11 Best Nature Board Games to Play in 2025
Exploring the perfect board game can feel like searching for a rare species in the wild. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best board games with a nature theme, each one offering a unique dive into the beauty and wonder of the natural world. We considered factors like replayability, artwork, and the way each game showcases its natural theme. Whether you’re nurturing ecosystems, trekking through serene landscapes, or interacting with creatures big and small, these games will bring the great outdoors to your tabletop. Read on to find your perfect match!
On this list:
11 Wingspan
Wingspan lets you connect with nature by attracting birds to your wildlife preserve. You score points by meeting various feeding and nesting requirements. It’s all about strategy and appreciating avian beauty. We loved the ability to learn about birds while engaging in a competitive game. Our game nights became educational too! With stunning artwork and smooth gameplay, this one was an instant hit among the friends.
10 Parks
Parks is a walk through nature’s beauty without leaving your living room. You collect resources like water, sun, and mountains while visiting National Parks. It’s visually striking with thoughtful mechanics. The first game we played, we couldn’t get over the detailed trail tiles and adorable animal tokens. This game is not just eye candy but also a fulfilling adventure that makes you cherish nature.
9 Everdell
Everdell puts you in charge of a forest city, managing critters and structures. The tight planning and strategy kept us coming back for more. Each game felt like we were building our own woodland utopia. The cute critters and the immersive board design were the cherry on top!
8 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis shows the life cycle of trees in a competitive setting. Watching trees grow from seed to full maturity was satisfying. It’s all about careful planning as you watch out for shadows! When we played, the board transformed into a living forest, and every move felt impactful.
7 Cascadia
In Cascadia, you’re building a harmonious ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. Players create habitats for wildlife through tiles and tokens. The simplicity belies a deep strategic layer. We’ve found ourselves engrossed, trying to optimize animal habitats while balancing our tile arrangements.
6 Arboretum
This card game has you building paths of trees with strategy and cunning. It’s a brain-burner disguised in beautiful tree cards. Our group’s intense stares and deep concentration were testament to its engaging nature. The blend of beauty and brainy challenges keeps you on your toes.
5 Tokaido
Tokaido is a serene journey along Japan’s East Sea Road. Players collect experiences like food, paintings, and hot springs visits. We loved the zen-like flow that made us savor every moment. It’s less about head-to-head competition and more about a journey towards inner peace.
4 Root
Root is an asymmetric war game where woodland creatures vie for control. Each faction plays differently, adding replay value. We reveled in its intricacy, feeling like master strategists. The cute animal warriors juxtaposed with tactical depth creates a thrilling battlefield.
3 Spirit Island
In Spirit Island, players are spirits defending their island from colonizers. It’s cooperative with a unique challenge. We enjoyed the feeling of protecting nature, each spirit offering unique powers. It’s the kind of game that turns cooperation into an art form.
2 Spirit of the Wild
Spirit of the Wild lets you become a guardian of the forest. It’s light-hearted with a deep connection to nature. Our group loved the quick play and the joy of guiding adorable forest creatures to safety. It’s a refreshing escape into the wilderness with friends.
1 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars takes the nature theme to cosmic levels. You’re shaping Mars’ future environment with greenery and water. It stands out for complexity and deep strategy. This game transformed our game nights into grand planetary projects. Its majestic scope and endless replayability make it our top pick for nature enthusiasts.
