23 Best History Board Games That Help History Come Alive

As a homeschool mom, I’m always on the lookout for the best history board games to make learning fun and interactive for my son.

These board games for kids bring history to life, turning lessons into engaging adventures that explore everything from ancient civilizations to pivotal moments like the American Revolution.

Whether you’re teaching about the past or simply want to spark your child’s curiosity, these games offer a perfect blend of fun and education.

How to Incorporate Historical Board Games into Your Homeschool

Using board games about history is a fantastic way to enhance your homeschool history curriculum and make learning more interactive.

These games bring historical periods to life, from ancient civilizations to pivotal events like World War II.

Whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, building timelines, or celebrating remarkable figures throughout history, these educational games offer diverse gameplay experiences.

Pairing these games with history books for kids provides a well-rounded understanding of key historical events and concepts.

By blending traditional resources with hands-on activities, you create a dynamic and immersive learning experience that not only captures your child’s interest but also deepens their historical knowledge.

These board games are also fantastic gifts for history lovers!

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Trekking Through History

A super fun board game that lets you explore different historical landmarks around the world. You'll travel through time and visit famous sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China, collecting cards and learning cool facts along the way. It's perfect for both history buffs and casual players.

Carry on reading for our Trekking through History review

Chronology

This is one of the top board games for teens where you'll put your knowledge of historical events to the test. Players have to correctly place cards in chronological order, trying to build a timeline of different historical moments. It's a great game to challenge your memory and learn more about history.

This can also be played as a solo player card game in your history lessons.

Herstory: The Board Game of Remarkable Women

An empowering and educational game that celebrates the achievements of influential women throughout history. You'll compete to collect cards featuring remarkable women and their accomplishments, while also learning about their impact on the world. This game is a fantastic way to inspire young minds and educate players of all ages.

Carcassonne Board Game

A classic tile-placement game that takes you back to medieval France. Players take turns building a landscape of cities, roads, and monasteries by strategically placing tiles. It's a great game for both beginners and experienced players, with easy-to-learn rules and endless possibilities.

You can read our Carcassonne review for more details.

Catan Histories: Settlers of America

A captivating board game that combines the beloved mechanics of Settlers of Catan with the historical setting of early American colonization.

Players take on the role of settlers, competing to build roads, settlements, and cities while navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the expanding frontier. It's an engaging game that blends strategy, resource management, and a dash of history.

Placing The Past

A fantastic history-themed card game that challenges players to create accurate timelines of historical events. It's a fun and educational game perfect for family game nights, parties, or anytime you want to put your historical knowledge to the test.

Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game

An immersive strategy card game that takes you on an adventure through different civilizations. With its pocket-sized design, it's perfect for travel and can be enjoyed by 1 to 4 players.

Whether you're seeking a brain-teasing challenge or a fun family activity, this game provides an exciting and strategic experience. It's a great choice for those who enjoy compact board games that offer depth and replayability.

History of the World

An epic board game that takes you on a journey through the rise and fall of civilizations. From ancient empires to modern times, you'll control different civilizations and vie for dominance over the ages.

It's a game of grand strategy and diplomacy, where alliances are forged and kingdoms rise and fall. With its complex gameplay and historical depth, it's best suited for older kids.

Monopoly World War II We Are All In This Together

A unique edition of the classic Monopoly game that brings the events of World War II to life. Players will buy and trade iconic wartime locations, collaborate on missions, and make strategic decisions to help their side win the war.

It's a historically themed version that adds a new layer of depth to the traditional Monopoly gameplay.

The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley

A nostalgic board game based on the classic computer game. Players take on the roles of pioneers, leading their wagon trains westward on a perilous journey across the American frontier.

They'll face challenges like river crossings, food shortages, and illnesses while trying to reach the promised land of Willamette Valley. It's a family-friendly game that combines strategy and history.

7 Wonders Board Game

A highly acclaimed civilization-building game that offers a captivating experience for adults. With its new edition, this family-friendly game allows 3 to 7 players to construct their own ancient wonders and develop their civilizations.

It's a strategic board game that provides endless possibilities and challenges, making it a perfect choice for game nights.

Diplomacy Cooperative Board Game

An intense and immersive strategy game set in Europe, where players take on the roles of world powers in the early 20th century.

You'll engage in negotiations, alliances, and backstabbing as you vie for dominance and territorial control. It's a game that requires strategic thinking and diplomatic skills.

Constitution Quest Game

An educational and engaging board game that tests your knowledge of the United States Constitution. Players travel across the board, answering trivia questions about the Constitution to advance.

It's a great way to learn about the principles and history behind one of the most important documents in American history.

Splendor

A gem-collecting and engine-building board game that combines simplicity with deep strategic gameplay. Players take on the role of Renaissance merchants, acquiring gem cards and using them to purchase developments.

The goal is to become the most prestigious merchant by building the most impressive gem empire. With its elegant mechanics and beautiful components.

This is one of the top board games for 10 year olds too!

Pandemic Fall of Rome

An exciting cooperative board game where players work together to save the Roman Empire from invading barbarian hordes. As a team, you'll strategize and utilize special abilities to fend off the threats and keep the empire intact.

American Trivia Game

With 1,000 questions across 5 different categories, this game will put your knowledge of American history, geography, pop culture, sports, and more to the test. It's a great choice for trivia nights, gatherings, or simply expanding your knowledge in an entertaining way.

Timeline Classic

A clever and addictive card game that challenges your ability to correctly place historical events in chronological order. Players take turns adding cards to a growing timeline, aiming to create a seamless progression of events.

It's a compact and easy-to-learn game, making it a great option for family game nights or quick gameplay sessions.

Imhotep Builder of Egypt

Takes you back to ancient Egypt, where you'll assume the role of architects competing to construct monumental structures and gain the favor of Pharaoh.

By strategically loading boats with resources and placing them at the right locations, you'll aim to score the most points and become the greatest builder of Egypt.

Related: Hieroglyphics worksheets

Axis & Allies 1942 Second Edition WWII Strategy Board Game

An epic World War II strategy board game that allows players to command the major powers involved in the conflict. You'll take on the roles of the Axis or Allies, strategizing and deploying forces across the globe to secure victory.

With its detailed game mechanics and historical accuracy.

Related: Famous dictators worksheets

Cyclades

A captivating board game set in ancient Greece, where players compete to control the Cyclades islands and gain the favor of the gods. You'll build armies, construct buildings, and invoke mythical creatures in your quest for dominance.

1754 Conquest: The French and Indian War

A historical board game that immerses players in the conflict between the French and British forces during the colonial era in North America. As either the French or the British, you'll recruit Native American allies, navigate the wilderness, and engage in tactical battles.

1775 Rebellion The American Revolution

A strategic board game that allows players to relive the events of the American Revolutionary War. As either the American Continental Army or the British Army, you'll maneuver troops, control key territories, and rally support to achieve your objectives.

7 Wonders Architects

A strategy game designed for kids and families, allowing 2 to 7 players to create their own civilizations in just 25 minutes. With its simplified mechanics and shorter playtime, it's suitable for ages 8 and up, making it an excellent choice for introducing younger players to the world of civilization-building games.

Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown

How to Incorporate Historical Board Games into Your Homeschool

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