Board games are my family’s “thing.”
Whenever we have downtime, you can find us at the kitchen table cracking open a box, digging out the pieces, laying out the board, shuffling the cards, and putting our game faces on.
I recently ventured downstairs to our games closet – yes, we have a whole closet dedicated to board games – and counted 40, not including card games.
But don’t worry; there is no need for you to have such an extensive collection. It only takes a few great games to get in some quality screen-free family time.
And the benefits reach far beyond peeling the kids away from their devices. Board games teach youth critical thinking, logical reasoning, teamwork, turn-taking, and so much more.
Playing games together as a family can result in more open communication, stronger bonds, and fond memories your kids will look back on for years to come.
Here are our top ten board games that provide hours of fun for everyone from your toddler to your teenager.
Magical Encounters
Mattel, Ages 7+
This is one of our favorites by far because it is a cooperative game where the whole family works together against the evil dragon Gadworm to collect four crystals and save the woodland creatures in the kingdom! Plus, it features a Magic 8 Ball – a blast from the past for us parents.
Scrabble Junior
Hasbro Gaming, Ages 5+
The best part about Scrabble Junior is the fact that it includes a double-sided board. One side is designed for kids who can’t spell on their own yet (with the letters of words spelled out on the board) and the other is blank for independent spellers, meaning this game grows with your child and appeals to a large age range if you have more than one kiddo.
The Game of LIFE
Hasbro Gaming, Ages 8+
This classic never gets old and includes many valuable life lessons along the way. The kids love to pick their own path and experience the exciting twists, turns, and adventures that come along with it. It also teaches kids about money management and some of the trickier parts of real life in a fun and exciting way.
Jumanji
Spin Master Games, Ages 8+
This is my top pick on the list! It gets you thinking and moving, and has an element of magic and wonder. It takes you on a quest through the jungle, solving riddles and completing challenges while trying not to lose your life tokens. Although the first player to make it to the centre and yell “JUMANJI” wins, it also teaches teamwork, as the game ends if any one player loses all their life tokens.
Battleship
Hasbro Gaming, Ages 7+
This classic game says it is for kids that are seven and older, but younger children can play on a team with an adult. My now seven-year-old son has taken on the role of a naval warfare officer with his dad as his executive officer since he was about three.
Twister
Hasbro Gaming, Ages 6+
Right foot red! Left foot green! This classic combo of Simon Says-meets-breakdancing remains a great way to get kids out of their seats. It’s also great for helping younger kids learn colors and left from right, and it gets everyone laughing when the kids end up splayed out in a pile on the floor.
What Do You Meme? Family Edition
Ages 8+
This game is my kids’ favorite – by far! To the point where we sometimes need to veto it when asking them to choose a game. It is an incredibly simple concept that leads to hours of laughter. You simply pair a photo with the funniest possible caption card. The judge chooses the best one (the judge rotates to each player) and whoever ends up with the most photo cards at the end of a predetermined number of rounds, wins. Again, this game says it is for children eight years and older, but my son has been playing it for years with some help from an adult.
Tapple
The Op Games, Ages 8+
This is probably the most traditionally “educational” game on this list. In this fast-paced word game, players choose a card with a category, press the timer, and shout out words related to the category that start with a certain letter. Once the related word is announced, press the corresponding letter tab. If you can’t think of one before the timer goes off, you’re out.
Scattergories
Hasbro Gaming, Ages 13+
This is a grown-up version of Tapple, where you write down things in each category that start with the letter rolled – from appetizers to movie stars. Your answer only counts if no one else has it, prompting your kiddos to think creatively. This is a good one for older kids (like my ten-year-old daughter) and teens who may not want to play games aimed at younger children.
Headbanz Junior & Headbanz
Spin Master Games, Ages 5+
This game is great because it can be used on road trips or in places where you need to kill time, like an airport. Simply strap the headband around your head, pop in a card (without looking, of course!) and ask yes or no questions to guess who or what you are. This game allows kids to get really creative with their questions and improve their vocabulary, as well as refining working memory and listening comprehension.
Stacie is the associate editor of Calgary’s Child Magazine and mother of a delightful daughter and silly son. Her days are filled with playing in parks, creating crafts, and keeping up with the chaos. She thoroughly enjoys supporting, connecting, and informing parents through interesting stories like this one.
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