Board games are a favorite indoor pastime for families and friends seeking to bond and have fun. As the name suggests, board games typically feature dice, traditional cards, or custom pieces which players move in a prescribed pattern according to a set of rules. Unlike adult games, kids’ board games follow a set of simple rules that are inclined to make them enjoyable and educational at the same time.
Choosing a board game for your kids can be challenging, especially if there is an age gap between them. Ideally, you would want one that is all-inclusive, therefore, considering all their interests, the skills you would wish to help them develop and the logic behind the game is crucial.
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20+ Board Games for Kids of All Ages
If you’re looking to have a memorable game night, our list of the top board games for adults and kids of all ages will appeal to you. Let the games begin!
Dutch Blitz (Ages 8+)
The number of players: 2-4 players
This competitive fast-paced board game will keep everyone on their toes. As you’d expect, each player races against time to get rid of their 10-card Blitz pile before anyone else. It is quite challenging since it is not a turn-taking kind of game. While its instructions are quite simple, you can play it at a slower pace to accommodate the younger kids.
You can also try: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Splendor (Ages 10+)
The number of players: 2-4 players
In this delightful game, players compete to gain control of minefields and trade routes with the aim of mastering the gem trade to attract the nobles for a chance to win. Although it is quicker than Catan (takes 30 minutes to play), it appeals to your ability to come up with a strategy to overcome the challenges in the game. This game also includes some historical detail and beautiful components.
Caution: This game contains small game pieces that can be a choking hazard.
Enchanted Forest (Ages 4+)
The number of players: 2-6 players
You can never go wrong with an easy-going board game that can accommodate even the kiddos. The whimsical theme of this game takes players through a treasure hunt in the land of fairy tales. It appeals to kids’ memory and exploration skills. This game takes 30 mins to play.
You can also try: Busy Town ( Ages 3+)
Hoot Owl Hoot (Ages 4+)
The number of players: 2-4 players
This board game is sure to keep pre-schoolers occupied. It is simple – players have to work together to help all the owls get home before sunrise. This cooperative game offers a great fun way of teaching younger kids strategic thinking and social skills.
Forbidden Island (Ages 10+)
The number of players: 2-4 players.
Ready for adventure? Forbidden Island is one of the few board games that will appeal to your adventurous spirit. Basically, players have to work together to collect treasures and escape a sinking island before they are sucked in. This board game will keep both adults and kids at the edge of their seats.
Other cooperative games your kids will love: Pandemic (Ages 8+) and Castle Panic (ages 10+).
Settlers Catan (Ages 10+)
The number of players: 2 players
Despite being introduced to the market in 1995, this game never gets old. It is especially a favorite among kids (and adults) who prefer witty games over the standard board game. Basically, each player struggles to build a civilization that beats their opponent’s creation. This game beckons your math skill in probability calculation to determine whether you win or lose. The perk of this game is that you get to constantly change your strategy as you see fit to earn more points. This immersive game can last for about 60 minutes.
Other interesting strategy board games to try: Carcassonne (Ages 7+), Quoridor (Ages 8+), and Cathedral (Ages 8+).
Ticket to Ride (Ages 8+)
The number of players: 2-5 players
If you’re a family that loves travelling and adventure, Ticket to Ride is well worth the purchase. In this game, players collect cards (trains and ships) and chart their routes across the world and lakes in North America. Easy right? Not quite. Some routes are more valuable than others and have higher points.
It is simple enough for kids to enjoy (especially those who love trains) and challenging enough to keep the whole family entertained.
Other travel and adventure board games like: Trekking the National Parks (ages 12+).
Wingspan (Ages 14+)
The number of players: 1-5 players
Wingspan is arguably the best board game featuring birds as its main focus and makes use of gorgeous artwork to keep its players entertained at every turn. It may be challenging at first, but after a few rounds, you’ll fall in love with it. The strategy behind this game is to try and attract as many birds to your reserve as possible by using the food you collect as bait. No need to worry about losing, as you’ll enjoy the game regardless of the outcome.
You can also try: Sushi Go! (ages 8+)
Ravensburger Rivers, Roads And Rails (Ages 5+)
The number of players: 1-8 players
Rivers, roads and rails is an interactive transportation-themed game that 140 tiles and simple instructions that kids of all ages can understand. Its constantly evolving gameplay and short play time make it possible for players to play it several times without being bored. Players of this game are tasked with building a transportation network for vehicles to travel. This game will resonate with kids who are creative and nurture their creative skills as well as memory skills.
Candyland (Ages 3+)
The number of players: 2-4 years
Designed for toddlers, this game has very few rules and requires no reading. Aside from the obvious fact that it features candy, this game appeals to kids because of its colorful nature, fun illustrations, and appealing destinations. Although older kids may not find this classical game appealing, younger kids are usually able to remain focused for many rounds of the game.
Qwirkle (Ages 6+)
The number of players: 2-4 players
This game is a mix of building strategy skills while sharpening your math. The rule of this game is simple – earn points for building lines by matching tiles with the same colour or shape. The player who manages to create a line of all six in a row earns a “Qwirkle”! But, don’t be fooled by its simple rules, as it challenges your mentality. You can play the whole game in 30-45 minutes, hence ideal for kids of all ages and adults.
There they are: 20+ of the best board games for kids and adults! Which of these have you played? Any favorites I missed? I’d love to know!
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