Looking for the best board games for kids? Here’s a list of 60+ games for kids from toddler to age 10+ (and games adults will enjoy playing, too). This comprehensive list will keep your family rolling in board game fun, because obviously there’s no such thing as having too many board games.
What are the best board games for kids?
Sign me up for a good game night—I absolutely love board games.
But with kids, it can be a bit trickier to find ones that are fun for both the kids and the adults or for both older siblings and younger siblings to play together.
Throughout my years as a parent (my oldest is 11 now), I’ve searched high and low for the ultimate board games: ones that work for the whole family. That’s exactly what this list is – a collection of games that everyone can truly enjoy.
Why board games are amazing for kids
Board games are a staple in our household. I gift my kids a new game for almost every birthday or Christmas, which means over the years, we’ve built up quite the collection. And honestly, I’m fine here for it.
Board games are one of those “write-off” toys—you can never have too many. They provide incredible value, teaching kids so many important skills while being so much fun. Here are just a few of the skills board games help develop:
- Communication Skills: Talking through moves, negotiating, and strategizing.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Figuring out the best way to play or win.
- Taking Turns and Sharing: Essential social skills that grow with every game.
- Winning and Losing Graciously: Learning to handle different outcomes.
- Rule Following: Understanding and respecting that life has rules.
- Math Skills: Many games have a math element—counting moves, adding points, and more.
Board games are truly powerful tools for growth, and having them around makes such a difference in family playtime.
How the game list is organized
I’ve organized this list by age categories based on when a child might first enjoy a particular game. Remember, these games are fun for more than just the age listed – they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Just because Monopoly says it is for 8+ doesn’t mean only 8-year-olds enjoy Monopoly. Think about that as you search through my lists.
Please don’t skip over a game just because of the age label; these board games are fantastic across different age groups and can be a hit with a range of kids and adults. Age is but a number.
JUMP – The best board games for kids
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Games for preschool-age and older
These aren’t games that only preschoolers will like. These are games where preschoolers are the first age to begin playing them, but not the only age.
Outfoxed
Think Clue for kids but with cooperative learning and less murder. This is one of my personal favorite games to play with kids – it has some really cool elements that make it a total stand out.
Note about Outfoxed: This is a truly special game that will be enjoy by kids well into elementary school. The first time they will be interested in it is late preschool-age.
Lava Lizard
This is a sweet little 2-player matching game and it is perfect for littles. There are 5 different ways to play the game and that variety is awesome. This is a really great first game for kids (and stays fun for years).
Hoot Owl Hoot!
A cooperative play game where everyone works together to win (or lose together). These games are fun for little ones to learn basic game play skills (like taking turns).
Cooties
Did you also forget about how awesome cooties are? I sure did. Toddlers love them. My big kids love them. In fact, my big kids argue over whose room they should live in.
Unicorn Glitterluck
This is the most adorable game with gems, dice, and cute wooden unicorns. It’s a sweet game for little learners – and one that big kids and adults won’t mind playing.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!
This game gets 10k reviews on Amazon, and I can add 3 more five-star reviews from my kids. It’s a sweet little game with cute pieces.
Zingo!
This is a just-right-for-kids BINGO!!! This is the best little game for kids and parents or siblings with an age gap – a fun alternative to traditional BINGO that doesn’t require reading skills.
The Fairy Game
A cooperative learning game (win together or lose together), The Fairy Game pits the players again “Mr. Winter.” Will you help the fairies save the garden? This game is really fun and is one that my 8 year old and his 6 year old neighbor friend pull out often to play.
First Orchard
One of the absolute all-stars in the “my first games” category: First Orchard is a knock out. Counting skills, turn taking, fine motor skills… this is a classic that’s sold millions of copies for a reason.
Kids on Stage
This is the perfect charades game for kids – it’s just so well done. The cards have pictures and words on them so kids who aren’t readers can still enjoy this game with their reading siblings and friends. If you have drama-loving kids, acting it out here will be the best. My kids love this game still.
Animal Upon Animal
Roll the dice and stack the animals. This game is fantastic because not only is it fun… but the pieces make a great toy for kids to play with.
Spot It!
Need a travel game? A car game? A diaper bag game? You need Spot it! It’s part matching, part Where’s Waldo and really just about the best “toy” to always have on you. Fun for all ages of kids.
Story Time Chess
Yes, I put this chess game in the right section. Story Time Chess is an awesome, award winning way for kids to learning the game of chess, as early as the preschool years. With a storybook and characters, kids learn the basics in a much more fun way than I ever did.
Hi Ho Cherry-O
It’s a GOAT for a reason. If you are looking to add hands-on counting and math skill games into your playroom, this should be on your short list.
Go, Go, Little Penguin!
A new game for preschoolers that came out in summer 2024. It is adorable. The parent penguin and the baby penguin move together in this perfect way to introduce board game skills to kids (turn taking, following rules, etc).
Yeti in my Spaghetti
What a perfect game for toddlers on up to elementary school – it’s been a favorite here for half a decade. It’s got a very Jenga-element: remove the spaghetti without letting the Yeti fall.
Lucky Ducks
It’s a little bit memory, a little bit carnival game. I know it looks gimmicking but it’s really fun. The ducks move on a rotating track and my kids LOVE it. This 40 year old happens to also really enjoy this one too.
Hungry Hungry Hippos
It’s a classic for a reason. Everyone should own Hungry Hungry Hippos. The End.
Game for ages 5+
Remember, these aren’t games that only 5 year olds will like. These are games where 5+ is the first age to begin playing it – but not the only age.
The Fuzzies
Think Jenga but with pom pom balls and cards to draw with challenges. Sometimes, you have to use tweezers to pull out the pom pom ball. Sometimes, you have to pick a specific color. It’s a really great twist on an old favorite.
Monza
We love Monza! This game has a beginning and advanced board (double sided). As kids and adults get better at this race car dice game, you get more skilled in strategy. This is a cool game.
Sleeping Queens
This is a really fun game for the older kids (the box says 8+, I’d say 5+). The goal is to wake up as many queens as possible… but it takes a little skill and a little luck to win. Side note: I would play this one with adults too. It’s that fun.
I Saw it First!
If you have kids who like “Spot It!” and I-spy style games, take it up a notch with I Saw it First! This game is fantastic. 300 jungle animals to spot on 7 interlocking, double-sided hexagons. You draw a token and try to find that animal first. It is addicting. My family has loved this game for years.
Rhino Hero
10/10 game with many elements. Think Jenga, House of Cards, and Uno rolled into one game with a tiny wooden Rhino as the kicker. This game is excellent for ages 6 to adult (caught my wholesome husband playing it alone).
Mancala
Did you play Mancala as a kid? I did. Then as a K-1 teacher, I watched hundreds of students fall in love with this. Now, I’ve watched the same magic come over my kids. Mancala is a joy.
Rat-a-Tat Cat
Hello to the favorite of my neighborhood for all of last winter. Ages 4.5+ on this one and have the best time trying to avoid the rat and find the cats. This one plays in fast rounds, best with 3+ players (IMO).
Color Brain Disney
I recognize the box for this says 12+ but I spent all last year playing this game with a 4-year-old who consistently beat me, so I disagree… respectfully. If you are a Disney family, pick up this game (which involves no reading). Answer questions like “What 5 colors are on Mrs. Potts tea kettle?” and “What color is Mike Wazowski’s eye?”
Exploding Kittens
Another game that took my family by storm this year. Players draw cards until one “explodes” (very Russian roulette) and the anticipation builds…then strategy comes into play.
My kids introduced Exploding Kittens to their aunt and she immediately bought it for her adult friends. It’s that good.
No Stress Chess
Do you have a child interested in Chess? This is a great way to start them off. Players flip cards over that tell them what to do each turn. While it does take the logic out of Chess, it teaches children the moves of the game and lays a great foundation.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
An absolute winner!!!! I’m not sure how to explain this one: it’s a rapid fire card game with a slap jack element. Can you just take my word? Kids over about age 6 (and adults) will love it. Ah! There’s just something about this game. *Chef’s Kiss*
Sloth in a Hurry
This game is adorable and so much fun. It’s an improv game for kids – charades with a twist. Instead of just acting out a dinosaur… this game adds the who, what, and how. Can you act out a dinosaur making a sandwich on the moon? It’s a sweet family game.
Get Wild
Another “all play” game (no taking turns). It’s fast-paced and wild. Work to restore the habitat of your National Park… it’s easier than it sounds. A great learning opportunity and a truly fun game for adults, kids, or a mix.
Parcheesi
A true classic – there’s something so adorable about kids playing such an old fashioned game. My 3 kids (6, 7, 9) absolutely love this one and have for many years.
Other Parcheesi-type games:
Taco vs. Burrito
My kids love this game – and it was created by a 7 year old, It’s quirky, fun, and really does only take about 15 minutes so it’s great in a hurry.
Blokus
We love this. By we, I mean, my kids AND my husband and me. In fact, my husband and I regularly play this without the kids. It’s like a game of Tetris but actively hindering the person next to you. So much strategy and critical thinking.
Pass the Pig
Old school game that’s been around decades but was new to us. Kids can play together or solo as they roll tiny pigs into different poses.
Gnomes at Night
This is another cooperative play game – but for the 5-6+ crowd. It’s a maze based game and my kids always grab for it at the neighbor’s house.
Buildzi
Think head to head logic puzzle/building game. You race to see who can make the vertical puzzle fastest (or play solo).
Happy Salmon
10/10 on this game for kids and adults, mixed ages, or adults only. It’s loud, it’s funny, it uses hand motions. It’s an absolute hoot.
Monopoly Junior
This really is Monopoly for kids – it’s so good, such a great first step, and so perfectly done. My son latched onto this game at age 4 and spent most of the year obsessing over it. It plays in about 15 minutes, unlike regular Monopoly.
Super Skills
Remember Minute to Win It? This is basically that but as a self contained game. Perfect for family game night (says 8+ but I say 5+).
Games for ages 8+
800 Pound Gorilla
Omg, I love this game. This came out in June 2024 from the makers of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. In this game, you guess the size of gorillas, move fast, and try to steal coconuts and bananas. I have had so much fun playing this with my kids and the neighbor kids. Instant classic.
Deduckto
This was another stand-out new games (to me) for 2024. I think this game is a riot and a great take on “Clue” style play – my kids agree. Everyone has a character they are trying to suspect they are trying to deduce the name of (along with their location and disguise). Simple, but a mental workout.
Throw Throw Burrito
This was the stand-out new game for my family in 2022. It’s an all play game (you don’t take turns) and each round ends with people in your family throwing foam burritos at each other. There just isn’t much more we can ask for from a game. It’s perfect. Ages 5-7 will want to play this game – they’ll do great but will need an adult partner.
Cover Your Assets
A very fun card game that my family can’t get enough of. There’s a lot of stealing involved in this game which makes it very competitive, but in a good way.
Unstable Unicorns
“Build a unicorn army. Betray your friends.” This is an epic card game that my family can’t get enough of. My daughter isn’t the biggest game player…. unless this is the game we pick then she’s all in. She holds our family record for largest unicorn army and that tracks.
Kingdomino
Super cool game (and game series) with multiplication elements so be ready for that. Players are connecting kingdoms like dominoes in this fantasy-based tabletop game.
Genius Square
My personal favorite game! Play solo or head to head: this game has 60,000 different puzzle combinations so it has a bit of longevity. It’s like competitive Tetris. I’m obsessed.
Shifting Stones
This is a great family game: it’s a puzzle game where players rearrange and turn tiles to match specific patterns. It’s spatial reasoning, decision making, and super fun for kids and adults. I’m surprised this isn’t a more popular game.
Five Crowns
This has been a family favorite since I was in high school. When my then-8 year old could play, it was my full circle moment. Create sets of 3 or more cards which sounds simple enough in round one… but the last round has 13 cards. It’s so fun.
Yahtzee
This is an easy one to forget about in the shuffle of fancy new games – but there’s so much good that comes from Yahtzee (and so much math).
What’s the Point?
This is a sweet card game and I’m such a fan of it, but it’s new and from a newer game maker. My big plug for this game: if you have a mix of siblings and are looking for a fun game to introduce card play that everyone will have fun playing, this would be my pick. While it’s simple to learn, it’s really fun to play. This is a hidden gem.
Dragonwood
Set in a mythical forest, Dragonwood is rich with strategy opportunities and game play critical thinking. A great first step before some of the more complex tabletop fantasy games.
Monopoly Deal
Direct from my then 8-year-old: “This is a very fun game, but hard at first. You’ll get the hang of it. This game is fun and I just beat my dad twice.” This game is awesome but definitely 8+.
Skull King
If you are someone who loves Hearts, Skull King is the game for your family. This is a trick-taking game (the same family of game play as Hearts, Spades, and Pinochle), but it introducing this game play style in a really awesome, engaging way for kids.
Games for ages 10+
Sixem Dice Game
A new game from a new company – we love to see it. This dice game looks very simple and it’s really easy to learn… but it’s full of strategy and sabotage which are my favorite things to do during a game. This game is awesome.
Poetry for Neanderthals
Think Taboo, but with a vocabulary twist and an inflatable bat. If you speak in anything other than single syllable words, someone hits you (gently) with the blow up bat. It’s hysterical.
Upwords
I love this game – and I loved it as a kid. It’s like “Scrabble for beginners.” Instead of only playing words on a flat 2D surface, Upwords allows players to build off of already played words. “Mouse” can be changed to “mount.” It completely levels the playing field.
Catan
There is a reason this is one of the most popular games in the 10+ category. With a new playing board every time you play, Catan can be played on repeat. It also helps children develop skills in strategy and critical thinking – this game is a legend.
Azul
A strategy board game using mosaic tiles, my 10-year-old and husband love this game. It’s competitive, strategic, and take under 45 minutes to complete.
Splendor
Based around trade routes and jewels, this strategy game is fun for 10+ to adults. My sister-in-law taught this to my son and he was blown away. Game play is faster for this one compared to similar games (just about 30 minutes to play a round).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of our board games are stored in clear zipper pouches rather than boxes. This saves space and makes it easier for my kids to find the games they’re looking for. I wrote about how to store board game here.
I noticed my kids were first interested in games around age 3. This seemed like a great time for my family to start game play – but remember, all families are different and have different kids. You’ll have to make this call for your family.
Most kids are. This isn’t something unique to just your child. Kids don’t like losing… humans generally don’t. With board games, we build our understanding that losing and failure have no impact on our value, worth, or who we are. That’s an important lesson to learn and carry throughout life.
As the adult, what can you do? Win at board games. Let kids lose. Let them learn how to manage and process those feelings. They can only do that with practice, so buckle up, be supportive, and model/normalize losing when it happens to you.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2.3 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
