How to Make a Memory Game from Family Photographs

Create a personalized memory matching game using family photos that entertains kids while helping them recognize faces and build cognitive skills.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need 8-12 family photos (or print duplicates if using digital photos), cardstock or heavy paper, glue stick or double-sided tape, scissors, laminator and laminating sheets (optional but recommended for durability), and a marker or pen. Choose photos that are clear and show faces well - vacation pictures, birthday parties, and everyday family moments work perfectly.
  2. Select and Prepare Your Photos. Pick photos that are meaningful to your family and show people or pets your child knows well. Make sure you have two copies of each photo - you can print duplicates or use photo editing software to create pairs. Aim for 6-8 different photos for younger children, or up to 12 for older kids who want more challenge. Trim photos to the same size, ideally around 3x3 inches or 4x4 inches.
  3. Mount the Photos. Cut cardstock into squares slightly larger than your photos to create a border. Glue each photo to a piece of cardstock, making sure all cards are the same size. This backing makes the cards sturdier and prevents photos from bending during play. Leave the back of each card blank or use matching colored paper so all cards look identical from behind.
  4. Add Protective Covering. If you have a laminator, laminate each card to make them waterproof and tear-resistant. This step helps the game last longer, especially with younger children who might be rough with the cards. If you don't have a laminator, you can cover cards with clear contact paper or put them in photo sleeves.
  5. Set Up and Play. Lay all cards face down in rows on a table or floor. Players take turns flipping two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs. When someone finds a match, they keep those cards and take another turn. The game ends when all pairs are found. The player with the most pairs wins, though younger children often enjoy just finding matches together as a family.