Hospital stays are more common than some people think. According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), over 33 million patients were admitted into hospitals at one point in 2024. Visiting admitted patients can be challenging for readers unfamiliar with hospital stays. The sterile hospital environment and the constant noises in the halls can be over-stimulating and (to some people) unnerving. However, a hospital visit can be a brighter and more enjoyable experience with the right attitude and activities. Whether it’s a game to pass the time, bring a smile, or create bonding moments with visitors, having a range of fun games to play in the hospital can make all the difference. Today, let’s cover some fun games to play in the hospital that visitors or patients can enjoy to break up the cliche hospital environment!

Portable Board Games for Hospital Patients

Board games offer a fantastic way to engage the mind and create a sense of normalcy during a hospital stay. Of course, packing a full-size 20 x 20-inch board game isn’t very travel-friendly. For board games for hospital patients, it’s better to pick a compact and easy-to-store game. That way, visitors and patients can have entertainment without taking up much space or creating a hindrance to hospital staff.

There are many compact versions of board games, but sticking to classics is always a great choice. Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere™ Magnetic Checkers is perfect for hospital patients because of the travel-friendly design. Another great choice is Shut the Box. This portable board game for hospital patients is made with quality wood and a felt playing surface, making it durable and pleasant. Tabletop games like Shut the Box are perfect for hospital stays because they don’t require a lot of space and are easy to pause and resume as needed. Other choices include classic playing cards, Monopoly card games, Guess Who, and more. Many other board games for hospital patients can be found, purchased, and delivered by Cloverkey Gift Shops!

Engaging Puzzle Books for Solo Fun

The downside of board games for hospital patients is that they typically require a second person to play against. For patients who might get fewer visitors or prefer solo activities, puzzle books or coloring books are also excellent choices.

The Spiral Sudoku Puzzle Book from Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops is a popular choice for patients seeking a fun mental challenge. This book features a variety of sudoku puzzles ranging from easy to expert levels, ensuring that there’s always a new challenge to tackle. The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat, making it convenient to use on a hospital tray or bed without hassle. Patients can feel a sense of accomplishment with each puzzle completed and keep boredom at bay.

Puzzle books like the Spiral Sudoku Puzzle Book are great for solo fun and help boost cognitive function and keep the mind engaged. They’re ideal for quiet moments when patients need a break from screens and more interactive games.

Video Games in Hospitals

Since the 90s and early 2000s, video games have become more popular, complex, and widely acceptable in public. Today, video games can be a great escape for those who enjoy more interactive and immersive experiences with headsets or high-definition portable displays. Playing video games in hospitals on handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Playstation Backbone, or Steam Deck is more common for serious gamers. Still, many games can be played by casual players. More accessible video games in hospitals are mobile games on a tablet or phone, but they can quickly drain cellphone batteries if not careful!

Group Activities for Patient-Visitor Interaction

Spending time with loved ones during a hospital stay can be one of the most uplifting moments for a patient. Group games make those visits even more enjoyable, adding laughter and warmth to the room.

Simple games like Pictionary—where players draw and guess images—or Charades, which involves acting out words without speaking, are perfect options. These involved games that can be enjoyed by patients and visitors alike, regardless of the age of participants. Trivia games also make great choices, sparking conversation and friendly competition while encouraging teamwork.

These group activities offer more than just entertainment; they create a welcome break from the usual routine, focusing on moments of shared joy rather than the realities of hospital life. Best of all, they can be adjusted to suit different age groups and energy levels, making them adaptable and inclusive.

Give a Gift from Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops

Finding fun games to play in the hospital, whether alone or with others, can transform a hospital stay by bringing comfort, mental stimulation, and a sense of normalcy. For games like Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere™ Magnetic Checkers, Shut the Box, and Sudoku, check out Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops. Cloverkey offers patient room delivery at select stores, so you can send your loved one a gift from anywhere with an internet connection.

Visit Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops for the complete selection of games, books, snacks, gifts, and more designed to bring smiles and lift spirits. Help make a loved one’s stay more enjoyable with Cloverkey today.