7 Best Kids Games of 2024: Review and Fun Guide

Check out our top picks for the best kids games! These are all fun, easy to learn, and perfect for families.
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Candy Land coverChutes and Ladders coverHi Ho! Cherry-O cover

Finding the best kids games can be a real adventure. We focus on games that bring laughter, learning, and a bit of friendly competition. Each pick needs to be easy for little hands to handle and quick to set up, because let’s face it, kids have the attention span of a goldfish! From classic favorites to new gems, these games will keep your kids entertained and happy. Whether it’s their first game night or they’re little board game pros, this list has something for everyone. Let’s help you find the best kids games out there.

On this list:

7 Candy Land

Candy Land cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Candy Land is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to learn and colorful, making it ideal for younger kids. We had a blast playing it, even though the game mostly depends on luck. No reading is required, so it’s great for pre-schoolers. The simple gameplay keeps everyone engaged, and the candy theme is a hit with kids. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce young ones to the world of board games.

6 Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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This game brought back so many memories! Chutes and Ladders is perfect for teaching kids about counting and simple math. It’s full of ups and downs, just like real life, but in a fun way. Watching the kids slide down the chutes and climb up the ladders is hilarious and heartwarming. We found it helps with patience and taking turns, which are key skills for any kid.

5 Hi Ho! Cherry-O

Hi Ho! Cherry-O cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-3
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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Hi Ho! Cherry-O is a fruity treat of a game. It’s great for teaching basic math and counting. The kids were super engaged, filling their buckets with cherries. We loved the colorful, hands-on nature of this game. It’s quick and easy to understand, making it perfect for younger kids. Plus, the cherry-picking theme is just plain fun.

4 The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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This game’s as fun to play as its name is to say! We found The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game to be a great way for kids to practice their color matching and fine motor skills. It’s adorable and the kids loved using the little squirrel tongs to collect acorns. The game is simple but very engaging, and the components are super cute, making it a winner in our books.

3 Ticket to Ride: First Journey

Ticket to Ride: First Journey cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15-30 minutes

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A kid-friendly version of the popular Ticket to Ride, this game is a fantastic introduction to strategy games. We enjoyed watching the kids plan their routes and collect train cards. It simplifies the original game enough for younger players but keeps the fun and excitement. It’s also educational, as it introduces basic geography in a fun way. A big hit with both kids and adults in our group.

2 Outfoxed!

Outfoxed! cover

  • Age Range: 5+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20-30 minutes

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Outfoxed! is a cooperative game that had us all on the edge of our seats. The kids loved being detectives, working together to deduce who the thief was. The game promotes teamwork and problem-solving, which we found fantastic. The components are high-quality, and the gameplay is engaging and suitable for younger kids. It’s one of those games where everyone wins or loses together, making it a more supportive and fun experience.

1 Sleeping Queens

Sleeping Queens cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Sleeping Queens takes the cake as our top pick for the best kids games. Created by a 6-year-old, it’s super imaginative and keeps everyone hooked. We loved the quirky queens and the strategic elements. The game requires memory skills, basic math, and a bit of luck. It’s perfect for different age groups, keeping both kids and adults entertained. The artwork is charming and the gameplay fast-paced, making it a favorite at our game nights.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.