15 Best Kids Playing Games 2024 Reviews
Finding the best board games for kids playing games can be as tricky as not stepping on a LEGO barefoot. Our list of the top 15 kids’ board games focuses on creating fun, laughter, and a sprinkle of learning too. We’ve handpicked games that promise to transform your kitchen table into a world of adventure, strategy, and belly laughs. These games are the ultimate trifecta: easy to learn, engaging for kids, and interesting enough to keep adults from nodding off. Whether it’s building empires, solving mysteries, or just a rollicking good time, our list has it all covered.
On this list:
15 Candy Land
Ah, the classic! Candy Land is like the board game rite of passage when kids start playing games. It’s all rainbows and sweets, which keeps the little ones glued to the board. Kids don’t need to read much, and it relies on luck, making it fair game for everyone. It’s pure sugary nostalgia in a box!
14 Guess Who?
Guess Who? is a fun and interactive game where kids get to sharpen their deductive reasoning. The game is surprisingly intense and funny, considering you’re just asking yes or no questions. It’s basically a way to play detective on a rainy day, which kids love!
13 Hungry Hungry Hippos
Talk about chaotic fun! This game is the perfect way to expend some energy. Kids playing games like Hungry Hungry Hippos will enjoy the fast-paced marble-munching frenzy. There’s no strategy, just lots of action, noise, and laughter!
12 Chutes and Ladders
This is the game that can teach the ‘life’s ups and downs’ lesson without the boring lecture. Chutes and Ladders offer simple game play that’s about reaching the top, and kids absolutely love the thrill of climbing up and racing their friends.
11 Operation
What more can kids want than pretending to be a doctor with a silly patient who buzzes? Operation is loud, surprising, and requires nimble hands. Kids playing games like these are improving their motor skills while having a blast!
10 Mouse Trap
Mouse Trap is one part board game, one part crazy Rube Goldberg machine. The setup might take a while, but the payoff is worth it when the trap finally works. Kids playing games that let them build and play are always intrigued!
9 Connect 4
Connect 4 is a simple strategy game for kids dipping their toes into competitive play. It’s like tic-tac-toe on steroids, and it keeps kids engaged as they plan their next move. It’s a winner for being quick and easy to understand.
8 Memory Game
Memory Game, true to its name, is all about testing how well kids can remember card positions. It’s a fantastic way to give those brain muscles a good workout. Kids playing games that aren’t just fun but educational are bound to learn something!
7 The Game of Life
The Game of Life is where kids can drive their tiny cars and have pretend careers, families, and adventures. Kids like a dose of reality mixed with fun, and this game provides just that. It’s like life in a box for kids!
6 Catan Junior
For the future strategy game lovers, Catan Junior is a good stepping stone. It brings the charm of the classic Settlers of Catan but with simpler rules. Kids playing games like these get to trade, build, and develop their strategic thinking.
5 Sequence for Kids
Sequence for Kids combines the fun of a board game with the strategy of cards. It makes kids think about their moves and plan ahead, wrapped up in a fun, engaging package. It’s simple enough for younger players to grasp while still being fun.
4 Ticket to Ride: First Journey
A slimmer version of the popular Ticket to Ride, this game is perfect for kids playing games that involve planning and building routes. It’s visually pleasing and helps kids develop spatial awareness. All aboard for some fun!
3 Blokus
Blokus is a colorful game about claiming territory. Kids playing games like Blokus learn strategy and spatial reasoning in a non-threatening way. The pieces are like Tetris blocks, and the goal is to place as many pieces as possible. Simple, but challenging!
2 Zingo!
Zingo! is a fast-paced twist on classic bingo. Kids love the frenzy of matching tiles to their cards. It’s a game that promotes quick thinking and helps kids reinforce word recognition. Plus, who doesn’t like yelling ‘Zingo!’?
1 Takenoko
We saved the best for last with Takenoko! This gem of a game has a delightful panda theme, strategic gardening, and beautiful artwork. Kids playing games like Takenoko develop strategic planning skills while nurturing a garden for a hungry panda. It’s the perfect blend of strategy, charm, and whimsy for young players. Takenoko gets top honors because it balances fun, strategy, and cuteness better than the rest.
