Chinese New Year Memory Game Printable (free)
The Chinese New Year memory game printable is a great way to celebrate the Lunar New Year while engaging kids in a fun and educational activity.
These free Chinese New Year printables feature vibrant illustrations of the 12 zodiac animals, making them perfect for family gatherings, classroom fun, or at-home learning.
This simple yet meaningful game helps children build cognitive skills while exploring the traditions of this festive holiday.
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Chinese New Year matching game
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a fun and educational Chinese New Year game, featuring Chinese zodiac animals.
This activity is a great way to test memory skills while exploring the traditions of the holiday.
Memory games to print are perfect for preschoolers and younger kids, though we love playing them at all ages.
How to set up
Getting the Chinese New Year memory game ready is simple and a lot of fun. Start by downloading the printable below.
It includes one page with 12 unique images, designed to print perfectly in portrait. You’ll need two copies of the page to create a full matching set.
Once printed, it’s time to prepare the cards. My favorite part is decorating the backs of the cards—it’s such a creative way to make them feel unique.
We like to use our go-to coloring pens, but you can get as fancy as you’d like.
After decorating, cut out the 12 images from each page. I personally prefer using a paper cutter because it’s quick and neat, but scissors work just fine too.
Now for the setup. Shuffle the cards and lay them face down on the table. For younger kids, I recommend arranging them in rows—six rows of four works well.
Older kids might enjoy a random layout for a bit of a challenge.
Playing is straightforward and brings so much excitement. Take turns flipping over two cards at a time.
If the cards match, keep them and take another turn. If they don’t, flip them back over and try to remember their positions.
My son loves this game, especially when he wins—and let’s be honest, kids’ memories are so sharp, they usually do!
When the game is over, whoever has the most matches wins.
Add a creative touch with Chinese zodiac coloring pages too!
Best kids Chinese New Year books
Pair your memory game fun with a few wonderful Chinese New Year books for kids. These stories and illustrations bring the traditions, zodiac animals, and festive spirit to life.
Whether you’re learning about the history of the celebration or enjoying a fun tale set during the holiday, these books make a perfect addition to your activities.
Add a cozy reading session to your day for even more meaningful family time!
These books offer the perfect opportunity to explore the holiday’s rich culture and create lasting memories together.
Looking for more memory game fun? Check out our New Year’s memory game printable—another simple and entertaining activity to enjoy with kids. It’s perfect for celebrating the start of the year with a playful twist!
WANT ALL OF OUR MEMORY GAMES IN ONE PLACE?
Get the Lunar New Year memory game printable here!
Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Last Updated on 20 December 2024 by Clare Brown