Best Children’s Board Games of 2024: Top 12 Picks

Looking for the best childrens board games? Check out our top picks that guarantee fun and laughter for the whole family.
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Candy Land coverGuess Who? coverOperation cover

12 Candy Land

Candy Land cover

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

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This classic never gets old. We all remember playing it as kids, and it’s perfect for young ones. It’s simple and helps children understand basic counting and colors. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your little ones!

11 Guess Who?

Guess Who? cover

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

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Guess Who? is all about deduction and questions. Kids love asking about the characters and trying to guess who their opponent has. It’s a perfect mix of fun and strategy for young minds.

10 Operation

Operation cover

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

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Operation tests kids’ fine motor skills and patience. The buzzing sound when you mess up always brings laughs and challenges. It’s educational and fun, making it a favorite in many households.

9 Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders cover

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

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Also known as Snakes and Ladders, this game teaches kids about luck and setbacks. It’s simple, engaging, and entertaining for the entire family. The anticipation of climbing up the ladders and sliding down the chutes keeps the excitement going.

8 Mouse Trap

Mouse Trap cover

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

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Mouse Trap is as much about building the trap as it is about catching the mice. Kids love the construction aspect, and seeing it all come together is a gratifying experience. It’s hands-on and a great mix of building and gameplay.

7 Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hungry Hungry Hippos cover

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

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This game is all about quick reflexes and pure fun. Kids go wild for the frantic hippo-chomping action. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s a great way to burn off some energy.

6 The Game of Life

The Game of Life cover

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

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Life is a bit complex for kids, but this game simplifies it in a fun way. They get to make decisions about careers, family, and more. It’s a great way for them to understand different life choices in a playful setting.

5 Connect 4

Connect 4 cover

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

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Connect 4 is a timeless classic that’s great for developing strategic thinking. It’s simple yet challenging, and kids enjoy the competitive aspect. Plus, it’s quick enough for multiple rounds in one sitting.

4 Catan: Junior

Catan: Junior cover

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

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Catan is a big deal in the board game world, and the junior version opens it up for kids. It’s perfect for introducing them to resource management and trading. Plus, the pirate theme adds an extra layer of excitement.

3 Zingo!

Zingo! cover

  • Age Range: 4+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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Zingo is like Bingo but with a twist. It’s great for younger kids who are learning to recognize words and patterns. The game is fast-paced and keeps children engaged from start to finish.

2 Hoot Owl Hoot!

Hoot Owl Hoot! cover

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

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Hoot Owl Hoot! is a cooperative game where players work together to get owls back to their nest. It teaches teamwork and color recognition, making it a wonderful educational game for kids.

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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The best of the best for children’s board games! This version of Ticket to Ride is designed especially for younger players. It keeps all the fun of the original game while simplifying the rules. Kids get to learn geography and strategy in a fun way. The colorful trains and maps keep them engaged and excited. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the board gaming world.

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.