How are board games good for child development?

Board games can help teach children everything from patience (“Wait your turn!”) to how to win or lose gracefully (“Nice game!”). Depending on the board game, playing might also encourage cognitive development by helping your child practice strategic decision-making and boost their reading, language, and math skills.

How often should families play board games?

Board games might come with rule books, but parenting doesn’t. As such, there’s not a magic number of board games per week for optimal development. If your child loves playing board games, finding time to play with them can make their day. Alternatively, setting a weekly family board game night can give children of all ages something to look forward to.

At what age can toddlers play board games?

As soon as your toddler can grasp the concepts of taking turns and following directions, they may be ready for board games. Be sure to select simple games with pieces that are too large to swallow. If you have any doubts, check the board game box for age recommendations. If your toddler is interested in joining games played by older children, you can always plop them in your lap and encourage them to play “on your team.”

The 33 Best Family Board Games of 2023

Board games are a terrific way to spend time together as a family. They can be fun, challenging, and educational, and will encourage you to share an activity that doesn't require watching a screen. Finding a game for the whole family can sometimes be a challenge, but once you do, get ready for hours (or at least multiple minutes) of fun.

Before purchasing a board game, consider looking for games that appeal to your children's ages, interests, and learning levels. We carefully considered any age recommendations, rules, number of players, challenge level, and entertainment value when reviewing products. We also consulted our team of editors (and parents) for their recommendations on board games their families love.

Here are the best family board games to keep everyone entertained and having fun together.

Our Top Picks

USAopoly Blank Slate Game at Amazon

Jump to Review

Hasbro Gaming Monopoly at Amazon

Jump to Review

Mattel Games UNO Attack! at Amazon

Jump to Review

University Games Pete the Cat Missing Cupcakes Game at Amazon

Jump to Review

Hog Wild T.A.P.E.S! at Barnesandnoble.com

Jump to Review

Monikers Wavelength at Amazon

Jump to Review

Big Potato P for Pizza at Amazon

Jump to Review

PlayMonster Drone Home Game at Amazon

Jump to Review

Z-Man Games Carcassonne at Amazon

Jump to Review

Hasbro Gaming Clue Junior at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Test whether great minds really do think alike in this family-friendly word-association game. Each round, someone draws a card with one word and one blank, and players fill in the blank to make a common phrase on their own mini whiteboard. The goal is to have the same answer as another player—otherwise, you won’t get a point. This game is intended for ages 8 and up.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 3 to 8 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Word recognition and word association}

What Our Editors Say

"This is our go-to game at every family gathering. We like that it's pretty quick, so no one gets bored. The rules are easy to learn, and it's always interesting (and hilarious) to see how everyone's brain works. I've also gifted this one a few times, and it's always a hit!" —Sarah Felbin, Associate Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit

Amazon

In this classic real estate game, it’s all about getting money, buying property, and building hotels (and staying out of jail). It’s a great way for kiddos to practice their math skills, and the whole family will enjoy racing their tokens around the board to snap up new properties.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 8 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Basic math}

Amazon

An exciting twist on a classic, UNO Attack! is similar to the beloved card-drawing game, with the addition of a machine that randomly shoots out cards. If you’re lucky, no cards will come out when you press the button, but you (or a fellow player) may be met with a barrage of cards to add to your hand—you just never know! The machine makes a variety of fun sounds and can be used to store the cards when not in use. This fast-paced game is designed for ages 7 and up.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 10 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Basic number and color recognition}

What Our Editors Say

“The suspense every time you hit the button to draw cards is fun. And my family can’t help but laugh when the machine spits out a bunch of cards.” — Hildara Araya, Commerce Editor, Verywell Family

Amazon

Kiddos who love the “Pete the Cat” books will enjoy teaming up with Pete and his friends to rescue cupcakes from Grumpy Toad. To save the cupcakes, players must sing, cooperate, act out activities, and identify foods, animals, and words. The game, which is recommended for ages 3 and up, includes 14 colorful 3D cupcakes, a cupcake tray, 20 birthday present cards, a game board, four game pieces, and of course, Grumpy Toad himself.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 3 and up | Skills Required: Picture and word association}

Barnes & Noble

Why pull out a tape measure when you could measure things in gummy bears or basketballs? In the silly measuring game T.A.P.E.S!—which stands for "Turn-Based Approximate Proportion Estimation Showdown"—players select an object in the room, spin the wheel to determine their unit of measurement, then estimate how many units they think the object is, earning points when their guess is the closest to the real thing. The game comes with a clipboard, four measuring tapes, pencils, and paper.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 10 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up | Skills Required: Spatial awareness and critical thinking}

What Our Editors Say

“There are three things my family needs a game to be: funny, easy to learn, and fast. We picked up T.A.P.E.S! in a minute and were immediately guessing how big our TV, sofa, front door, and heads were. This is, of course, in such precise units of measurement as pizza, bananas, and weiner dogs. It's falling-on-the-ground hilarious, and kind of humiliating to realize that my 9-year-old can measure in squirrels much better than I can.” — Sabrina Rojas Weiss, Senior Commerce Editor, Verywell Family

Amazon

Find out whether you’re really on the same wavelength as your family members with this fun game. To play a round, draw two cards: one with a spectrum (for instance, hot to cold) and one with an object (coffee, for example). Then, one player secretly places a target where they think that object falls on the spectrum. The rest of the players then turn a dial to where they think the first player placed the target. The closer their guess is to the target, the more points they earn. The game is recommended for ages 14 and up, but tweens may enjoy it, too.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 12 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 14 and up | Skills Required: Critical thinking}

Amazon

This cheesy board game is a fitting addition to your next family pizza night. To play, match letter cards and category cards together to build a pizza shape. The first person to shout out an item from the category that begins with the given letter wins a card to add to their own personal pie. The cards are color-coded in red, yellow, and green to denote levels of difficulty, so you can tailor the game to your child’s skill levels.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Word association}

Amazon

Host a futuristic family game night with Drone Home, which includes a drone that launches into the air and flies around the room. To play, race to be the first to get your marble-like alien into the drone (or knock an opponent’s alien out of the drone!), then launch your alien, and watch them fly. The game is quick, so you can get in a few rounds before bedtime. Make sure to charge the drone with the included USB cord before you play.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Hand-eye coordination}

What Our Editors Say

“I was skeptical when I bought this game for my boys, but it's really fun, even for adults. The drone really flies into the air and around the living room, which delights my boys.” —Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, Senior Commerce Editor, Verywell Health

Amazon

Expand your empire, and conquer your enemies in this medieval tile-placing game. Strategic thinking is a must as you place city, monastery, road, and field tiles around the fortress city—since you build the board as you play, the game goes differently each time. Players can take on the role of a knight, monk, farmer, or thief as they form alliances or outsmart opponents. Since it contains small pieces, be cautious about letting little ones near the board. The game is recommended for two to five players, ages 7 and up.

Price at time of publication: $34

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 5 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Basic strategy and critical thinking}

What Our Editors Say

"If you know an older child who likes a good strategy game, this is a classic that can't be beaten. We like that you build the board as you play, so it's different every time. And it's addictive—we can never play just one round." —Sarah Felbin, Associate Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit

Amazon

Clue Junior introduces little ones to the beloved mystery-solving game, only without the bloody murders. In “Case of the Broken Toy,” players must deduce who broke the toy, which toy was broken, and when it was broken. There’s also a “Case of the Missing Cake” version of the game, in which players try to figure out who ate the cake, when they ate it, and with what drink.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 6 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 5 and up | Skills Required: Critical thinking and strategy}

Amazon

In this swashbuckling twist on the popular empire-building game, players navigate the different isles to collect resources like wood, goats, and molasses. Trade your resources for ships, pirate lairs, and more while avoiding the spooky Ghost Captain. The first player to collect seven pirate lairs wins.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up | Skills Required: Strategy}

Amazon

This game translates the viral online word game onto dry-erase boards, so you’re not limited to just one Wordle a day. One player will choose a five-letter word, while the rest of the players race to guess the word in as few tries as possible. To add to the competition, you can play in “fast mode” or “timed mode,” in which players compete against each other or the clock. The game is recommended for ages 14 and up, but younger kids with wider vocabularies may enjoy trying to guess the Wordle, too.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2-4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 14 and up | Skills Required: Vocabulary and strategic thinking}

Amazon

In this ancient strategy game, each player will take turns moving stones into their pockets in a counterclockwise direction until they are out of stones. The player who has the most stones in their home space at the end wins the game.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up | Skills Required: Counting and strategy}

4.2

Amazon

Pictionary meets Telephone in this clever game. The first player chooses a card and attempts to draw the clue on a dry-erase board. The next player must guess what the drawing is of to provide the clue for the third person’s drawing. The game continues until you’ve reached the last player and the final guess is revealed.

Price at time of publication: $30

4.5

Amazon

The goal of this game is to build the longest railway route across the country, collecting trains and destinations along the way. Kids will enjoy blocking their parents’ routes with the colorful plastic trains. This game is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, who can keep score, teach you the rules, and even play against you. Designed for two to five players, this game is made for kids age 8 and up.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 5 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Strategic thinking}

Amazon

Teens and adults who are fans of the video game will enjoy this board game adaptation of Skyrim. In this replayable fantasy strategy game, you’ll go on quests through Tamriel, fight dragons, hoard treasure, and defeat evil. Appropriate for ages 14 and up, this game can be played alone or with up to four players.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Players: 1 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 14 and up | Skills Required: Advanced strategy and critical thinking}

Amazon

In this game, one player wears a headband with a card facing out and tries to guess what animal, food, or object is on the card by asking the other players “yes” or “no” questions. It’s a race against the clock, so there will likely be a bit of friendly family competition.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 6 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Critical thinking}

4.5

Walmart

Board games meet a traditional hand of cards in this clever matching game. When a player plays a card, they place a chip on the corresponding square on the board. Once you have five in a row, it’s a “sequence.” (Note: Jacks with two eyes are wild cards for added excitement.) The game is designed for up to 12 players, ages 7 and up.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 12 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Play Time: Pattern recognition}

Courtesy of Target

Yeti in My Spaghetti from PlayMonster is a unique game that even the smallest members of your family will enjoy. In this wacky activity, the plastic noodles are piled across the bowl with the yeti figure precariously placed on top. Each person takes a turn removing a noodle, hoping the yeti won’t fall into the bowl. If you make the yeti fall, you lose. While the game recommends that players be age 4 and up, younger children might also enjoy learning the game with parental supervision.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 or more players | Age Recommendation: Ages 4 and up | Skills Required: Hand-eye coordination}

Courtesy of Khol's

Get ready to laugh with this easy version of classic charades featuring animals, objects, or actions. To play, spin the wheel, move the corresponding number of spaces on the board, then draw a card with a clue to act out. Acting out the clue while getting the other players to guess the answer will encourage confidence and develop communication skills. The simple picture recognition makes this playable for kids ages 3 years old and up. There’s really no limit to how many people can play the game, making it a great pick for family game night.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 6 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 3 and up | Skills Required: Word and image recognition}

Courtesy of Target

This easy-to-learn and fast-moving game is guided by a mix of strategy and luck. Two or more players take turns placing their numbered tiles in runs of either consecutive numbers of the same color or groups of the same number in different colors. Kids 7 years old and up will benefit from the inherent lessons of sequencing, pattern recognition, and planning skills.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Sequencing and pattern recognition}

Courtesy of Khol's

It may be a stretch to call this a board game. It requires absolutely zero skill, but it’s sure to bring lots of laughs to your family. Load the arm with whipped cream (not included) or a wet sponge, and take turns cranking it until someone gets whacked in the face with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s recommended for ages 5 years old and up, but if an even younger child is OK with some whipped cream in the face, go for it.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 or more players | Age Recommendation: Ages 5 and up | Skills Required: Basic number recognition and counting}

Courtesy of Walmart

Like bingo but better, this fast-paced family game builds matching and word recognition abilities. It’s great for 4-year-olds and up, and even little kids will be able to go head-to-head with parents, siblings, or anyone else. You’ll need at least two people for this game and can play with as many as six people.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 6 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 4 and up | Skills Required: Basic language and matching}

Whether you are perplexed by chess or a master, No Stress Chess will introduce the age-old strategy game to kids ages 7 years old and up. The innovative set includes a standard chess board, along with cards. Each move is determined by drawing an action card that illustrates exactly how to move the piece, helping chess beginners become familiar with the rules.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Basic strategy and critical thinking}

Courtesy of Amazon

In this Amazon Exclusive version of the high-stakes two-person guessing game, players aim to be the first to sink the other’s ships and crash the other’s planes. Each board has storage compartments for the pegs, ships, and planes, so it’s easy to clean up. While it’s targeted for ages 7 and up, if you have a younger child who has good letter and number recognition, that’s all they need to play.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Basic number and letter recognition}

Older kids and parents will enjoy this classic word game that requires players to put their letter tiles together to build words, add up points, and try to win the game. It may be harder for younger kids to go head to head with adults, since much of the skill of Scrabble relies on a robust vocabulary and proficient spelling skills.

For a high schooler, this could be their chance to show off and take down a parent. Scrabble is designed for two to four players who are ages 8 and up.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Spelling and word recognition}

Courtesy of Target

The classic Pop-O-Matic bubble will bring parents back in time, while little ones will enjoy moving the colorful pegs. With straightforward rules, the simple goal is to move your four pieces around the board without getting into “trouble,” which sends them back to start. Trouble is for kids 5 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 5 and up | Skills Required: Basic counting}

Courtesy of Target

Everyone’s heart will be racing as your family removes the blocks one by one, just waiting for it to fall. It’s perfect for ages 6 and up and can be played with as many people as you have. If no one else wants to play, no worries—Jenga is fun as a solo game, too.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Key Specs:
Players: 1 or more players | Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up | Skills Required: Motor skills and hand-eye coordination}

Courtesy of Amazon

Little builders will enjoy the challenge and hands-on nature of this game. Players are tasked with creating a mousetrap out of wacky plastic pieces to capture their opponents while moving around the board at the same time. The game is for two to four players and is best for ages 6 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 6 and up | Skills Required: Motor skills and number recognition}

Amazon

This classic dice game mixes strategy and luck with every roll of the dice. Kids will enjoy the fast pace of the game and won’t even realize all the math they are doing as they play. This portable game is best for kids 8 years old and up.

Price at time of publication: $9

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 or more players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Age-appropriate math skills}

Courtesy of Amazon

The Game of Life has been around for more than 140 years and continues to be a family favorite for game night. Drive your car around the board as your character gets a job, has a family, adopts a pet, and more. (In this updated version, your character might even get a job as a vlogger.) It’s designed for two to four players, ages 8 and up. Get ready for adventure, action, and lots of surprises!

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 4 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 8 and up | Skills Required: Basic counting and reading}

Courtesy of Amazon

If your family likes Alice in Wonderland, they’ll love this classic Disney movie turned board game. Choose from a deck of cards to find out how you’re going to stack the teacups without knocking them over. It’s made for children ages 5 and up, and two to ten players can play.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 10 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 5 and up | Skills Required: Basic reading}

Amazon

What do you get when you combine dodgeball with cards? Throw Throw Burrito! Designed for two to six players, ages 7 and up, players will try to match up cards faster than their opponent, all while throwing, ducking, and dodging squishy, flying burritos.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Players: 2 to 6 players | Age Recommendation: Ages 7 and up | Skills Required: Pattern recognition}

How We Selected Family Board Games

When picking our list of the best family board games, we considered entertainment value, rules, and challenge level to provide a fun mix of games for different interests and ages. We also consulted our editors to learn about the games they like to play with their families.

What to Look for in a Family Board Game

Entertainment Value

Family game nights should be fun for everyone involved, so you’ll want to find a game that’s entertaining, no matter the age difference. Consider how old your children are and the game’s suggested age range, to make sure it will engage them. You’ll also want to think about your children’s interests when it comes to board games or card games.

Some games, like Scrabble, are best for older children who are able to spell. A child who cannot spell yet would more than likely enjoy a simpler game that involves their participation more, such as Yeti in My Spaghetti.

Simple Rules

It’s no secret that board games are a ton of fun, but some of them are just difficult to learn. Before purchasing a board game, consider looking for games that appeal to your children's ages, interests, and learning levels. This will make the game easier to learn, especially if it’s an age-appropriate game for everyone.

For families with younger kids or a mix of ages, board games with straightforward rules will ensure that everyone playing understands their role in the game. Families with teens or tweens may enjoy a board game with more complex rules. If you’re ever unsure about a game, look at reviews to see what other families have to say. If you feel it will be too difficult to learn or too advanced for a member of your family, skip it.

Challenge Level

There are dozens of great benefits to playing board games, such as encouraging early learning, boosting language skills, and soothing anxiety. But if a board game is overly challenging, it can become overwhelming and unenjoyable.

Look for games that will challenge the members of your family without being too much. For example, if you have children over the age of 6, consider Rummikub. Children will practice their planning skills and learn about sequencing and pattern recognition, but they’ll also have fun in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are board games good for child development?

Board games can help teach children everything from patience (“Wait your turn!”) to how to win or lose gracefully (“Nice game!”). Depending on the board game, playing might also encourage cognitive development by helping your child practice strategic decision-making and boost their reading, language, and math skills.
How often should families play board games?

Board games might come with rule books, but parenting doesn’t. As such, there’s not a magic number of board games per week for optimal development. If your child loves playing board games, finding time to play with them can make their day. Alternatively, setting a weekly family board game night can give children of all ages something to look forward to.
At what age can toddlers play board games?

As soon as your toddler can grasp the concepts of taking turns and following directions, they may be ready for board games. Be sure to select simple games with pieces that are too large to swallow. If you have any doubts, check the board game box for age recommendations. If your toddler is interested in joining games played by older children, you can always plop them in your lap and encourage them to play “on your team.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 6-year-old son, and 2-year old daughter. Sadly, her husband is a rare person who does not like family board games. While Maya enjoys them, she is left to play them alone with the brood, which never seems to end as well as intended. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t like them.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. Prior to joining the Verywell Family team, Phoebe Sklansky was a freelance writer for multiple home and entertainment outlets. She holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and is partial to word games like Scrabble and Wordle.

The 13 Best Nintendo Switch Games for Kids of 2023

USAopoly Blank Slate Board Game

What Our Editors Say

Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Board Game

Mattel Games UNO Attack!

What Our Editors Say

University Games Pete the Cat Missing Cupcakes Game

Hog Wild T.A.P.E.S!

What Our Editors Say

Monikers Wavelength

Big Potato P for Pizza Board Game

PlayMonster Drone Home Game

What Our Editors Say

Z-Man Games Carcassonne Board Game

What Our Editors Say

Hasbro Gaming Clue Junior Case of the Broken Toy

CATAN Catan Junior Board Game

Hasbro Gaming Wordle The Party Game

Pressman Mancala

USAOPOLY Telestrations

Days of Wonder Ticket To Ride

Modiphius Entertainment The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Adventure Game

Spin Master Games HedBanz

Jax Sequence

PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti

Briarpatch Kids on Stage Charades Game

Rummikub Game

Hasbro Pie Face

Think Fun Zingo!

Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess

Hasbro Battleship

Hasbro Gaming Scrabble

Hasbro Gaming Trouble

Hasbro Jenga Mini Game

Hasbro Mouse Trap Board Game

Hasbro Yahtzee Classic Dice Game

Hasbro Game of Life

Disney Mad Tea Party Game

Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito Game