Dice for Kids: Safe and Fun Options for Family Game Night

Quick answer

For most families, standard 16mm acrylic dice are the best dice for kids: they are lightweight, affordable, and easy to replace. If you want a non toxic option, look for solid metal dice made from die-cast non-toxic zinc alloy, but pair them with a tray to protect tables and toes. Avoid tiny dice for children under three, and choose oversized dice only when small hands struggle with standard sizes.

Shopping for dice for kids can feel like a balancing act. You want something safe, durable, and fun, but you also do not want to spend a fortune on dice that will get lost under the couch. The good news is that the best dice for kids are often the simplest: standard acrylic sets with clear numbers and bright colors.

This guide walks through the real trade-offs between acrylic, metal, and oversized dice, plus practical rules for age, table safety, and storage. You will also see a few specific products that fit common family game night situations.

Material matters: acrylic, metal, and resin for young players

Acrylic dice are the default for a reason. They are lightweight, so a stray throw will not hurt a sibling or chip a coffee table. They are also inexpensive enough that losing a d20 does not ruin the game. Standard 16mm sets like the 7pc RPG Set - Fireball or 7pc RPG Set - Siberian Iris give you a full polyhedral set with painted numbers that are easy to read across the table.

Metal dice offer a different feel: solid, weighty, and authoritative when they roll. If you want a non toxic option, look for dice described as die-cast non-toxic zinc alloy. The trade-off is weight and noise. A metal d20 can dent a wooden table and is loud on plastic folding tables, so a rolling tray is not optional. Resin dice sit between the two: lighter than metal, often prettier than basic acrylic, but still capable of chipping if dropped on tile.

• For children under five, stick with lightweight acrylic or resin.
• For older kids who want heft, choose metal but always use a tray.
• Avoid any dice small enough to swallow if you have toddlers in the house.

Size and readability: when bigger is better

Standard 16mm dice are fine for most kids over six. But if a young player has trouble gripping or reading the numbers, an oversized die can help. The Horizon Dire d20 - Rainbow Pride is an oversized d20 with a rainbow-filled interior and brown inking on the top and bottom to represent the Pride flag. It is solid metal, so it has excellent heft, but the larger size makes it easier to pick up and read.

Keep in mind that oversized metal dice are heavier and can be more dangerous if thrown. They are best for supervised play or for older kids who understand table rules. For everyday family games, a standard 16mm set is still the most practical choice.

• Oversized dice help small hands and low-vision players.
• Check that numbers are painted in a contrasting color for easy reading.
• If you choose metal, set clear rules about rolling, not throwing.

Table safety and noise: protecting your home and your ears

Nothing ends a family game night faster than a metal d20 denting a wooden table or a plastic table amplifying every roll. A dedicated dice tray solves both problems. The Magnetic Rectangle Tray - Black Velvet has a velvet rolling surface and vegan leather exterior, and it is designed to quiet loud rolls and keep dice from flying off the table. It is also easy to carry and sets up quickly.

For acrylic dice, a tray is still useful but less critical. A simple felt-lined box or even a shallow bowl can keep dice contained. If you are playing on a hard surface, a tray protects both the table and the dice themselves, since repeated impacts can wear down edges over time.

• Use a tray with metal dice to prevent dents and reduce noise.
• A tray also stops dice from hitting miniatures or knocking over tokens.
• Choose a tray that is small enough not to dominate the table.

Age, choking hazards, and supervision

Dice are not toys for children under three. Even standard 16mm dice can be a choking hazard, and smaller dice are worse. If you have toddlers, keep dice in a locked box or on a high shelf and only bring them out during supervised play with older siblings. For children three to five, use only large dice and supervise closely.

For kids six and up, standard dice are generally safe as long as they understand not to put them in their mouths. Metal dice are not more toxic than acrylic when made from non-toxic materials, but they are heavier and can cause injury if thrown. Set ground rules: dice stay on the table, no throwing, and no putting dice in mouths.

• Under three: no dice, period.
• Ages three to five: large dice, close supervision.
• Ages six plus: standard dice with clear rules.

Price and replacement: what to expect

Acrylic sets are the most budget-friendly. The 7pc RPG Set - Fireball is a 7-piece standard 16mm set with orange and yellow swirled acrylic and white numbers. The 7pc RPG Set - Neverland is a semi-translucent blue and orange resin set with microglitter and silver numbers. Both are affordable enough that you can buy a spare set for a friend without wincing.

Metal dice cost more, but they last. The Infinity d20 Set - Aleph is a single d20 made from die-cast non-toxic zinc alloy with a bright yellow/golden finish and details inspired by the Aleph army miniatures. It is a collector's item more than a kids' toy, but it shows the upper end of what you can spend. For family games, you do not need to go there unless you want a special gift.

• Buy two acrylic sets: one to use, one as backup.
• Metal dice are an investment; keep them for older kids or adults.
• Check the price per die when comparing sets.

Decision rules for buying dice for kids

• Child's age: Under 3: no dice. Ages 3-5: only large dice with supervision. Ages 6+: standard 16mm dice are fine. Age is the first filter; do not compromise on choking safety.
• Material: Acrylic for lightweight and cheap; metal for heft and durability but requires a tray; resin for a middle ground. Match material to the child's ability to handle weight and noise.
• Table surface: Wood or glass tables need a tray with metal dice; plastic tables amplify noise, so a velvet-lined tray helps. A tray is cheaper than repairing a table.
• Readability: Look for high-contrast painted numbers; oversized dice help if standard numbers are hard to read. If the child squints, go bigger or choose brighter colors.
• Budget: Acrylic sets are the most affordable; metal dice cost more but last longer. Buy two acrylic sets before one metal set for young kids.

Product facts for family-friendly dice

• 7pc RPG Set - Fireball: Material: Orange and yellow swirled acrylic, 7 piece dice set, standard 16mm size, numbers painted in white. A full set at a low price point, with bright colors and readable numbers, makes it a practical first set for kids.
• 7pc RPG Set - Neverland: Material: Semi-translucent blue and orange resin swirled with microglitter, 7 piece dice set, standard 16mm size, numbers painted in silver. Resin is slightly heavier than acrylic but still lightweight; the glitter adds fun without making dice hard to read.
• Magnetic Rectangle Tray - Black Velvet: Velvet rolling surface and vegan leather exterior, 8.5" x 11" when flat, designed to quiet loud rolls and keep dice from flying off the table. A tray protects tables from metal dice and keeps dice contained, which is especially useful for young players who roll enthusiastically.
• Horizon Dire d20 - Rainbow Pride: Oversized d20, solid metal die-cast non-toxic zinc alloy, rainbow-filled interior, brown inking on top and bottom. Oversized dice are easier for small hands to grip and read, but the metal weight means it should be used with a tray and supervision.

Who these dice are for

Best for

• Families with children ages 6 and up who want durable, readable dice for game night.
• Parents looking for a non toxic metal option for older kids who can handle weight and follow table rules.
• Anyone who wants an affordable acrylic set that is easy to replace if lost.

Not for

• Households with children under 3, due to choking hazard.
• Kids who tend to throw or chew on dice; choose soft foam or fabric dice instead.
• Tables that cannot be protected with a tray if you plan to use metal dice.

The best dice for kids are the ones that match their age, your table, and your budget. Start with a standard acrylic set like the 7pc RPG Set - Fireball, add a tray if you introduce metal dice, and always supervise young players. With those rules, you can focus on the game instead of the gear.