School's out! 7 free games to play as you enjoy the holidays

Metro

6 hours ago

Summer holidays are around the corner and while a lot of people may be jetting off to sunnier shores, exploring new places, or packing in as many festivals and beach days as possible there are those, perhaps ones like you, who adore nothing more than a peaceful staycation.
And who can blame you? Relaxing in the comforts of home, spending time with your loved ones, and taking things slow – they can be just as appealing.
Staying local during the summer means no stressful travel. You don't have to battle crowds or spend a fortune just to relax. That's a holiday in itself, really.
As someone who prefers quiet days at home, your summer might include garden BBQs and movie nights. What's important is you'll be surrounded by your loved ones as you take a break.
And equally important is to carve out a bit of me-time . A moment to unwind and do something just for yourself. Beyond regular activities like reading or watching Netflix, here's where online games come into play. These games are valuable in offering a pleasant way to pass the time while keeping your mind gently engaged.
There's a world of games to play that can add a little extra joy to your summer break. They're free, varied, and easy to jump into, so let's explore what free games might steal your attention this summer.
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A clever twist on the word game trend, Today's Hurdle challenges you to solve a chain of five connected puzzles. Each puzzle presents a new clue that builds on the previous one, making it both a fun and satisfying experience. Keep your vocabulary sharp and feel that little spark of accomplishment each time you crack a clue.
Step into retro arcade mode with this fast-paced classic game. As missiles rain down from the sky, you'll need quick reflexes and sharp focus to protect your cities from total annihilation. The sense of urgency at every level builds the tension, injecting some thrilling action into your summer. It's also packed with nostalgia, bringing back memories of simpler times.
This colourful match-3 game is pure satisfaction. You swap jewels, create combos, and clear the board in sparkling style. The soothing gameplay, combined with the challenge of crafting larger combos, makes it surprisingly engaging. But beware of its addictive quality; the game is challenging enough to keep you coming back for 'one more round'.
Trizzle remains as cute as ever, with its charming Russian nesting dolls and unique gameplay mechanics. You match these uniquely visually designed dolls in a quirky puzzle format, and the more you match, the bigger the dolls become, adding a fun twist to the match-3 genre. What sets Trizzle apart is its slower-paced nature, which is engaging, and great for unwinding.
This classic strategy game never goes out of style. Move pieces across the board in long, thoughtful sessions by thinking a few moves ahead. Whatever your playing style, Chess will keep you engaged and entertained all summer.
Solitaire has many variations, but nothing is as calming and as satisfying as the classic version. Classic Solitaire is an evergreen favourite where you organise the cards based on opposing colours in descending order. As you shuffle the cards and your hands click for more, your mind settles – a perfect pastime for lazy afternoons.
There are mahjong games aplenty, but this solo version of the classic mahjong game is a brilliant, self-indulgent activity for quiet moments. There's nothing more relaxing than practising pattern recognition with a bit of Zen-like focus during the summer downtime – bonus points for the beautifully designed tiles. More Trending
Find more summer games at Freegames at Metro.
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