Here in Tampa, life can feel like a blur of school drop-offs, soccer practices, and quick dinners between activities. We’re all juggling busy schedules, and sometimes family time slips into quick check-ins instead of real conversations. But what if something as simple as a deck of cards could slow us down and bring us closer together?
That’s the idea behind our Family Conversation Card Game—a playful way to spark laughter, storytelling, and meaningful connection with the people you love most. This game is a simple way to build connection whether that means slowing down on the weekends or having more intentional conversations in the carpool line or after dinner.
Here’s how it works: each card in a standard deck (yes, all 52 of them—plus two bonus jokers!) is paired with a fun, thoughtful, or silly question. From “What’s your favorite family memory?” to “If you had a magic lamp with three wishes, what would they be?”—every shuffle and deal opens the door to stories you’ve never heard and moments you’ll never forget.
There are no winners or losers here, just great conversations. You can play after dinner, on a long car ride, at a family gathering, or even as part of a cozy bedtime routine. The game is flexible enough for all ages, from little ones with big imaginations to grandparents with decades of stories to share.
At its heart, this isn’t just a game—it’s a tool for connection. We believe that the more families laugh, listen, and share together, the stronger their bond becomes.
So grab a deck of cards, shuffle them well, and let the questions lead you on a journey of discovery. Who knows—you might just learn something new about the people you thought you knew best.
Craving More?
If this simple card game reminded you how powerful connection can be, you’ll love what we’re building at Apollo Academy. At Apollo, community and connection aren’t just extras—they’re at the very heart of how children learn and grow together.
Schedule an intro call here or find us on Instagram @ApolloAcademyTampa.
Continue the Connection With Your Family
And if you’re looking for another way to strengthen family bonds this back-to-school season, be sure to check out Apollo founder Beth Ann Valavanis’ new company, The Guidepost Co., created to help families deepen connection and discover what's most important to them.
How to Play
The beauty of this game is that it’s simple enough for all ages, yet flexible enough to make your own. Here are two easy ways to play:
Option 1: Quick & Easy
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Place the deck of cards face down in the middle of the table.
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On your turn, draw a card.
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Find the question that matches that card and answer it.
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Keep going around the circle until everyone’s had a turn (or until bedtime sneaks up on you!).
Option 2: Share the Spotlight
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Deal the cards evenly to everyone playing.
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On your turn, choose a card from your hand and give it to someone else to answer.
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After they answer, play passes to the next person.
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Keep going until all the cards have been asked!
✨ Want to mix it up? Families can invent their own rules—maybe skip a question and tell a funny story instead, or have everyone answer the same card for more laughs.
❤️ Hearts – Feelings & Favorites
Ace – What’s your favorite family tradition?
2 – What’s a food that always makes you happy?
3 – What’s the best surprise you’ve ever had?
4 – Who in your family makes you laugh the most?
5 – What’s your favorite holiday and why?
6 – What’s something small that made you smile today?
7 – What’s your favorite family memory?
8 – What’s your favorite book or movie character?
9 – What makes you feel loved?
10 – What’s your favorite family meal?
Jack – Who in your life gives the best hugs?
Queen – What’s one thing you love about your family?
King – When was the last time you belly laughed so hard you almost peed your pants?
♦️ Diamonds – Dreams & Imagination
Ace – If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
2 – If you had a time machine, would you go to the past or the future?
3 – What superpower would you like to have?
4 – If you could be an animal for a day, what would you be?
5 – If you could invent a new holiday, what would it celebrate?
6 – If you could be in any movie, which one would you pick?
7 – What would your dream treehouse look like?
8 – If you could swap places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
9 – If you could live in a storybook world, which one would you choose?
10 – If you could design a theme park ride, what would it be?
Jack – If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?
Queen – What would your dream house have inside?
King – If you had a magic lamp with three wishes, what would they be?
♣️ Clubs – Fun & Adventures
Ace – What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
2 – What’s your favorite family game to play?
3 – What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
4 – What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on a vacation?
5 – If you could plan a family day, what would we do?
6 – What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
7 – If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
8 – What’s your favorite birthday party memory?
9 – What’s a new hobby you’d like to try?
10 – What’s your favorite playground game?
Jack – What’s your favorite family movie night snack?
Queen – What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?
King – What adventure would you like to go on with your family?
♠️ Spades – Reflections & Stories
Ace – What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
2 – What’s a lesson you’ve learned from someone in your family?
3 – What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
4 – What’s something you’ve worked really hard at?
5 – What’s your earliest memory?
6 – What’s something you’re proud of?
7 – What’s a time you felt really lucky?
8 – What’s the funniest story you know about our family?
9 – What’s one thing you want to get better at?
10 – What’s something you’re thankful for right now?
Jack – What’s a story about a time you got in trouble?
Queen – What’s a family story you’d like to pass down?
King – What advice would you give to someone younger than you?
🤡 Jokers – Bonus Fun
Joker 1: Make up a silly question for the group to answer.
Joker 2: Everyone has to share something they love about the person to their right.
Learn more about The Guidepost Co.
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