The Top 5 Board Games for Kids

Board games are a great way for kids to have some screen free fun. While playing games, your kids will practice important soft skills like communication and taking turns. They'll have to follow directions and think strategically as they try to win. Kids learn so much from playing games with others. If you're looking for some fun board games for your next family game night, here are five of the top board games for kids.

Hasbro Connect 4 Game

If you’re looking for a two player board game for kids, here is a fun one. The goal is to get four discs of your color in a row. You can stack your winning four left, right, up, down, or vertically. But, you can’t get so focused on winning that you lose track of what your opponent is doing. Otherwise, they’ll end up with the win. The game board is a grid that consists of seven columns where you can drop your disc. There are six rows. You will need to assemble the board when you get it, by sliding the legs and slider bar onto the board. Then divide up the discs by color (yellow and red), and start playing. This board game is great for kids aged six and up.

Pros

Two player game
Simple to learn
Helps kids practice strategy

Cons

The small discs can easily get misplaced and if you lose too many you can’t play it anymore

Peaceable Kingdom Race to the Treasure

Are you tired of your kids whining if they lose the game? Instead of stirring up competition and rivalry, this game does the opposite. It inspires kids to work together to claim victory as a team. The goal of this cooperative board game for kids is to beat the ogre to the treasure. Players work as a team to build a path from the Start square to the End one. But, they can’t just go straight from one to the other. They have to collect three keys on their journey so they can unlock the treasure. The board and cards are all high-quality and hold up well even with a lot of use. Once the board is set up, players take turns drawing and playing cards. If they get a path, they can decide which way to place it. But, if they reveal an ogre, they have to put it on the side of the board. If the ogres pile up to reach the treasure first, everyone loses. This game takes about twenty minutes to play, and is geared for kids ages five and up.

Pros

Players work together
Requires creative problem solving
Good for younger kids as well as older ones

Cons

Not very complex, so kids may get bored with it

5 Second Rule Junior

If you’ve ever played the original 5 Second Rule, you know it’s a hoot. This junior version is a perfect board game for kids. The goal is to be the first to move your piece from start to finish. In order to make it happen, you have to be quick thinking. On your turn, you’ve got to name three things that match the category on the card. But, you only have five seconds to get it done. You never know what category you’ll get since there’s so much variety on the cards. Can you name three flavors of ice cream or three things that are red in just five seconds? Kids tend to enjoy the crazy twisted timer this game comes with. It makes a noise that may annoy some adults. The game comes with 200 cards (that each has two sides for a total of 400 questions). There are also six pawns, a board, and the timer. This board game for kids is perfect for up to six players.

Pros

Play is quick
Often leads to laughs
Kid friendly categories and topics

Cons

The annoying timer

Ticket to Ride – Play with Alexa

The goal of this fun family board game is to build train routes from city to city across the United States. Each player gets train cars to use along the way. You draw cards to see which routes you need to complete and then start building. You must have the colored cards you need to claim routes. This version of the game connects with Alexa, so you don’t even need to read the rule book. You can simply say, “Alexa, launch Ticket to Ride” and your instruction begins. You’re also able to play against Alexa for a fun tech integration. Game play takes between 30-60 minutes, and accommodates between 2-6 players. There are special rules to add if you have fewer players, to ensure it’s still challenging. Kids age eight and up will enjoy playing this train adventure board game.

Pros

Learn US geography while you play
Tech integration with Alexa (if desired)
Easy to learn

Cons

You’ll need a fairly large playing surface to have room for the board and all the cards

Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It Board Game

You don’t have to wait until your kids can read to begin playing board games. This toddler-friendly game is a good fit for kids as young as three. There’s no reading required to play. The long board game reveals a busy town. Toddlers will enjoy the visual stimulation, checking out all of the details. Players work together on this game. The goal is to move all players to the boat before the picnicking pigs run out of food. On their turn, players spin the spinner. Depending on what it lands on, they’ll do one of three things: move spaces, remove a food from the pigs’ blanket, or turn over a Goldbug card. If you flip a Goldbug card, everyone works together to find as many of that object as possible. You may be looking for flags, barrels, or a number of other things. Then everyone moves that many spaces.

Pros

Encourages cooperation
Detailed game board that’s fun to look at
Can be played by young kids or older ones

Cons

Kids might memorize where items are

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I teach a new board game to my child?

Once you introduce a new board game to your child, it may take a couple of tries before they really understand how to play. Don’t give up. If possible, play a practice round or two, that doesn’t count. Then your child may not feel as pressured to do well when they are first learning. Keep the atmosphere fun and relaxing. Read the rules aloud, and see if you can find a YouTube video. Another possibility is to team up with your child to play, so you can help them get the hang of it. Then when they’re ready, they can try it on their own.

When is the best time to start playing board games with kids?

When your child is ready to follow simple directions and take turns, it’s a great time to find some beginning board games. Start slowly, with games designed for toddlers or younger kids. Always make sure the game you’re trying to play is age-appropriate. You want to avoid anything with small pieces if your child still mouths objects.