Best Nature-Themed Board Games of 2025: Top 10 List
Busting out a new board game always beats staring at screens all day, right? We’re here with a list of nature-themed board games that’ll have you swapping the couch for the great outdoors—well, sort of! We focus on games that bring the essence of nature to your table, ones that combine fun, creativity, and a dash of strategy. We handpicked these beauties for their vibrant themes, engaging mechanics, and replay value. No spoilers here, but we promise that each game provides a unique twist on Mother Nature’s wonders. Ready to make game night wild? Let’s get started!
On this list:
10 Wingspan
If you love birds, Wingspan is a must. This game is all about creating the best bird sanctuary. You get to learn about different bird species while trying to stack your victory points. We once played a round while a real cardinal sat outside the window. That was a sign, right? With its stunning art and fun mechanics, this game makes you feel like a proper bird whisperer.
9 Photosynthesis
Who knew growing trees could be so much fun? In Photosynthesis, you plant trees and watch them grow taller, soaking up the sunlight. Just like our stubborn backyard tree that wouldn’t budge. But be careful where you plant! Other trees may block sun if you’re not smart about it. A real brain workout, this game brings the natural world to your table.
8 PARKS
Had an itch to explore national parks? PARKS lets you do that from your dining table. You trek through seasons, collecting memories while competing to visit the best parks. It’s like your usual hike minus the mosquitoes. The art is beautiful and the gameplay is relaxing. You might even start planning your next vacation while playing it.
7 Evolution: Climate
In Evolution: Climate, your species try to survive in harsh climates. It’s like Darwin shouting from the side, ‘Adapt or die!’ We had a laugh when our critters evolved with sharp claws to fend off my buddy’s beasts. The game’s dynamic and filled with surprises – one second you’re thriving, the next, freezing. Good balance of strategy and luck to make you feel like a naturalist.
6 Cascadia
Cascadia’s a tile-laying game where you create your own nature reserve with wildlife habitats. It makes you feel like an eco-friendly architect. The game’s simple rules mean less time checking instructions and more time connecting nature corridors. The theme’s calming, but the strategy can be challenging. We found it a great game to play with a hot cup of tea.
5 Lewis & Clark: The Expedition
Venture back to the era of Lewis and Clark as you trek to the American west. This game brings our history lessons to life. We found ourselves arguing about who’d make a better guide, Lewis or Clark, more than once. With its combination of resource management and exploration, it keeps you on your toes. It’s a journey worth taking.
4 Arboretum
Arboretum is all about building the most beautiful tree-lined paths. Simple in concept but tricky in execution, it’s like a peaceful walk turned puzzle. We’ve tried our hand at planting trees, but this game beats our backyard efforts any day. Strategic, with a touch of serenity, this game offers a good mix of relaxation and brain-teasing.
3 The Quest for El Dorado
Imagine an adventure through the wild jungles, just like Indiana Jones. This deck-building game gets your heart racing as you race to El Dorado. We laughed as our buddy tried navigating with a hand full of useless cards. A blast with friends, this game promises tense moments right till the finish line.
2 Bärenpark
Who doesn’t love bears? In Bärenpark, you build a bear park – like Tetris with adorable bear enclosures. It’s surprisingly strategic and had us bickering over who got the bigger panda. There’s a charm in piecing the park together. If you’re looking for a mix of puzzling and nature, Bärenpark is a delightful choice.
1 Root
Root is a game of adventure and war in a woodland setting, where players lead unique factions vying for control. This game’s fast-paced and keeps you engaged as you run your woodland empire. It’s like watching cute critters battle for the forest – think Watership Down, but more fun. The art is whimsical, and the strategy keeps the game fresh every time.
0 Terraforming Mars
Considered the best due to its rich theme and depth, Terraforming Mars sees you turn the Red Planet green. It blends nature with sci-fi as players juggle resources to make Mars habitable. Every game of Terraforming Mars feels epic. We once had an intense session running over three hours, but it was worth every minute. With diverse strategies and high replayability, it claims the top spot easily.
