Best Board Games for Kids by Age and Subject (Fun for 3–12 Year Olds)
We love board games in our homeschool and for family game nights.
Over the years, we’ve tested dozens, from toddler-friendly classics to logic games that challenge older kids.
To help you choose the right one, I’ve organized our favorite board games by age and educational focus.
Whether you’re looking for screen-free learning, solo play, or something fun for all ages, you’ll find a new favorite here.
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Best Board Games for Kids by Age
Board games aren’t just fun, they’re a great way for kids to build problem-solving skills, think critically, and learn how to work (and play) with others.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just looking for new ways to unplug and connect, this guide has you covered.
To make things easier, we’ve organized the best board games by age group.
From toddler-friendly classics to strategy games for tweens and teens, there’s something here for every stage, and every kind of player.
Board Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
Introducing younger kids to board games helps develop early skills while keeping them entertained. Games for this age group are simple but fun, designed to engage their creativity and learning.
- For 2-year-olds, the best board games for 2 year olds feature bright colors and simple gameplay, keeping them engaged and entertained.
- At 3 years old, kids love more interactive games, and the best board games for 3 year olds promote cooperation and sharing.
- As 4-year-olds become more imaginative, the best board games for 4 year olds encourage early problem-solving and creativity.
- By the time they turn 5, children are ready for the best board games for 5 year olds that balance fun with learning, helping them prepare for school.
- In kindergarten, board games for kindergarten support both social skills and academic growth, making learning enjoyable.
Board Games for Elementary Kids (Ages 6-12)
As kids grow, they’re ready for more challenging games that develop critical thinking and teamwork. They offer a mix of fun and educational value, engaging their curiosity.
- Six-year-olds enjoy the best board games for 6 year olds, which mix strategy and skill-building to keep them engaged without being too difficult.
- By age 7, the best board games for 7 year olds help develop planning and decision-making, making gameplay exciting and rewarding.
- Eight-year-olds are captivated by the best board games for 8 year olds, which blend learning with entertainment through more advanced rules.
- At 9 years old, kids love the challenge offered by the best board games for 9 year olds, combining strategic thinking with fun.
- When they turn 10, children enjoy the best board games for 10 year olds that encourage critical thinking and creativity in their gameplay.
- Eleven-year-olds thrive on the best board games for 11 year olds, where creative problem-solving and more immersive gameplay take center stage.
- By age 12, preteens are ready for the best board games for 12 year olds, which involve deeper strategies and themes, offering a more advanced challenge.
Board Games for Teens and Solo Play
Teens crave strategy, challenge, and sometimes the chance to play alone. Board games for teenagers and solo options offer exactly that, with a mix of competitive and independent play.
- The best board games for teens provide immersive, strategic experiences that are perfect for social gatherings or group play.
- For quick and fun gameplay, the best card games for young adults are ideal for casual gatherings or family game nights.
- When kids want to play solo, board games for one player are a great option, offering independent, challenging, and engaging experiences.
Educational Board Games
Welcome to a world where learning becomes an exciting game!
In this list of best educational kids board games by subject, we’ll explore our favorite games.
Whether you’re looking to reinforce math skills, expand vocabulary, delve into history, or explore science concepts. You will find the perfect board game:
Top Educational Board Games for Math and Strategy
Explore some of the best board games for kids, designed to make learning fun and engaging. Whether you’re reinforcing math concepts or building critical thinking skills, these games are perfect for young learners.
- The best mathematical board games are a great way to help kids practice arithmetic in an interactive environment.
- Kindergarten math board games are ideal for younger children, offering a fun way to introduce numbers and basic math concepts.
- Older children will enjoy the challenge of middle school math board games. These focus on more advanced topics like algebra and geometry.
- For number recognition and sequencing, number board games are an excellent option. The order of operations games provides engaging ways to understand complex math rules.
- Families will love the best strategy board games for families, which combine fun and learning through problem-solving and planning.
Social Studies Board Games
Educational board games can also teach strategy, science, and history in ways that captivate young learners and families alike.
- The best science games for kids introduce exciting scientific concepts and hands-on exploration in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
- History lovers will enjoy the best history board games, which make learning about historical events and figures an adventure.
- Geography enthusiasts can explore the world with the best board games for travel. Including world map games for kids and fun state games for kids that focus on geography and cultural understanding.
Additional homeschool games
Learning about financial literacy, teamwork, and problem-solving can be fun with the right educational games.
When it comes to building vocabulary, the best word association board games encourage language development while keeping players entertained.
The best money board games are perfect for teaching kids the value of money, budgeting, and financial decision-making.
If you enjoy challenges, the best at home escape room board games recreate the thrill of escape rooms at home, combining teamwork and critical thinking.
For those homeschooling, the best homeschool board games offer a well-rounded approach to subjects, ensuring learning is engaging and effective across various topics.
Seasonal Board Games
‘Tis the season for board game fun!
While the holiday spirit has us all excited for Christmas-themed games, we’re here to let you in on a little secret: there’s much more to come!
In this roundup of seasonal board games, we’ll dive into the jingle bells and holly jolly excitement of Christmas themed games, but don’t worry, we won’t stop there.
Stay tuned as we continue to update this post in the coming weeks, bringing you a treasure trove of board game recommendations for every season. Ensuring year-round entertainment and joy for you and your loved ones. Get ready to roll the dice and join us on this ever-growing adventure of seasonal board game goodness!
- Best Halloween board games
- Best board games for Thanksgiving
- Best Christmas themed board games
- Winter themed board games
Board Game Reviews
Welcome to our board game review corner, where we take our passion for tabletop adventures to the next level!
In this series of in-depth board game reviews, we’ll dive into the world of cardboard, dice, and meeples. Providing you with honest and comprehensive insights into the latest and greatest games.
What are the top 10 board games for kids?
The best board games for kids of all ages are:
- Kids Create Absurdity
- Sussed
- Taco vs Burrito
- Trekking Through History
- Christmas Rush Card Game
- Gravity Maze Marble Run
- The World Game
- Chronology
- The Game
- What Do You Meme?
At what age can children start playing board games?
The age at which children can start playing board games can vary depending on their individual development and interests. However, many experts suggest that children can begin to engage with simple board games as early as 3 years old. At this age, they can start to understand basic concepts. Such as taking turns, following simple rules, and counting spaces on a board.
Preschool-age children, typically around 3 to 5 years old, are often drawn to games that involve colors, shapes, and basic counting skills. Games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are great choices for this age group. As they promote early learning and provide a foundation for understanding game mechanics.
As children grow older, around 5 to 8 years old. They can handle more complex games that involve strategic thinking and decision-making. Games like Guess Who? are excellent options as they introduce elements of strategy and problem-solving while still being enjoyable for younger players.
By the time children reach 8 years old and beyond. They can start exploring a wider range of board games that may involve more complex rules and gameplay mechanics. Games like Monopoly Junior and Clue Junior are fantastic choices for this age group, as they offer more depth and opportunities for critical thinking.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and their readiness to play board games may vary. Some children may show an interest in games at an earlier age, while others may take a little longer to develop the necessary skills.
It’s always a good idea to choose games that align with their current abilities and gradually introduce more complex games as they grow and develop.
Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown