17 Best Board Games for 10 Year Olds

We’ve played a lot of games over the years, and these are the best board games for 10 year olds that have kept our family entertained.

Whether it’s a quick card game, a strategy challenge, or a laugh-out-loud party game, there’s something here for every kind of player.

These games are great for family game nights, make fantastic gifts, and most importantly, keep kids engaged without screens.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time together, here are some of our favorites!

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Best Games for 10 Year Olds

At ten, kids are at a great age for games that challenge them, make them laugh, and keep them engaged.

Whether they love strategy, teamwork, or fast-paced action, there’s a game here that’s sure to be a hit.

Some of these games bring non-stop laughter, while others sneak in a little learning—just don’t tell the kids!

Spoof

If your family loves games that spark creativity and inside jokes, Spoof is a must-have. This one had us laughing so hard we could barely keep track of points! The best part? You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—just the most convincing.

We’ve played with a mix of kids and adults, and the team play option makes it easy for younger ones to join in. It’s lighthearted, easy to learn, and perfect for game nights when you just want to have fun without a ton of rules.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? Grounded for Life

This game is basically a family-friendly version of the popular meme game—but with a hilarious twist. We first played this on a rainy weekend, and within minutes, the entire family was cracking up at the ridiculous card combinations.

It’s simple: pair a red card with a blue one to make the funniest phrase. The results? Usually something so outlandish it feels like it came straight from a sitcom. If your 10-year-old has a sharp sense of humor, this game is a winner!

Trekking Through History Board Game

If your kids love history (or if you’re trying to get them interested in it), Trekking Through History is a great pick. We love how each card features a real historical event with stunning artwork—honestly, you end up learning without even realizing it.

The game moves quickly, and while it has some strategy, it’s still accessible for tweens. My son especially enjoys the challenge of planning his “time travel” route efficiently to score the most points. It’s the kind of game that feels both fun and educational, making it a parent-approved choice!

For more information about one of our favorites, read our Trekking through History review.

Splendor Board Game

I’ll admit, the first time we played Splendor, I thought it would be too complex for my son. But after one round, he was completely hooked. This game is all about collecting gemstones and building up your trading empire, and it has just the right balance of luck and strategy.

It’s easy to learn but surprisingly deep—every time we play, someone finds a new way to win! If your 10-year-old enjoys games that involve planning and thinking ahead, this one is a fantastic choice.

Pay Day

This game has been around for ages, and for good reason—it’s a fun, slightly chaotic lesson in money management. My son was completely fascinated by how quickly you can make (and lose!) money in Pay Day.

Between surprise bills, investments, and the chance to make extra cash, every turn keeps you on your toes. We love playing this when we want something that feels competitive but not too serious. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to real-world financial concepts in a way that actually makes sense to them.

Pandemic Board Game

I’ll be honest—when we first played Pandemic, I wasn’t sure how my son would feel about a cooperative game where everyone either wins or loses together. But it quickly became one of our favorites!

The teamwork aspect makes it stand out from most other board games. Instead of competing, you’re strategizing together to stop a global outbreak, which leads to some pretty intense moments. If your 10 year old enjoys problem-solving and working as a team, this is a fantastic pick. Just be prepared for some high-stakes discussions about the best way to save the world!

Check out our Pandemic board game review for more information.

Ticket to Ride Board Game

Ticket to Ride is one of those games that never gets old. The first time we played, my son was completely focused on building the longest train routes, while I was just trying to block him from taking over the map. It’s a great mix of strategy and luck, and every round plays out differently.

One thing I love is that it’s easy to learn but still challenging enough to keep kids engaged. Plus, the geography element sneaks in a bit of learning—not that they notice when they’re racing to complete their routes before anyone else!

Check out our detailed Ticket to Ride game review for more details on why we love it.

Carcassonne

This is one of our go-to family games because it’s simple enough for beginners but has plenty of strategy. In Carcassonne, you build a medieval landscape one tile at a time, connecting roads, cities, and fields. My son loves trying to claim the biggest cities while sneakily cutting off my routes.

It’s competitive, but not in a way that causes major game-night meltdowns. If your ten year old enjoys puzzles or creative thinking, this is a great choice. Plus, no two games ever play out the same way, so it stays fresh even after multiple rounds.

Carry on reading our Carcassonne review for even more reasons to buy it.

King of Tokyo

If your kid loves monsters and action-packed games, King of Tokyo is a no-brainer. You play as giant creatures battling for control of the city, and every turn is full of dice rolls, power-ups, and unexpected moves. The first time we played, my son went all-in on attacking everyone, while I tried to focus on upgrading my monster.

Let’s just say his approach worked better! It’s fast, easy to pick up, and has just the right amount of luck and strategy to keep things exciting.

Azul

At first glance, Azul looks like a quiet, relaxing game about arranging pretty tiles. But don’t be fooled—this game gets competitive fast! My son and I love trying to outmaneuver each other, making the perfect patterns while forcing the other player to take penalties.

The rules are simple, but every decision matters, making it the perfect game for kids who like thinking a few steps ahead. It’s also a great option if you want something that’s fun for both kids and adults, without feeling like a "kids' game."

Spy Alley Board Game

If your 10 year old loves mystery and strategy, Spy Alley is a great pick. The first time we played, my son went all in on his secret identity, keeping a straight face while trying to bluff his way to victory. It’s all about deception, deduction, and outsmarting your opponents before they figure out who you are.

What makes it fun is that even adults get caught up in the mind games, so every round feels like a battle of wits. It’s simple to learn but has just the right amount of strategy to keep everyone on their toes.

Double Ditto

This is one of those games that sounds easy—until you start playing and realize how unpredictable your family can be! Double Ditto challenges you to guess what other players will write, and the funniest part is realizing that no one thinks the same way.

We’ve played this with both kids and adults, and it’s always hilarious when someone confidently writes an answer, only to find out they’re the only one who thought of it. It’s quick, lighthearted, and great for kids who love word games but don’t want anything too complicated.

Catan

I wasn’t sure if my son would enjoy Catan at first—it seemed a bit long for a 10-year-old. But after the first game, he was hooked. It’s all about building settlements, trading resources, and negotiating with other players (which leads to some pretty funny deal-making).

Every game plays out differently, and it teaches kids the importance of planning ahead and adapting strategies. If your child enjoys games that mix competition with a bit of luck, this is a must-have. Just be prepared for some intense discussions about who gets the last brick!

Labyrinth

I love how simple but engaging Labyrinth is. The board is constantly shifting as players move walls to create new paths and block their opponents. My son and I have had plenty of “wait, what just happened?” moments when one move completely changes the game.

It’s easy to pick up but still requires planning, which makes it a great choice for kids who like problem-solving without the stress of a long strategy game. Plus, the ever-changing board keeps it fun, even after multiple plays.

Exploding Kittens Card Game

This game is pure chaos, in the best way possible. Exploding Kittens is a mix of strategy, luck, and absurd humor, and it has been my son’s favorite card game for years.

The tension of waiting for someone to draw an exploding kitten never gets old, and the ridiculous cards (like the “Tacocat” and “Catermelon”) make it impossible not to laugh. It’s quick, easy to play, and has just the right amount of unpredictability to keep every round exciting.

Brain Games

Based on the TV show, Brain Games Kids is packed with fun challenges that test logic, memory, and creativity. It’s one of the few games that gets everyone thinking while still feeling like pure fun.

The mix of puzzles and physical challenges means there’s something for every type of player, and it’s great for kids who like a mix of brain teasers and action. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to exercise critical thinking skills without kids even realizing it!

Trekking The National Parks

If your family enjoys nature or travel, Trekking the National Parks is a great choice. We picked it up before a road trip, and it quickly became a favorite. Players collect park cards, plan routes, and discover interesting facts about each location along the way.

It strikes a perfect balance between strategy and adventure, and it even sparked my son’s interest in visiting more national parks. If you're looking for a game that’s both engaging and educational, this one is a great addition to any collection.

More Great Board Games by Age

Looking for more great board games? Check out these recommendations:

Best Board Games for 8 Year Olds – Fun and engaging choices for younger kids.
Best Board Games for 12 Year Olds – More complex games for older kids who love strategy.
Best Family Board Games – Perfect for mixed-age game nights.

Do you have a favorite board game for 10 year olds? Let us know in the comments—we love discovering new favorites!

Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown

17 Best Board Games for 10 Year Olds | Fun for Game Night

Best Games for 10 Year Olds

More Great Board Games by Age

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Best Games for 10 Year Olds

More Great Board Games by Age

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