Lets face it, picking board games to play with kids is not easy. Either the game length is tremendous, or takes too long to set up, or the rules are simply too complicated. We believe it’s possible for board games to not only be fun but be a unique way to teach various types of critical thinking skills like observation, interpretation, analysis, or evaluation. So what games are great education tools as well as not having too many fiddly mechanics and a great theme? We believe the list below fits the bill. All of the games below are available to play in our library and most are available for retail.
Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a personal favorite. We were going to include the party version but found that the setup just put it too far over the edge for kids under 8 years old. The real kicker to this game is that there is no hidden information. Players are dealt a hand and you draft cards one by one. So kids very quickly understand that everything is in their control; it’s just a matter of trying to count and make the best mathematical decisions.
Teaches: Basic Math, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction, Memory, Analysis
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/133473/sushi-go
Kingdomino
Kingdomino is also a game with minimal hidden information. Players are building a 5×5 square kingdom but are simply trying to match crowns to large plots of ‘matching’ land. The game itself only has a total count of approximately 5 rules and it ends up being an elegantly magical experience. If the kids want a little extra luck involved this might be the right game as the tile distribution is somewhat random depending on the number of players.
Teaches: Matching, Basic Counting, and Multiplication.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/204583/kingdomino
Magic Labyrinth
Magic Labyrinth we’ve had in our library since we’ve opened but this is honestly one of the most undiscovered board games ever created. Players together build a maze in which you will navigate through collecting your points to win however there is a catch. The walls of the maze you cannot see. Using an incredibly creative magnetic ball and player pawn you move your piece on top of the maze trying remember where walls are on previous turns.
Teaches: Memory, Basic Counting
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/41916/magic-labyrinth
Santorini
This is a game we were very hesitant to put on the list but it offers to much replay-ability for a relatively abstract experience. This is a pure abstract game wrapped up with an incredibly cute ‘non-abstract’ theme. The object of the game is simply to get your player piece to the 3 tier of any building. Kids will enjoy playing with the pieces but the scope of the game will hopefully get them thinking 2 or even more than 3 turns ahead.
Teaches: Abstract Planning, Counting, Observation
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/194655/santorini
Castle Panic
Castle Panic also came up in our top 10 list but we honestly think this game should be on a lot of lists. It’s just such a great balance between strategy, theme, and luck. Kids will enjoy working together as a team while fighting off a wave of orcs, goblins, and trolls. Winning is not easy and team work is absolutely required.
Teaches: Teamwork, Communication, Sharing, Basic Counting
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43443/castle-panic
Catan Junior
Lots of “Junior” games get flak for being dummed down counter parts of their ‘bigger’ brothers. This game feels like a solid introduction rather than a ‘baby’ version. The primary differences are that this one is a pre-established board with resource tiles only from number 1 through 6 and there is no ‘largest army’ ‘or ‘longest road’.
Teaches: Sportsmanship, Basic Counting
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43443/castle-panic
Dixit
Dixit is the ultimate imagination game. The greater your imagination the better you will do at this game. We cannot reinforce it enough. Get this game for your kids now.
Teaches: Creativity, Imagination
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39856/dixit
Forbidden Desert
Forbidden Desert is another great cooperative experience. This one definitely needs some adult guidance managing some of the turn mechanics but kids should be comfortable enough in no time at all making decisions for the team. The theme makes it a very attractive choice for kids and the pieces make it even better.
Teaches: Teamwork, Communication, Planning
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/136063/forbidden-desert
Get Bit
We honestly had to play Get Bit 4 or 5 times with the maximum number of players before we actually started enjoying it. That said, it is a bluffing game disguised as a relatively simple card game. Players play cards together to determine who is going to swim to the front of the line to avoid getting bit by the shark. The catch is that lowest “unmatched” value swims first. So if 2 players play the same card (aka #1) neither player will move at all. This is great fun once kids get the hang of it.
Teaches: Counting, Abstract Planning, Bluffing
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/30539/get-bit
Hey that’s my fish!
Hey that’s my fish! is another pseudo-abstract style strategy game. This game almost didn’t make the list due to the very fiddly set-up of trying to arrange an exorbitant amount miniature hexagon tiles. Once you get past the set-up the game itself is quite fun. Kids will learn to avoid losing penguins on sheets of ice and different ways to collect maximum fish (point value).
Teaches: Abstract Planning