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Best Board Games for 8 Year Olds | Fun & Educational Picks

We love family game nights, and after testing countless options, we’ve found the best board games for 8 year olds that guarantee hours of fun.

These games strike the perfect balance between excitement and learning, making them a hit with both kids and parents.

Not only do they keep kids entertained, but they also help develop important skills like strategy, teamwork, and problem-solving—all without feeling like a lesson.

Whether it’s a fast-paced challenge, a cooperative adventure, or a game of wits, these picks will keep the whole family engaged.

A collage featuring 25 board games for 8 year olds, including popular games like "Harry Potter Hedbanz," "Throw Throw Burrito," "Guess in 10," "Kingdomino," and "Clue."

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Best Board Games for 8-10 Year Olds

There’s something special about gathering around a board game and enjoying screen-free time together.

The best board games for 8-10 year olds create those moments where laughter fills the room, and kids feel the thrill of making a clever move or mastering a new strategy.

From competitive games that spark friendly rivalries to cooperative ones that encourage teamwork, these games offer something for every kind of player. And the best part?

They’re just as fun for adults as they are for kids! Every game on this list has been played and loved in our home, making them a must-have for your next game night.

So grab your favorite snacks, clear off the table, and get ready for unforgettable family fun with these top board games!

We’ve personally played and tested these games with our family, considering factors like engagement, replayability, and skill-building benefits.

Each game on this list has been chosen based on real experiences, expert recommendations, and top-rated reviews from parents and educators.

Taco vs Burrito Card Game
Taco vs Burrito Card Game
This game has been a staple in our house for years. The fact that it was created by a 7-year-old makes it even more special—kids love knowing one of their own designed it!
The mix of strategy and silly surprises keeps everyone laughing, and it’s one of those games where adults have just as much fun as the kids. Perfect for game nights where you want to keep things lighthearted but still competitive.
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Guess in 10 Animal Planet
Guess in 10 Animal Planet
This has been a lifesaver for road trips and waiting rooms! My child loves coming up with the most creative questions to guess the animal, and it’s hilarious when the answers take a totally unexpected turn.
It’s sneaky learning at its best—kids sharpen their critical thinking and animal knowledge without even realizing they’re learning.
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5 Second Rule Game Jr.
5 Second Rule Game Jr.
We’ve had so many laugh-out-loud moments with this one. Watching kids scramble to name three things in five seconds—sometimes making up the most ridiculous answers—never gets old.
It’s a fast-paced, high-energy game that’s great for sleepovers or family nights when you want something easy to jump into.
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Kingdomino
Kingdomino
This game quickly became a favorite in our house! It’s like a mix of classic dominoes and strategy-building, which makes it fun for both kids and adults. My son loves piecing together his little kingdom, and I love that it sneaks in some math and logic skills.
Simple to learn, but there’s enough depth to keep it interesting.
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The Genius Square
The Genius Square
If your kid loves puzzles, this one is a must-have. The challenge of racing to complete the grid is addictive, and we often find ourselves saying, “Just one more round!”
It’s great for independent play or a fun parent-kid competition, and I love that it encourages problem-solving in a hands-on way. It is also one of our favorite math board games.
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Throw Throw Burrito
Throw Throw Burrito
Pure, chaotic fun. This is part card game, part dodgeball, and entirely hilarious. My child loves nothing more than launching a soft burrito across the room at unsuspecting family members.
It’s the perfect choice if your kids have energy to burn but still want to sit down and play a game.
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Hasbro Gaming Clue
Hasbro Gaming Clue
Clue never gets old in our house! Watching my 8-year-old try to outsmart us with their detective skills is one of my favorite parts of family game night.
The dramatic accusations, the thrill of narrowing down the suspect—it all makes for a game that’s as fun now as it was when I was a kid.
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Zombie Kidz Evolution
Zombie Kidz Evolution
This cooperative game is a hit in our house! The idea of working together to stop a zombie invasion makes it feel like an adventure, and the game evolves as you play, keeping it fresh. It’s one of the few games my son asks for again and again.
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Rush Hour Traffic Jam
Rush Hour Traffic Jam
This is the kind of game I don’t mind my child playing solo for hours. It’s a puzzle game where kids have to move cars around to clear a path, and it’s incredibly satisfying when they finally solve a tricky challenge.
A great way to develop patience and problem-solving without them realizing they’re doing “brain work.” This is one of our favorite one player games for kids.
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Playing Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride Board Game
We love Ticket to Ride because it’s part strategy, part adventure. Watching my son map out his train routes and strategize how to block others is always entertaining! It’s one of those games that’s easy enough for kids but engaging enough that adults enjoy it too.
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Brain Games Kids
Brain Games Kids
This game is fantastic for keeping young minds sharp. My child loves the challenge of solving each puzzle, and I love that it keeps them thinking critically in a way that feels like fun, not schoolwork. It’s a great mix of trivia, problem-solving, and fast thinking.
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Gravity Maze Marble Run
Gravity Maze Marble Run
This game is fantastic for keeping young minds sharp. My child loves the challenge of solving each puzzle, and I love that it keeps them thinking critically in a way that feels like fun, not schoolwork. It’s a great mix of trivia, problem-solving, and fast thinking.
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Apples to Apples Junior
Apples to Apples Junior
This game is a guaranteed laughter fest. My son loves coming up with the funniest (and sometimes completely nonsensical) word combinations. It’s easy to play, and every round is different, making it one of those games we always pull out when friends come over.
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Gnomes at Night
Gnomes at Night
This one surprised me! It’s a cooperative game where kids work together to help gnomes navigate a maze, and it’s been a big hit in our house. The teamwork aspect keeps things interesting, and it’s a great way to sneak in problem-solving skills while having fun.
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Think Fun Laser Maze
Think Fun Laser Maze
This game is pure STEM fun. My child loves figuring out how to direct the laser beams to hit the target, and I love that it encourages logical thinking in such a hands-on way. It’s one of those rare games where they feel like they’re just playing, but they’re actually learning a ton.
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Kids Against Maturity
Kids Against Maturity
Family game night has never been funnier. My son loves cracking jokes and seeing which ones make us laugh the most. It’s like a kid-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity, so it’s great for getting kids involved in wordplay and humor in a way that’s appropriate but still hilarious.
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Not Parent Approved
Not Parent Approved
If your child enjoys being silly, this game is a perfect fit. My son loves making up the most ridiculous combinations of words and seeing which ones make us laugh the hardest. It’s creative, goofy, and an instant mood booster.
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Sabobatage: The Boba Card Game
Sabobatage: The Boba Card Game
This game is pure chaos in the best way. My child loves the thrill of racing to build the best boba drink while sabotaging everyone else. It’s lighthearted, fast-paced, and always ends in laughter.
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Who Knows More? Kids or Adults
Who Knows More? Kids or Adults
My son loves nothing more than proving he knows more than the adults in the room, and this game gives him the perfect chance to do it! It’s a fun trivia game that sparks some friendly competition while sneaking in a little learning along the way.
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Ghost Blitz
Ghost Blitz
This game is all about quick thinking and fast reflexes, and it gets hilariously competitive in our house! Watching my child try to grab the right object faster than everyone else is always entertaining, and it’s a great way to get kids thinking quickly.
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Hedbanz, Harry Potter
Hedbanz, Harry Potter
We’re huge Harry Potter fans, so this was an instant favorite. My son loves guessing which character he is, and the themed twist makes it even more magical. It’s a great game for any little wizard who wants to bring a bit of Hogwarts into game night.
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Labyrinth Family Board Game
Labyrinth Family Board Game
This game is a classic for a reason. The shifting maze keeps every round feeling fresh, and my son loves the challenge of finding his way to the treasures. It’s simple but engaging, making it a great game for kids who like puzzles and strategy.
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Rapid Rumble
Rapid Rumble
This game is a race to shout out answers, and my child loves the high-energy pace. It’s one of those games that’s easy to learn but keeps everyone on their toes, making it great for parties and family nights.
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Exploding Kittens Party Pack Card Game
Exploding Kittens Party Pack Card Game
This game is as unpredictable as it gets! My son loves the suspense of waiting to see who will draw the exploding kitten card, and the quirky illustrations make it even more fun. It’s fast-paced, funny, and always leads to a lot of excitement.
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Monopoly: Pixar Edition Board Game
Monopoly: Pixar Edition Board Game
Monopoly with a Pixar twist? Yes, please! My child loves buying locations from their favorite movies, and it makes the classic game feel fresh and exciting. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Monopoly while keeping them engaged with characters they love.
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FAQs About Board Games

What makes a good board game for 8-10 year olds?

A great board game for this age group should be engaging, easy to learn but still offer some strategy or problem-solving elements. Games that encourage creativity, teamwork, or quick thinking tend to be favorites. It’s also helpful if they’re fun for both kids and adults!

What are the best board games for family game night with 8-10 year olds?

For a fun family night, games like Taco vs Burrito, Ticket to Ride, and Kids Against Maturity are great choices. They’re engaging for both kids and adults and encourage interaction, laughter, and a little bit of friendly competition.

What are some great one-player board games for 8-10 year olds?

If your child enjoys solo challenges, Rush Hour Traffic Jam, The Genius Square, and ThinkFun Laser Maze are excellent picks. These games are designed to keep kids engaged and thinking, even when they’re playing alone.

What are the best strategy board games for 8-10 year olds?

Games like Kingdomino, Labyrinth, and Zombie Kidz Evolution are great for kids who enjoy planning and problem-solving. These games challenge players to think ahead, adapt to changing situations, and develop winning strategies while still being fun and engaging.

Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown

7 Comments

  1. I can’t quite believe that I have yet to hear about any of these games. *Wonders to self… where have I been!! I especially love the coding ones. At the moment, the button house is hooked on Monopoly. There’s nothing like a bit of family board game time to get everyone exciting.

  2. Great list of games. Looking forward to playing more games with my two when they are a little older.

  3. I haven’t come across any of these games! Hubby and I love playing board games and, at 7 years old, my oldest daughter is just starting to really get into them. Emojito one sounds great – a fab way to help children learn to express themselves a bit and label their emotions. And the spy one looks really interesting.

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