Best 9 Popular Board Games for Kids in 2024

Check out these popular board games for kids. We’ve picked fun games for the little ones to enjoy.
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Candy Land coverChutes and Ladders coverGuess Who? cover

9 Best Popular Board Games for Kids

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained? We’ve tried and tested some of the best popular board games for kids, focusing on fun, simplicity, and educational value. We wanted games that will keep them glued to the table, whether they’re strategizing, laughing, or learning. From classics that have stood the test of time to newer hits that you might not know about yet, this list has something for everyone. Grab some snacks, gather the family, and check out our top picks!

On this list:

9 Candy Land

Candy Land cover

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

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Candy Land takes us back to childhood. It’s colorful, simple, and teaches kids how to take turns and follow basic game rules. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet adventure?

8 Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders cover

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

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Chutes and Ladders is a classic choice. It’s a great way for kids to learn about consequences – going up ladders for good deeds and sliding down chutes for not-so-good ones.

7 Guess Who?

Guess Who? cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Guess Who? is an engaging game that helps kids build critical thinking and observation skills. It’s a face-flipping good time of yes and no questions!

6 Connect 4

Connect 4 cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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Connect 4 is a fun strategy game with a simple goal: get four in a row. It’s perfect for kids to improve their planning and focus without being too complex.

5 Operation

Operation cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 1+
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Operation is a hilarious game that tests dexterity and patience. Extracting funny bones and butterflies without making the buzzer go off always leads to giggles and gasps!

4 The Game of Life

The Game of Life cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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The Game of Life is a family favorite that guides kids through life’s milestones, from college to retirement. It’s a fun way to discuss real-life events in a playful setting.

3 Sorry!

Sorry! cover

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

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Sorry! is a lively game of strategy and luck. Kids will love the thrill of sending opponents’ pieces back to start while racing to get their own pieces home.

2 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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Ticket to Ride: First Journey simplifies the beloved Ticket to Ride game for kids. It’s a great way to introduce young ones to strategy and geography in a fun, accessible way.

1 Catan: Junior

Catan: Junior cover

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

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Catan: Junior tops our list! It brings the essence of classic Catan to kids, introducing them to resource management and strategy. It’s captivating, educational, and immensely fun – a perfect blend for young gamers.

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.