Finding board games that actually hold a 9 year old’s attention (and don’t end in boredom after one round) can make family game nights so much more fun.
At this age, kids are ready for games that feel a little more challenging while still being easy enough for everyone to enjoy together.
Over the years, we’ve tried everything from quick card games to longer strategy-style games, and the ones below are the ones that kept coming back to the table.
Some get everyone thinking, some lead to a lot of laughing, and others turn into surprisingly competitive evenings, but all of them are games kids genuinely want to play again.
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Fun Board Games for 9 Year Olds
By age nine, kids usually want games that feel a little more grown-up but still move fast enough to stay fun.
This mix includes quick card games for short play sessions, cooperative games where everyone works together, and a few longer strategy games for kids who like a challenge.
These are the ones that worked well for family game nights, playdates, and rainy afternoons, easy to learn, but interesting enough that no one was asking to quit halfway through.
Forbidden Island
This one always turns into a tense (but fun) race against time in our house. Everyone works together to grab the treasures before the island sinks, which makes every round feel different. It’s easy to learn, but there’s enough strategy that kids actually have to think ahead instead of just moving pieces around.
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Wizarding World Harry Potter Edition Clue
The Hogwarts setting makes this feel fresh even if your kids already know classic Clue. Moving through familiar rooms and piecing together clues keeps everyone focused, and it’s one of those games where kids naturally slow down and really think through their choices.
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Mythical Creatures Drawing Games
This is always good for laughs. The kids love mixing animals into ridiculous fantasy creatures, and the drawings usually turn into mini stories by the end of the round. It’s simple, silly, and surprisingly great for getting reluctant players involved.
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BLANK SLATE
This one gets competitive fast, in a good way. Everyone tries to guess the same word based on a prompt, and it’s hilarious when someone’s brain goes in a totally different direction. It’s quick to play, easy to explain, and works well with mixed ages.It's one of our favorite word board games for kids.
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Really Loud Librarians
This is one of those high-energy card games where things move fast and kids stay engaged the whole time. There’s just enough strategy to keep it interesting, but mostly it’s about quick decisions, timing, and a lot of laughing when plans fall apart.
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Taco vs Burrito
This one is pure chaos in the best way. Every round turns into kids trying to build the weirdest (and funniest) food combinations while messing up each other’s plans. It’s quick, silly, and perfect when you want a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
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Monopoly The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition
If regular Monopoly feels too long, this version moves faster and keeps kids more interested. The Mario theme adds fun twists to the classic gameplay, and the power-ups and boss battles make it feel more like a game than a lesson in real estate.
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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This always gets loud, and competitive. It’s all about speed, focus, and trying not to slap the pile at the wrong time. Great for burning off energy and getting everyone laughing within minutes.
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Star Wars Villainous: Power of The Dark Side
This one works really well for kids who like strategy and Star Wars. Everyone plays a different villain with their own goal, so no two games feel the same. It takes a little longer to learn, but once they get it, it’s hard to stop playing.
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Carcassonne
This is a calmer game but still keeps kids thinking the whole time. Building the map together and deciding where to place tiles turns into a fun puzzle every round. It’s simple to start but gets more interesting the more you play.
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My Little Scythe
This one feels like a big adventure game made kid-friendly. The quests, characters, and race for trophies keep kids focused the whole time, and there’s enough choice involved that they actually have to plan instead of just reacting.
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Labyrinth Family Board Game
This is a great mix of simple and clever. The maze keeps shifting, so every turn feels like a new puzzle to solve. Kids love blocking each other’s paths (in a playful way), and it never feels repetitive.
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Ticket to Ride First Journey Board Game
Perfect if your child likes planning but doesn’t want complicated rules. Claiming routes and racing to connect cities is easy to pick up, but still exciting right to the end. It’s one that works well with adults too.
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Zombie Kidz Evolution
This one quickly became a favorite because it changes as you play. Each win unlocks something new, which makes kids feel like they’re progressing through a story instead of replaying the same game over and over. Great for teamwork.
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Sorry Board Game
A classic for a reason. It’s simple, fast, and always leads to lots of laughing (and a little playful revenge when someone gets sent back to start). Perfect when you want something easy but still fun.
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5 Second Rule Game
This one is always a hit when energy is high. Kids have to blurt out answers fast, which usually leads to funny mistakes and lots of laughing. It’s great for groups and works well when you don’t have time for a longer game.
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World of Disney Eye Found It
This feels more like a giant scavenger hunt than a board game. Everyone works together to spot hidden objects across familiar Disney scenes, which keeps kids engaged the whole way through. It’s especially good for quieter afternoons.
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Apples to Apples Junior
This is an easy one to pull out when you have mixed ages playing. The silly card combinations usually turn into inside jokes by the end of the game, and kids love trying to outsmart the judge with the funniest match.This is one of the best card games for tweens.
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CATAN
Once kids get the hang of trading and building, this becomes surprisingly addictive. It’s one of those games where they start thinking ahead, negotiating, and planning their next move without even realizing how much strategy they’re using.
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Board Games for Different Age Groups
If you’re looking for great games beyond this age range, we’ve got you covered. Whether your child is just starting to explore the world of board games or already diving into more advanced challenges, these lists offer something for everyone:
Explore these recommendations to find games that suit your child’s age and interests, making every game night a memorable one!
Last Updated on 6 February 2026 by Clare Brown
