
Monopoly teaches kids how to make smart money moves. Buying properties, saving for expenses, and working with bigger bills all help them build early budgeting and decision-making skills –without it ever feeling like a lesson. Designed for kids ages eight and up, this classic game offers a fun, hands-on way to practice real-world money concepts.
CASHFLOW®
This board game teaches the fundamentals of money management and cash flow. There’s a version of this board game designed for children as young as six. The bright, colorful colors in this game and the fun rat character make it more visually appealing, while the spirit of competitiveness encourages children to keep trying to master their finances. Parents will enjoy quality time with their kids while both are learning the best ways to spend their money wisely.
Pay Day
Another classic game putting fun in family finance is Pay Day. This board game makes it easy for children to grasp the concept of earning a paycheck and paying bills. They learn where money goes and how to manage their money on a monthly salary. This game is designed for players ages eight and up.
The Game of Life
The Game of Life walks kids through big milestones in a fun, lighthearted way, helping them see how choices can shape their financial future. As they move through school decisions, career paths, family changes, and unexpected twists, they experience the cause-and-effect of earning, spending, and planning ahead. Designed for ages eight and up, it offers a playful look at how financial decisions fit into everyday life.
DIY Games
Play Store
Play Store is an easy, imaginative way for kids to explore money basics. All you need is a few items from around the house and a little creativity. Kids can set up their own “shop,” choose what to sell, name their store, and set prices. Then you – or siblings and friends – get to “shop,” giving them practice with counting, pretend payments, and helping customers.
For extra fun, have them make their own play money with colored paper. It turns a simple game into a hands-on lesson in how money works.
Money Collecting
Money Collecting is a simple way to spark kids’ curiosity about coins and currency. Grab some spare change and let them hunt for interesting finds – older coins, state quarters, or even coins from their birth year. They can sort, compare, and stash their favorites in a special box or jar.
And if they find a penny? That’s extra exciting – those little guys aren’t being made anymore, so it’s basically treasure… even if it’s only worth one cent.
If you have coins from trips or family travels, add those in, too. Kids love discovering different designs and learning why currency looks the way it does. It’s a low‑pressure, hands-on way to explore money and history at the same time.
Online Games
The National Credit Union Association has online games for children. These educational games help your child learn about finances. Hit the Road, for example, asks players to plan for a road trip. World of Cents is designed for children ages five and older and helps teach them about counting and saving money. Both games can be downloaded for free on your smartphone or tablet.
A Perk of Being a PSECU Member
One of the best ways for kids to learn about money is to use it in real life. Our Youth Savings accounts are designed to grow with your child, helping them build healthy financial habits from the very beginning. Whether they’re saving birthday money, setting goals, or practicing how to manage their own account, these tools can make financial learning feel natural and empowering.
And don’t forget – our resource center is always available with tips, guides, and easy-to-understand articles to help your family keep building strong money skills together.
