D&D for Kids | Adapting an Adventure for Kids

Adapting D&D adventures for younger players is something I think about a lot—especially if we want the game to feel safe, fun, and engaging for kids. Over the years, I’ve landed on a six-step process that helps me adjust the tone and structure of existing modules so they’re kid-friendly and accessible.

The first thing I always consider is whether the adventure can grab the players’ attention. For kids, it’s essential to keep things exciting and make sure every player has a chance to shine. I also try to keep things episodic: short sessions that can be wrapped up in an hour or two so kids don’t feel like they’re missing out if they can’t play every week.

I’ve found that reading the adventure aloud to myself—almost like a rehearsal—can help me catch any confusing parts or details that might need to be simplified. From there, I look for ways to individualize the plot to fit the characters and players I’m working with. Small tweaks to NPCs or connections to the kids’ characters can make the story feel more personal.

Combat and challenges are another key piece. With kids, I tend to tone down the violence and find ways to make battles feel heroic rather than gruesome. I also focus on actively promoting roleplay—giving kids opportunities to talk to NPCs, solve problems, and explore the world in creative ways.

These are just a few of my core thoughts and practices when adapting a D&D adventure for kids. If you’re curious to hear more about how I apply this process—especially in my Guardians of Getica sub-setting—check out the full video!

And if you have your own methods for adapting published adventures for kids, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Cheers,
Brian