What Games and Activities AARP Offers

AARP runs a games website where you can play card games, word games, puzzle games, and trivia without paying anything. You do not need to be an AARP member to use it — the site is open to anyone. The games are designed to work on computers, tablets, and phones, and they run in your web browser, so there is nothing to read or install.

The games include Mahjongg, Solitaire, Crossword, Sudoku, Spelling Bee, and Trivial Pursuit, among others. Some are single-player games you play against the clock or your own score. Others let you play against other people online. AARP also tracks your scores and progress if you create a free account, so you can see how you have done over time.

Beyond the games themselves, AARP publishes articles about the benefits of games for brain health, memory, and staying mentally sharp as you age. The site also suggests games based on what you like — if you enjoy word games, it will recommend similar ones.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's games website is free and requires no membership, account, or read.
  • You can play on a computer, tablet, or phone using any web browser.
  • Games include card games, word games, puzzles, and trivia that you can play alone or against other people online.
  • Creating a free account lets you save your scores and track your progress over time.
  • AARP also publishes information about how games can help with memory and mental sharpness.

How to Find and Start Playing

Go to the AARP website and look for the Games section — it is usually listed in the main navigation menu or under "Entertainment." You can also search "AARP games" in any search engine and click the link to the games site.

Once you are on the games page, you will see thumbnails of different games. Click on any game to open it. The game will load in your browser and you can start playing right away. You do not need to create an account to play, but if you want to save your scores and come back to them later, you can sign up for a free AARP account using your email address.

If you are already an AARP member, you can log in with your member credentials. If you are not a member, you can create a free account just for the games — membership is not required.

Types of Games Available

AARP's game library includes classic card games like Solitaire and Mahjongg, which many people have played for years. These games are turn-based, meaning you take your time and there is no rush. They work well if you want to relax and play at your own pace.

Word games include Crossword, Spelling Bee, and Word Search. These games test your vocabulary and spelling and are good for keeping your mind active. Puzzle games like Sudoku challenge you to solve logic problems. Trivia games let you answer questions on topics like history, geography, movies, and sports.

Some games are multiplayer, which means you can play against other people who are online at the same time. You do not need to know the other players — the game matches you with someone. Other games are single-player, where you play against the clock or try to beat your own high score.

Creating an Account and Saving Your Progress

To save your scores and progress, you need a free AARP account. Go to the AARP website and look for a "Sign Up" or "Create Account" button. You will need to provide an email address and create a password. AARP will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email to finish setting up your account.

Once you are logged in, every time you play a game, your score is saved automatically. You can see your scores by going to your account profile or by looking at the leaderboard for each game. Some games show you statistics like how many times you have played, your average score, and your best score.

If you do not create an account, you can still play the games, but your scores will not be saved once you close the browser or leave the page. Creating an account takes about two minutes and is completely free.

Playing on Different Devices

AARP games work on computers, tablets, and smartphones. The games are designed to fit the screen size of whatever device you are using, so they look good and are straightforward to play whether you are on a desktop computer or a phone.

If you are using a computer with a mouse, you click to play. If you are using a tablet or phone with a touchscreen, you tap to play. The controls are straightforward — most games only require clicking or tapping, with no keyboard shortcuts or complicated button combinations.

You can start a game on one device and finish it on another. For example, you can start a Crossword on your computer at home and finish it on your phone while you are out. As long as you are logged into the same account, your progress will be there.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of AARP Games

Start with a game you already know how to play, like Solitaire or Crossword, so you can get comfortable with how the site works. Once you are familiar with it, try a new game to keep things interesting.

If you want to play against other people, look for the multiplayer games. Playing against others can be more fun and challenging than playing alone. If you prefer to play at your own pace without pressure, stick with single-player games.

Check back regularly to see if new games have been added. AARP adds new games to the site from time to time. You can also look at the "Featured" or "New" section on the games page to see what is available.

If you are interested in the brain health benefits of games, read the articles AARP publishes alongside the games. These articles explain how different types of games can help with memory, focus, and mental sharpness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If a game will not load, try refreshing your browser or closing it and opening it again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — games need the internet to run. If you are on a slow connection, the game may load slowly or pause during play.

If you cannot log into your account, check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you forget your password, look for a "Forgot Password" link on the login page. AARP will send you an email with instructions to reset it.

If you are having trouble with the controls — for example, if clicking or tapping does not seem to work — try a different browser. Some older browsers do not work well with newer games. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge are all good choices.

If a game crashes or stops responding, close it and open it again. Your progress in that game session may not be saved, but your overall account and scores will be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to play?

No. AARP games are free and open to anyone. You do not need to be a member. You can create a free account to save your scores, but that account is separate from AARP membership.

Is there a cost to play these games?

No. All AARP games are completely free. There are no hidden charges, no ads you have to pay to remove, and no in-game purchases. You can play as much as you want without paying anything.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. AARP games work on phones, tablets, and computers. You do not need to read an app — the games run in your web browser. Just go to the AARP website and open the games section.

What if I lose my internet connection while playing?

Most AARP games require an active internet connection to run. If your connection drops, the game will pause or stop. Once your connection is back, you can refresh the page and start again. Your saved scores will still be there.

Can I play the same game with a friend?

Some games are multiplayer and let you play against other people online, but you cannot choose to play specifically against a friend you know. The game matches you with another player. If you want to play a game together with someone you know, you would both need to be online at the same time and hope the game matches you together, which is unlikely.