Our Selection of Favourite Board Games to Play with Kids

Playing board games with kids is not only a great way to bond as a family, but it also helps children develop critical thinking skills, social skills, and even academic abilities. With a plethora of board games available, selecting the right ones can be challenging.

Here are some favorite board games that are perfect for kids, offering fun and educational benefits.

1. Candy Land

Candy Land is a classic choice for young children. The game is simple to understand and play, making it ideal for kids aged 3 and up. Players move their pieces according to the color of the card drawn, navigating through a colorful, candy-themed board. This game helps young children learn colors, follow instructions, and develop patience as they wait for their turn.

2. Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders is another timeless board game suitable for children aged 4 and above. The game involves rolling a die to move along a numbered board, climbing ladders, and sliding down chutes.

It’s excellent for teaching counting, number recognition, and basic addition skills. Moreover, it introduces the concept of cause and effect, as players experience the ups and downs of the game.

3. Guess Who?

Guess Who? is a fun, interactive game that encourages critical thinking and deductive reasoning. Suitable for children aged 6 and up, players ask yes-or-no questions to deduce which character their opponent has chosen. This game helps improve language skills, logical thinking, and the ability to ask strategic questions.

4. Ticket to Ride: First Journey

First Journey is a child-friendly version of one of the most popular board games of all time - Ticket To Ride . Suitable for children aged 6 and up, it involves collecting train cards to complete routes across a map.

This game helps children develop strategic thinking, planning skills, and an understanding of geography. The colorful design and straightforward rules make it an engaging and educational choice.

5. Catan: Junior

Catan: Junior offers a simplified version of the classic Catan game, perfect for children aged 6 and up. Players collect resources to build ships and pirate lairs on a tropical island, promoting resource management and strategic planning. The game’s engaging pirate theme and accessible rules make it a hit among young adventurers.

6. The Game of Life

The Game of Life is a classic game that simulates a person’s journey through life, from education and career to retirement. Suitable for children aged 8 and up, it introduces concepts of financial management, decision-making, and long-term planning. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about life choices and consequences.

When selecting board games for kids, it's essential to consider the age appropriateness, educational value, and entertainment factor. Games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are great for younger children, while older kids might enjoy more complex games like Ticket to Ride: First Journey and Catan: Junior.

Ultimately, the best board games are those that bring joy, foster learning, and create lasting memories for the whole family.