Best Childrens Board Games of 2025: 7 Top Picks
We love Candy Land. This childrens classic brings joy and teaches colors to the wee ones. Memories unfold with laughter.
Finding the perfect board game for children can be like searching for a unicorn—mystical, magical, and loaded with excitement. We focus on games that promise fun and learning, while being easy enough to not make the kids cry (and us too). Our picky bunch of friends, big and small, have put these games through their paces. From the classics that spark nostalgia to those offering a fresh twist, our list gives a great mix. Whether you’re looking for strategy, problem-solving, or just belly laughs, these board games are the real MVPs of the childrens’ game world.
On this list:
7 Candy Land
Candy Land has been a staple in our gaming nights with kids. It’s all sweet adventures and gumdrop forests. This game makes sure kids can focus on having fun rather than understanding complex rules. Even if the kids spend more time licking the cards than actually playing, it’s still a riot. The nostalgia factor for adults is a bonus, and it’s a neat way to engage with younger family members. It’s like getting a golden ticket to Candy Land! Plus, the vibrant colors and simple design make it a true gem in the world of childrens’ board games.
6 Chutes and Ladders
We love a game that teaches kids life lessons! You climb ladders to success, but one wrong step can have you sliding back down. The theme is spot on for childrens’ games, as it keeps them entertained while teaching them about the ups and downs of life. We always end up giggling when someone lands on a chute. Kids learn to take turns, count spaces, and deal with small disappointments, all while having a blast. It’s great fun to hear the
5 Connect 4
We can’t lie; Connect 4 has resulted in some serious family face-offs. It’s a classic for good reason, and it’s perfect for siblings who need to settle a dispute. The sight of those discs tumbling down is just as satisfying now as when we were kids. Simple and strategic, this one’s perfect for the budding tactician in the family. Sure, it’s competitive, but the format keeps it from feeling too intense for younger players. The look of triumph on a child’s face when they connect four is priceless. It’s a great way to sharpen those strategic skills early in life.
4 Guess Who?
Our game nights are full of guessing and some classic head-scratching when we bring out Guess Who? It’s all about asking the right questions to pinpoint the identity of the opponent’s mystery character. Who doesn’t love flipping those tiny plastic faces? The deduction involved keeps kids engaged, while the potential for hilarity is endless. It’s a streamlined way to teach children about process of elimination. We’ve noticed even the quietest of kids can’t resist the thrill of guessing right. This game is all about the fun—and maybe a little mischief!
3 Memory
Ah, Memory. Or as we like to call it, ‘look who remembers better!’ This classic game is a staple at every family event. It’s a simple game of matching, but the joy on a child’s face when they find a pair is unforgettable. It’s a game of patience and concentration, and we’ve seen it help kids improve their memory skills. Plus, it’s easy to set up and even easier to play. Adults will get sucked into the excitement too. In a world of technology, this board game brings a sense of simplicity and nostalgia.
2 Operation
Operation is the ultimate test of steady hands and nerves of steel—or not! The buzzer sound still makes us jump every time. This game is perfect for inducing fits of giggles, as kids try to remove the funny ailments from Cavity Sam without setting off the buzzer. It’s educational too, teaching kids about body parts while improving hand-eye coordination. Kids love the sense of satisfaction when they successfully complete a surgery. While it might stir up a little tension, it’s always in good fun. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids patience, precision, and a little biology.
1 The Game of Life
The Game of Life tops our list as it offers an epic journey from start to end, filled with laughter, choices, and a sprinkle of friendly rivalry. Perfectly themed for childrens’ adventures, it’s a game where you can see kids and adults alike dreaming big as they navigate through life’s events. Watching kids ponder whether to go to college or start a family is always entertaining. Complete with spins, cars, and careers, it’s a microcosm of life’s decisions boiled down to a thrilling board game. We love the relatable life lessons packed into this colorful classic, making it perfect for family fun. It wins the day for making learning about life enjoyable.
