Best Childrens Board Games of 2025: Top 5 Picks

We've played many, but these top childrens board games spark joy and laughter, creating memorable family bonding moments effortlessly.

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The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game coverOutfoxed! coverAnimal Upon Animal cover

Finding the perfect board games for childrens can feel like searching for a unicorn at times, right? Fear not, we’ve got your back! We focus on fun, simplicity, and education when choosing the best games. These factors ensure everyone in the family, from the youngest tot to Grandma Jo, can have a blast together. We tried different games, laughed a lot, and sometimes cried a little (looking at you, toppling tower game). But we’ve picked out five gems that shine brightly in the world of childrens board games. So, ready for some action-packed game nights? Let’s do this!

On this list:

5 The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game cover

  • Age Range: 3+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Who knew squirrels could make such a fun game for childrens? This game is a hoot because it combines strategy and a pinch of luck. We had a blast grabbing acorns with the squirrel-shaped tweezers, aiming to fill our logs first. It’s perfect for the little ones, offering a great mix of colors, matching, and a friendly dose of competition. Plus, it’s easy to understand and quick to play, making it ideal for short attention spans. Our group found the laughter quotient quite high. The tiny acorns are both adorable and maddeningly sneaky!

4 Outfoxed!

Outfoxed! cover

  • Age Range: 5+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Outfoxed! is like Clue for the younger crowd, with a delightful twist – you’re solving the case of the missing pie. We became detectives, working together to unravel clues and prevent the thief from escaping. It’s cooperative, teaching teamwork, deduction, and even a bit of logic. The charming artwork and the clever use of the clue-revealing decoder make it a standout. We loved the shared excitement as we closed in on the suspect. Outfoxed! offers enough challenge to keep it engaging without overwhelming young players.

3 Animal Upon Animal

Animal Upon Animal cover

  • Age Range: 4+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Animal Upon Animal is stacking fun at its simplest and best. The challenge sounds easy—stack animals on top of each other—but don’t be fooled, it quickly leads to giggles and gasps as things get wobbly. Our group loved the tactile element of this game, as well as the simple rules that even adults found engaging. It’s an excellent game for hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for childrens. And just when you think it’s safe, a sneaky move will topple your animal tower!

2 Kingdomino

Kingdomino cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 15-20 minutes

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Kingdomino is like introducing childrens to strategic thinking with a colorful, domino-style twist. Players connect landscape dominoes to expand their kingdom and score points. Our session was filled with strategic planning, as each decision could affect future moves. The blend of strategy and the satisfaction of building something tangible made it a favorite. It’s complex enough to be interesting but simple enough to keep kids engaged without them feeling lost. Kingdomino’s bright tiles and clear rules make it a hit for family fun nights.

1 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 is our top pick for the best childrens board game. It takes the classic Ticket to Ride game and simplifies it for the younger audience while keeping all the fun. We loved seeing kids light up as they connected cities and completed their tickets. With its shorter playtime and straightforward rules, it’s perfect for introducing kids to strategic board games. What makes it stand out is how it combines learning geography with strategy. Our group found it thrilling, offering a delightful ride across the map. The joy of achieving a ticket and the colorful train pieces make it a joy to play repeatedly.

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.