25 Best Board Games for Kids for a Fun Learning Experience

In the digital age, it can be challenging for parents to keep their kids off their phones and tablets. Thankfully, there are still plenty of fun board games for kids and educational learning games for kids that keep them entertained.

From classic strategy games like chess and Monopoly to creative storytelling games like Magic Maze to new favorites like Ticket to Ride, these games will provide hours of imaginative and strategic play.

25 Best Board Games for Kids That Are Fun To Play

With the new year ringing in, it’s time to get the board games out! Here are some of our suggestions:

Classic Board Games for Kids That Are All-time Favorites

1. Monopoly

Exciting and fun, Monopoly is a classic game of wheeling and dealing. Players move around the board while buying and trading properties. When someone lands on a property that has not been purchased, they have the opportunity to buy it. If someone else has already bought it, the player must pay rent. The last person standing with money wins!

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium

Approx Time to Play it Once: 1.5 to 2 hours

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• Can engage 2 to 8 players at a time.
• Teaches basic concepts about money, business and real estate.
• Teaches about money management, spending wisely, and the concept of debt.
• A great game to teach children about diversifying investments and taking calculated risks.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• The game can go on for a very long time.
• It may be hard for children to keep track of all the properties and rules.

2. Scrabble

Scrabble is all about the thrill of making words from letter tiles. Players take turns drawing ideas and placing their letters to form meaningful words on the game board.

Each player tries to earn the most points by playing interlocking words. The winner is determined by who gets the highest score at the end of the game.

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above (But you can always find easier versions for younger kids)

Difficulty Level: Easy to Hard

Approx Time to Play it Once: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• A fun spelling game for kids that also teaches vocabulary, and problem-solving skills in kids.
• Teaches higher-level thinking, such as analyzing the words they can spell using limited tiles.
• Provides an opportunity for cooperative play with other players.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• Younger children may find it difficult to understand its rules while older children may lose interest in it.
• Losing tiles can ruin the game.
• You have to be careful if you have toddlers around as they may swallow the pieces.

3. Candy Land

Candy Land is a fun board game that’s suitable for small kids. In the game, the first player aims to reach the end of the path marked on a colorful board by drawing cards and moving around. Kids can learn sorting skills, basic strategies, and how to take turns while playing this game. You can also introduce your kids to online sorting games for added learning.

Suitable for Ages: 3 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time to Play it Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps children learn colors, counting, shapes, and basic strategy.
• The game is easy to set up and teaches kids how to take turns as well as how to be a good sport when playing a game.
• The colorful board and pieces make the game visually appealing for young children.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It may be too easy for older kids or those who already have basic knowledge of counting, colors, and shapes.
• If one player is faster than others, it can lead to an uneven playing field.
• The game can be too basic for some, so it’s best to introduce new variations or other board games if children get bored with Candy Land quickly.

4. Risk

Risk is a classic game of strategy and planning. It combines elements of luck with the ability to think ahead and make calculated moves to win. Players take turns moving their pieces across the board, trying to conquer territories from other players until one remains standing.

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium

Approx Time to Play it Once: 2 to 4 hours

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• Teaches educational math, strategy planning, decision-making, and risk assessment.
• Develops an understanding of global awareness and international politics as players move their armies across the world map.
• Encourages competitiveness in a fun way, which helps children prepare for future challenges.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• The game can get too complicated for younger kids, making it hard for them to understand the rules and strategies involved.
• If one player has a strategy that works well against another’s, it may lead to an unfair advantage.
• It can take a long time to finish a game, taking up an entire day if not longer.

5. Connect Four

It’s a classic two-player game of strategy and luck. Players take turns dropping checkers into the vertical grid, trying to be the first ones to make four in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Suitable for Ages: 5 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time to Play it Once: Around 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids learn basic math and logic skills.
• It teaches children how to plan, strategize, and think logically.
• The rules are really simple, so even young kids can understand them easily.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It can become repetitive after some time and lose its appeal.
• The game is best played with two people; if there are more players, the game may get too chaotic.

Related Reading: Fun Free Games for Kids to Play Online

Board Games for Kindergartners To Keep Them off Their Phones

6. The Ladybug Game

This fun and interactive game is about helping the ladybug find its way home. The aim of the game is to use your memory to remember the paths taken by other players while helping the ladybug reach its home.

Suitable for Ages: 3 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time To Play It Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids develop their memory and concentration skills.
• The game encourages teamwork and cooperation among players.
• The colorful board and pieces make the game visually appealing for young kids.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It becomes repetitive very soon and kids might not be interested in playing it anymore.
• It may be too easy for older kids who already have strong memory skills.

7. Operation

The Operation is a classic game of skill and coordination, where the aim is to remove silly body parts from the patient using tweezers without setting off an alarm. Kids interested in playing doctor can learn a lot from this game as it teaches them how to be careful and precise.

Suitable for Ages: 5 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium

Approx Time To Play It Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids develop their fine motor skills and dexterity.
• The game requires logical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• It is a funny and entertaining way to teach children about the human body.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• The game may be too challenging for younger kids who have not yet developed the necessary skills to play the game.
• The tweezers may be too small for older children.
• The interest in the game may not last for too long with older kids.

8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This popular board game is based on a classic children’s book and helps kids learn counting, colors, shapes, and matching. The kids have to help the caterpillar get to the end of its journey by rolling the dice, moving around the board, and collecting food.

Suitable for Ages: 4 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time To Play It Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids learn basic math, counting, shapes, and colors.
• The game encourages kids to cooperate and strategize together.
• It is a fun way of teaching children about the life cycle of a caterpillar.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It can be too simple for older kids who may not find it interesting.
• The game may become repetitive after some time.
• The game pieces are quite small, so keep an eye on the little ones.

9. Hi Ho Cherry-O

In Hi Ho Cherry-O, children get to pick the cherries off a tree. The aim of the game is to be the first one to collect all 10 cherries and win! This fun game helps kids learn basic math and counting skills, as they practice adding, subtracting, and even multiplying their fruits.

Suitable for Ages: 3 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time To Play It Once: 10 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids develop their basic math skills in a fun and engaging way.
• The game encourages children to cooperate, strategize together and take turns.
• Quite visually appealing for young children, the game has colorful pieces and a vibrant board.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It may be too easy for older kids.
• The game does not have a sustainable replay value.

10. Kerplunk

Kerplunk is for kids who love to play marbles. Players take turns removing the sticks from the tube while trying not to let any of the marbles fall down. The player who releases the fewest marbles wins!

Suitable for Ages: 5 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium

Approx Time To Play It Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids develop their fine motor skills, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• As children pull sticks one by one, they get to practice counting and estimating.
• The game is quite visually appealing, with colorful marbles and bright sticks.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It may be too challenging for younger kids who have not yet developed the necessary skills to play the game.
• Balancing the marbles can be a bit tricky, and it may get frustrating if the marbles keep falling down.

Children’s board games to make family nights fun

11. Labyrinth

The labyrinth board game is a classic family game in which players are challenged to find their way through a maze while they try to collect treasures along the way.

The game helps kids practice problem-solving, strategic planning, and spatial awareness skills. It is also very visually appealing, with bright colors and an exciting selection of characters.

Suitable for Ages: 6 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium – Hard

Approx Time To Play It Once: 20-30 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It helps kids develop their problem-solving, strategic planning, and spatial awareness skills.
• Players get to discover exciting treasures along the way which makes it a lot of fun!
• The bright colors and interesting characters, such as dragons and trolls, make the game visually appealing.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It can become quite repetitive as the paths remain the same each time you play.
• Younger kids may find the game too challenging. The pieces are quite small and can get lost easily ruining the game.

12. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

Have you ever played earlier versions of the board games of The Crew series, such as the space-themed version? This time, you are headed to the deep sea! The game is a cooperative game with an exciting treasure hunt theme. Players get to explore the ocean and search for clues that will help them reach their sunken treasure.

This game has up to 4 players working together as a team, using tools and building contraptions – all to achieve their mission.

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Medium – Hard

Approx Time To Play It Once: 45 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• Great for honing teamwork skills, as players need to cooperate and strategize together.
• It helps kids practice problem-solving, logical thinking, and planning skills.
• The game has fun challenges that make it even more interesting.
• Players get to explore the ocean, search for clues and find their sunken treasure!
• There is ample replay value as players can try new strategies every time they play.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It is quite a lengthy game and may take more than an hour to complete.
• Players need to constantly refer to the instruction manual for tips and assistance which can be tedious for some.

13. MicroMacro: Crime City

Do detective games attract your kids? Then this is the perfect game for them. MicroMacro: Crime City is a unique and exciting detective-themed board game, in which players get to work together as a team of detectives to solve an intriguing crime.

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Hard

Approx Time To Play It Once: 45 minutes – 1 hour

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• As children get to explore a city full of criminals and mysteries, kids develop problem-solving, logic, and strategizing skills.
• They must also use their deductive reasoning and analytical skills to catch criminals!

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It is a lengthy game that may take more than an hour to complete.
• The game can become quite challenging and complex as players progress further, which may be overwhelming for some kids.

14. Kingdomino

This game is an award-winning strategy game for two to four players. Players get to choose the best tiles from a 5×5 grid, to create their own fantasy kingdom.

Kingdomino is ideal for kids who love themes like dragons and medieval castles. 

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy – Medium

Approx Time To Play It Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game is fun and interactive for young children. 
• It is quite a simple game but it does require some strategy.
• Players get to create fantasy kingdoms by selecting the best tiles.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It is a relatively short game and may become repetitive after playing it more than once.

15. Ticket to Ride

Children thoroughly enjoy this family game of strategy and luck. Players are challenged to build railway routes across the board, connecting different cities.

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy – Medium

Approx Time To Play It Once: 30 – 60 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• It is a great game to introduce children to basic concepts of strategy and decision-making.
• Players get to use their imagination as they build railway routes across the board.
• The game has plenty of replay value as each route can be unique every time.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It may take longer than an hour to finish the game, especially if playing with more than three players.
• The game requires quite a bit of tactical thinking, which may be too challenging for some younger kids.

Related Reading: Quick Family Game Night Ideas for Better Bonding

Most Popular Board Games for Kids

16. Clank! Catacombs

Clank! series of board games are popular because of their dungeon-crawling and deck-building mechanics. Clank! Catacombs is a step up from the basic game and presents players with more complex puzzles to solve and strategies to devise. It introduces a new character, the Labyrinth Lord, who challenges players to combine their wits and skills to fulfill their mission.

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Approx Time To Play It Once: 40 – 60 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• Players get to explore the depths of a dungeon, outsmarting monsters along the way.
• The game encourages players to use their planning skills as they strategize which cards to use and when.
• Players can make alliances to defeat the Labyrinth Lord together.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It is a lengthy game, which may become too long for younger kids with shorter attention spans.
• The game has some elements of luck, which may frustrate grown-ups who are more competitive players.
• Players must also be familiar with the Clank! game system to fully understand and enjoy this adventure.

17. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a card game for two to four players. Players must assemble cards representing tacos, cats, goats, and cheese pizzas to win the game! It is an easy-to-learn yet challenging game.

Children have to be fast thinkers to excel in this game.

Suitable for Ages: 6 years and above

Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate

Approx Time to Play it Once: 15 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game:

• It is a great game to test children’s reflexes and powers of deduction.
• The game is short enough so that kids don’t get bored waiting for their turn.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• It is a simple game that may not be stimulating enough for older kids.
• The game relies heavily on luck and players can’t strategize much to win the game.
• Players must also have the good hand-eye coordination to excel at this game.

18. Battle Line

An ultimate war game, Battle Line is suitable for two to eight players. Players get to experience the thrill of real battlefields by leading their armies into battle and choosing their strategies wisely.

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Moderate – Hard

Approx Time To Play It Once: 60 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• Players must use their planning and tactical skills to win the game.
• It encourages players to think outside of the box for strategies that will outsmart their opponents.
• The game has plenty of replay value as each battle can be unique every time.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It is a lengthy game and may take longer than an hour to finish.
• The game may be too challenging for some younger kids.
• Players must also understand the game’s mechanics to fully enjoy this game.

19. Star Wars Outer Rim: Unfinished Business

The Star Wars series is going on since the 1970s, and its popularity reigns on. Kids and adults alike love the series for its characters, stories, and action-packed scenes.

Star Wars Outer Rim: Unfinished Business is a thrilling game where players take on the role of bounty hunters traveling across the outer rim of space in search of their quarry. It combines elements of storytelling, character building, and dice rolling.

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Approx Time To Play It Once: 60 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• Players can customize their own unique characters with a variety of options.
• The game encourages players to use their imagination and creativity as they strategize their quest.
• It is a great way to introduce children to the world of Star Wars.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• The game requires more advanced rules if players want to challenge themselves further. 
• Players must also have an understanding of the Star Wars universe to fully appreciate the game.

20. Moku Tower

Moku Tower is an exciting stacking game that requires players to use their creative, strategic, and problem-solving skills to win. The children have to draw cards, collect pieces that match the pictures on the cards and use them to build towers.

Suitable for Ages: 5 – 10 years

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time To Play It Once: 20 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game is simple enough that even younger children can play it.
• Ideal for children who are developing coordination and fine motor skills, Moku Tower also encourages teamwork activity in kids.
• It is an engaging game that teaches kids about basic engineering principles.

Reasons to Avoid This Game:

• Moku Tower might not be a good idea for children who have difficulty focusing as the game is quite short.
• The game relies heavily on luck, so players may not be able to strategize much to win.
• Players must also have a good memory to remember the different pieces they need to collect.​

Related Reading: Best Educational Video Games for Kids to Promote Learning

New board games for kids to try in 2023

21. Splendor Duel

With a touch of magic, Splendor Duel is a fast-paced competitive strategy game that pits two players against each other. Players fight for the most points by choosing different paths of action and using their gems to buy powerful cards. The aim of the game is to collect enough points before your opponent does to win the throne!

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Approx Time To Play It Once: 40 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game encourages strategic thinking and planning.
• Players have the freedom to choose their own paths to gain victory.
• The game also teaches valuable lessons about resource management and decision-making.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It might not be suitable for younger kids as the game may be too complex for them.

22. Slay The Spire

Slay the Spire is a card-based rogue-like game that combines elements of strategy and RPG. Players must battle their way through an ever-changing fortress made up of random encounters, powerful monsters, and dangerous traps! The goal is to reach the top of the spire before your opponent does.

Suitable for Ages: 10 years and above

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Approx Time To Play It Once: 45 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game is unique and different every time you play it.
• Players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to defeat the monsters.
• It encourages players to think outside the box and strategize to win.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• The game may be a little too complex for younger children.
• Players must have an understanding of the RPG world to fully appreciate the game.
• It might not be suitable for those who don’t like card games.
• ​​​​​It may also take a few tries for players to get used to the rules and strategies of the game. ​​​​​​

23. Atiwa

Made for children, Atiwa is a fast-paced strategy game that’s full of surprises. Players must carefully plan their moves and use their resources wisely to collect the most points and win the game.

It is a tactical game of racing and resource-gathering that involves two to four players.

Suitable for Ages: 8 – 12 years

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Approx Time To Play It Once: 45 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• Atiwa encourages strategic planning and tactical moves.
• Players must use their creativity, problem-solving skills, and resource management to win the game.
• It is an engaging game that teaches kids about basic engineering principles.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• It might be too difficult for younger kids and require an adult’s help during the game. ​​​

24. Heat: Pedal To The Metal

The goal of Heat: Pedal to the Metal is to be the first player to cross the finish line with their vehicle. Players must use their cards wisely to build up their speed and navigate around obstacles on the track. The game is great for teaching kids how to plan ahead and think strategically while they’re having fun.

Suitable for Ages: 8 – 12 years

Difficulty Level: Easy

Approx Time To Play It Once: 20 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game is easy to understand and has simple rules.
• It encourages strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Players must use their creativity and resource management to win the race.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• The game does not require much interaction between players, so it may get a bit boring after a few rounds. ​​​​

25. Turing Machine

Turing Machine is a game of logic and problem-solving. It challenges players to program their robots to complete different tasks. Players have to use their logical and analytical skills to devise a plan to complete the task.

Suitable for Ages: 8 years and above

Difficulty Level: Hard

Approx Time To Play It Once: 45 minutes

Reasons to Buy This Game: 

• The game teaches kids valuable lessons about logic, problem-solving, and programming.
• Players must use their creativity to come up with the best solution.
• It encourages logical thinking and analytical skills in a fun way.

Reasons to Avoid This Game: 

• The game may be too difficult for younger children as it requires an understanding of basic programming concepts.

Related Reading: Best Group Games For Kids To Keep Them Entertained

Benefits of Playing Board Games

Playing board games with children helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social learning. It also encourages collaboration and communication between family members, improves hand-eye coordination, and reinforces basic math and reading concepts. Plus, it can help boost self-confidence and build relationships within the family. Here are some other reasons why you should encourage your kids to play board games:

1. Board games offer excellent opportunities for early learning.

Many board games are educational and allow children to learn in a way that is fun and engaging. Through play, they can reinforce concepts like counting, sorting, and basic problem-solving.

2. They teach focus and patience to children.

Trying to solve a game’s puzzles or problems can help kids learn to focus and think through their strategies. This can also teach them patience, as they often have to wait for other players to take their turns.

3. They boost language skills.

Creative storytelling board games can help kids practice their language skills by talking about the game’s story and describing what they are doing. This helps them use their imaginations and boosts their vocabulary.

4. Some board games boost teamwork skills as well as family bonding.

Playing board games as a family helps promote teamwork and strengthen relationships. Children learn to rely on each other and work together as they try to win the game.

5. Board games for kids teach them how to win and lose gracefully.

Being humble when they win, and gracious when they lose, are important lessons to learn in life, and board games can help teach these skills. Kids also learn how to take turns and share resources, making them more well-rounded individuals. 

6. They are great pastimes for shy children and may even soothe anxiety.

Introverts often prefer low-pressure activities, and board games can provide a great way to socialize without the pressure of making direct eye contact or speaking in front of others. Playing with family members can give children the chance to interact without fear of judgment. Board games are also calming activities that can help relieve stress and anxiety.

7. They are great alternatives to smartphones and time-outs.

Board games provide a great distraction to keep kids off their phones and away from screens. Games can also be used as an alternative to time-outs, allowing children to practice self-control and redirect their energy in more positive ways.

Conclusion

Board games for kids can be a great way to keep them engaged and give them a break from the screens. Whether you are looking for classic board games or some of the newest titles, there are plenty of great options that will provide your family with hours of entertainment.

Many of them offer great life lessons and skills that will stay with your children long after the game is over. Plus, you can even DIY your own board games, turning creativity into a fun project that the whole family can enjoy. So, get out there and find—or create—a board game that you will all love! It will be an experience to remember for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to keep in mind while buying new board games for kids?

While buying a new board game, check out its age rating, difficulty level, and average playing time. You should also evaluate its content and ensure that the theme of the game is in line with your child’s interests and preferences.

Should I buy easy board games for kids or challenging ones to keep them interested?

You should start with the easiest ones and then gradually increase the difficulty as your child’s skills improve. This way, they will stay engaged in the game longer. You can also buy games that have a mix of easy and hard elements to keep both young and older children entertained.

How can I get my kids to enjoy playing board games more?

Children learn most from their parents. If they see you excited and enjoying the game, they will naturally want to join in too. Also, encourage your kids to play together with their siblings or friends. It’s also important to create a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can make mistakes and have fun without feeling judged. Finally, you should be patient as some board games may require more time for your kids to understand and enjoy them.