Empowering youth through creativity, friendship, and collaborative storytelling.
What We Do
What is Critical Kids?
Critical Kids is a nonprofit program that uses Dungeons & Dragons and creative tabletop games to help kids build teamwork, critical thinking, and real friendships.We run weekly, age-specific game groups where kids explore magical worlds, solve logic puzzles, and develop social-emotional skills—while having a blast.
Your Story Begins Here
The warrior in his hand is only the beginning of the world he’s shaping.
Who It’s For
- Ages 6 to 16, grouped by age and development level
- Homeschoolers, neurodivergent kids, shy kids—anyone who needs a place to belong
- No experience needed—we provide dice, characters, and support
Two sets of siblings met at the table. Years and miles later, their friendship still holds.
What Kids Experience
- Weekly adventures led by an experienced DM
- Dice and character sheets included
- Custom miniatures (kids design their own—we print them!)
- Terrain, puzzles, math games, and painting activities
- One-shot special events and movie outings
We even took them to see Honor Among Thieves!
By the
Numbers
Four years of rolling dice, telling stories, and growing something bigger than a game.
1
Child who started it all—plus a skeptical sibling.
4
Active campaign groups across different age ranges.
25
Kids currently adventuring in Critical Kids.
100% Of spots filled—because when one kid steps away, another can’t wait to join the adventure.
Meet the Founder
— Carolyn Takos, Founder of Critical Kids, Dungeon Master, Storyteller, and Champion of Young Imaginers
Hi, I’m Carolyn Takos, founder of Critical Kids. I’m a mom of four and a grandma. I homeschool my 8-year-old son and my 4-year-old grandson. My younger son is autistic, and raising him has taught me patience, flexibility, and deep respect for how every child’s mind works differently.
Four years ago, I saw a mom post online looking for a game her 12-year-old son could join. I thought about what D&D had done for my son and decided to run a game for him. That boy is now 16 and still plays with us. What started with five kids has grown to over 25 kids. I’ve grown to love each of my “D&D kids.” They deserve an island of peace in this chaotic world – a place where they can be heroes, make friends, and know they are valued.
I created Critical Kids to give them that place. My hope is that every child leaves my table feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to face the world with courage and imagination.
Why Critical Kids Matters
Tabletop roleplaying games aren’t just play—they’re practice for real life. At our table, kids learn how to collaborate, solve problems, listen actively, and take courageous risks—all within the safety of a shared story.
Each player receives their own set of dice—a small gift that feels like magic.
Every child customizes a miniature of their hero. We 3D print it—they keep it forever.
Character sheets teach focus, accountability, and the joy of growing a story.
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Want your child to join the adventure?
Critical Kids is a place where imagination builds confidence, friendships, and resilience.
Contact Us Support an Adventurer
🎲 One Shot Adventurer Fundraisers
Help us raise funds—and roll some dice along the way! We host community one-shot events where players of all ages can join a short D&D adventure in support of Critical Kids.
Want to play, DM, or donate supplies? Let us know you’re interested by filling out the contact form. We’ll keep you updated on our next round of fundraising fun!
Critical Kids 