Turn playtime into learning time with the best board games for kids. Fun, interactive, and great for critical thinking!
Our Top Picks
Board games are more than just a source of entertainment — they are powerful tools that spark imagination, foster learning, and create lasting memories. They also provide an opportunity to bring your kids back from the digital world and unite the family around the table. In addition to being fun, board games help kids develop strategic thinking and improve their problem-solving skills. However, as engaging as they are, board games can quickly become boring for kids if not chosen carefully. With so many options available, some suited for adults and others for very young children, finding the right game can be tricky. In this guide, we’ve curated some of the best board games that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. These games ensure quality family time full of enjoyment and learning. Check out the best options below!
1
Days of Wonder Board Game for Kids
This is one of the most fun board games for kids we have come across so far. As you advance, the game gets more engaging. The game’s central mechanic revolves around claiming train routes across a map. As you claim a train route by taking control of a specific path or segment of the map and placing your train pieces, it becomes even more competitive because it makes your opponents rush to claim other important or long routes before you or others claim them. The rules for this game are pretty straightforward for beginners, yet its route-planning mechanics and scoring strategies make it challenging at the same time. Plus, it doesn’t take much to complete a round — 30-60 minutes — and can accommodate 2-5 people.
Fun for all ages
Quick setup and play
Engaging strategy game
Requires a large surface area to play
2
Trekking the National Parks Board Game for Kids
If you want something for your kids that combines learning and fun, this board game will not disappoint. In this game, while playing, your kids learn about national parks, with each card featuring stunning visuals and fascinating facts. Since all the parks are in the U.S., playing the game can motivate your kids to plan their own park visits. Plus, the game strikes a balance between strategy and simplicity, with dual-purpose Trek cards that add layers of decision-making without overwhelming players. Additionally, besides including a solo mode, the game also features upgraded components, a durable design, and beautifully illustrated artwork in its 3rd Edition.
Easy to undersatand rules
Educational and fun
Engaging for all ages
Has a learning curve
3
OUTSMARTED! The Live Family Board Game for Kids
This board game for kids does not require players to be physically present — you might have relatives and their kids in different locations, and this game unites them, keeping them engaged in a fun activity. The game automatically scales question difficulty based on the player’s age group (kids, teens, or adults) and provides equal opportunities for all to win, regardless of their age or trivia expertise. Unlike traditional text-based trivia games, this one becomes more interactive and engaging with multimedia questions that include videos, images, and audio clips. Players can join the games through their phones, tablets, or computers, and its format replicates the excitement of a live TV quiz show, complete with a virtual ‘Hot Seat’ feature and timed challenges.
Engaging family quiz experience
Interactive live gameplay
Accommodates large groups
Technology setup can be challenging
4
Next Move Mosaic Board Game for Kids
There is something special about this board game for kids. By relying entirely on visual cues and symbols rather than text, it does not require players to master a particular language to play. Anyone from any culture can play this game and enjoy it. It uses high-quality tiles, which are not just visually captivating but also tactilely satisfying to handle, allowing players to make beautiful patterns or designs from the pool of tiles. The game has an interactive element where players can intentionally draft tiles to disrupt opponents’ plans. This layer of competition keeps the game engaging and unpredictable. The game never gets boring and feels different every time your kid plays it due to the randomized tile supplies and the variety of possible strategies.
Beautiful tile artwork
Easy to learn for kids
Engaging strategy gameplay
Limited to 4 players max
5
The Uzzle Board Game for Kids
This board game for kids comes with four different levels — levels 1 and 2 are suitable for young children, while levels 3 and 4 present challenging puzzles for adults. Plus, to make the gaming experience visually appealing and engaging, it uses larger, high-quality blocks and 100 unique puzzles. Players compete to solve puzzles using blocks, which requires quick thinking, sharp observation, and fast reflexes. This high-energy, interactive element sets it apart from slower, turn-based puzzle games. It fosters both competitive play, where players race to solve puzzles, and cooperative gameplay, where families or friends can work together to tackle tougher challenges.
Fast-paced and action-packed
Engaging pattern challenges
A perfect gift for kids
Pricey
6
Catan Board Game for Kids
This board game for kids features a hexagonal modular board that ensures endless replayability, as the terrain, resources, and player strategies vary in each session. Players collect resources (brick, ore, lumber, grain, and wool) based on dice rolls tied to the board’s terrain hexes. This adds an element of luck but also requires strategic placement of settlements to maximize resource production. The standout feature of the game is the trading mechanic — it encourages interaction and alliances among players. The end goal of the game isn’t just to eliminate opponents but to reach 10 victory points through a combination of settlements, cities, longest roads, largest armies, and development cards. This creates multiple pathways to win, keeping the game engaging.
Great for family fun
Encourages strategic thinking
Replayable with different experiences
Takes time to understand the rules
FAQ
Q: Are there board games that help develop critical thinking skills?
A: Absolutely! Board games are a fantastic way to boost critical thinking skills while having fun. Games like Chess and Catan challenge you to plan ahead, strategize, and adapt to your opponent’s moves. Clue sharpens your deductive reasoning as you piece together evidence to solve mysteries. Even family-friendly games like Ticket to Ride teach resource management and strategic planning. These games keep your mind sharp and engaged, making them perfect for learning new skills without even realizing it!
Q: How can I choose the best board games for kids of different age groups?
A: When choosing the best board games for kids, consider the age recommendations on the box, as they reflect complexity and content suitability. For younger kids, games like “Candy Land” are ideal, while older children might enjoy “Catan Junior” for more strategic play.
Q: What are some of the best board games for kids that encourage family interaction?
A: Games like “The Game of Life” and “Sorry!” are among the best board games for kids that encourage family interaction. These games are not only entertaining but also create opportunities for family bonding and communication.
Q: Are there any best board games for kids that are suitable for solo play?
A: Yes, some of the best board games for kids can be played solo, such as “Rush Hour” and “Gravity Maze.” These games challenge kids to solve puzzles independently, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Q: What are some award-winning board games?
A: Award-winning board games stand out for their creative design and engaging gameplay. Titles like Catan and Ticket to Ride are classics that have scooped up multiple awards, thanks to their blend of strategy and accessibility. Azul has also been recognized for its beautiful design and simple yet strategic play. For something newer, Wingspan has wowed players with its stunning artwork and unique bird-collecting theme. These games have earned their acclaim by offering fun, immersive experiences for players of all levels.
Article Contributors
Ynet News Shopping Team
Ynetnews Shopping team provides authoritative advice and reviews, distinct from the editorial team, to inform your decisions. To guarantee the correctness of product sizes, availability, and prices, AI tools are utilized in the process.
