Image: MomJunction Design Team
Playing board games can aid your child’s cognitive skills. The best board games for 12 years olds can help keep them engaged and productive along with enhancing their communication skills. Yes, board games can come to your rescue to effortlessly improve your kid’s creativity and get them imaginative.
The following list of best-selling board games that we’ve carefully curated for your young pre-teen can also help keep them busy and limit their gadget use.
Top Picks
11 Best Board Games For 10-12-Year-Olds
1. Best For Logical Thinking:Catan Board Game
If you see your child inclined toward trading, the Catan board game, a tried-and-trusted choice of many parents, would be an ideal purchase. Addictive at its best, this game requires children to put their strategy and logical thinking skills into practice as they trade, build, and control the civilization and monitor the spread of the Catan island. Moreover, being a social game, it helps improve interaction among children and can be a great choice to spend quality time with family during game nights. The rules are easy to understand and can be learned in a few minutes. This classic game can be played by 3-6 players and has an average playtime of 60 minutes. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 30,676 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Review: A user writes, “I’ve found Catan to be a versatile mix of strategy, luck, and trading. It’s perfect for enjoyable game nights with family or friends. While some missing pieces were a letdown, the engaging gameplay and accessible learning curve make it a must-try.”
2. Best Entertaining:Hasbro Gaming Monopoly World Tour Board Game
Image: Image: Hasbrogaming Children and adults can enjoy this game, which resembles the fan-favorite board game Monopoly and allows you to travel the world through the board game and discover interesting facts. In this entertaining game for children, the destination cards include travel goals, and the players could stamp the dry-erase gameboard with token stampers to complete their goals. The board dimensions are 1.63×15.75×10.5in, and it comes with two dice, 22 destination cards, ten chance cards, cardboard money, four tokens with self-inking stamps, a dry-erase board, ten travel journey cards, and a game guide.
Pros
- Holds interest
- Lasts long
- Easy to learn and play
- Board dries and wipes easily
- Can be played by 2-4 players
- Fun for adults and children
Cons
- Might not have the fundamental monopoly rules or gameplay like the original
- Pieces might seem small
Review:
According to a user, “I was pleasantly surprised by the Monopoly World Tour game. It offers a refreshing twist on the classic version and is engaging for both kids and adults. The unique travel destinations and end goal add excitement.”
3. Best Treasure-Finding:Ravensburger Labyrinth Family Board Game
This Labyrinth board game set comes with one board, 24 treasure cards, 34 maze tiles, and four game pieces for treasure hunt enthusiasts. The board game offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. The objective of the game is to reach the targets and treasures while moving along the board and shifting the maze on the path by finding the shortest route possible. This game for kids can be played by 2-4 players simultaneously and offers a playtime of up to 30 minutes. Here’s a video to help you know more about this parent-recommended product.
Pros
- Suitable for children aged seven and above
- Balanced and clever gameplay
- Easy to follow and understand instruction manual
- Attractive and colorful design
- Durable components
Cons
- May not be challenging enough for some
Review:
According to a reviewer, “I decided to try Ravensburger Labyrinth with my board game group, intrigued by its changing labyrinth and affordable price. While the gameplay and quality impressed me, it reminded me of Ticket to Ride’s solo nature. The 3D version adds a visual twist, but its challenge level might not suit everyone.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 19,632 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Did you know?4. Best Dragon-Themed:Gamewright Dragonwood: A Game Of Dice & Daring Board
In this tried-and-tested game of strategy and dare, your children will have to find their way out from a deep mythical forest filled with giggling goblins and angry ogres. This can be done by collecting varying sets of adventurer cards to get dice. Once done, they will have to roll the dice against the enemy. Since the landscape keeps changing constantly, children will have to tread cautiously and strategically. The intriguing game lasts up to 20 minutes and allows 2-4 players to play at a time.
Review: A user writes, “We purchased Dragonwood based on a friend’s recommendation, and my kids adore it. It’s quick, easy for my 8-year-old and 6-year-old. It offers a playtime of around 20-30 minutes. Highly recommended.”
5. Best For Family:Inspiration Play Double Ditto Board Game
Double Ditto board/ card game lets your entire family relish a fun time. The rules of the game are pretty straightforward, but the fun game offers several moments of laughter. First, you will have to choose a card and read it out to others. Next, you will have to quickly write down two answers that you think other players would write too. The fun begins as you discover whether your answers match those of the other players. The party game set includes 400 category cards, score sheets, a 15-second timer, and an instruction manual.
Review: A reviewer writes, “The Double Ditto board game is a total hit in our family gatherings. We have folks of all ages, and this game brings out the laughs and competitiveness. Sure, it can get a tad repetitive, but the fun and laughter make up for it.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,259 positive reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Game Nights:Spin Master Games Beat The Parents Classic Family Trivia Game
Suitable for children aged six and above, this children vs. parents game is a fun-filled showdown of trivia and challenges. Suitable for two to six players, this classic game includes 200 trivia and challenge cards, a gameboard, a sand timer, two player movers, a dry-erase marker with a clip, and a wager board with a stand and instructions. The players note the wager on the board for children and parents before the game, which either must fulfill; whosoever loses the game. The game dimensions are 2.13×10.63×10.63in.
Pros
- Questions are easy to answer
- Easy to play
- Easy to setup
- Engaging
- Fun for adults and children
Cons
- Might have a few incorrect answers
- Number of cards included might not seem enough
Review:
A reviewer says, “I picked up the Beat The Parents trivia game for a fun family night. It’s a blast with both kids and adults. Our 8- and 10-year-olds loved it, especially the physical challenges. Although some questions were a bit tough for the younger one, overall, it made for memorable moments.”
Quick tip7. Best For Communication Skills:Latice Hawaii Strategy Board Game
Combining easy rules and evolving complexity, this strategy board game will keep your children wanting more each session. This skill-building game is designed to help improve children’s communication, memory skills, strategic thinking, and spatial recognition. In this fun game, children need to match their tiles by color or shape and strive to be the first player to play all their tiles—earn more moves by placing the tiles on strategic squares on the board or changing the board’s layout using wind tiles. The award-winning game for kids takes only three minutes to learn and offers a playtime of up to 20 minutes. Moreover, it comes with pictorial instructions for easy understanding.
Review: A tester writes, “The Latice Hawaii game is a hit in our home. Initially, the rules seemed a bit complex, but after a YouTube tutorial, it clicked. The game strikes a sweet spot with its blend of strategy and chance, making it enjoyable for various player levels. Definitely recommended for game nights!”
8. Best Thriller:Spy Alley Mensa Family Strategy Board Game
Spy Alley is another classic, award-winning board game that can keep your children excited each time they play it. This game entails deceiving and bluffing your opponents and is the ultimate game for two to six players. The rules of the game are straightforward, and each playtime lasts up to 45 minutes. Introduce this classic game to your child to improve their reasoning, interpersonal, and logical thinking skills and teach them the importance of taking turns.
Review: A user says, “As someone who loves board games, I gave Spy Alley a shot with my family. It’s great for some mental workout, with its mix of strategy and bluffing. The game is enjoyable and engaging, although some might find it less complex than expected.”
Quick tip9. Best For Cognitive Skills:Game Development Group Stare Junior Board Game
This board game is all about sharpening children’s brains, improving their cognitive and communication skills, and letting them have endless fun. The game set includes varying cards imprinted with an array of funny and animated images. Each child gets 30 seconds to assess an image and then recall as many details as possible. The more details they recall, the more points they get. The fun game for kids allows two to six players to play at a time.
Review: A parent writes, “I introduced Stare Junior to my family, and it is a hit with my kids. The game’s concept of memorizing pictures and answering questions seems to click with them. However, I find the repetitive rolls slightly less enjoyable.”
10. Best Tech-Based:Phone Phever Board Game
If your child loves playing games on smartphones, this game with cards would be an ideal game to engage them. The board game set includes a game board, eight colored game pieces, a die, and 200 cards featuring 1,200 hilarious trivia challenges and questions covering history, technology, politics, movies, music, TV, and more. The fun game for kids and adults offers 30–60 minutes of playtime and can be played by eight players at a time.
Review: A user writes, “I got the Phone Phever game for my family to try something new together. It was fun teaming up with my 10-year-old. It is all about answering fast questions with the help of your phone–you’ll enjoy this game. Just remember, it might be a bit confusing at first.”
11. Best Engaging:Spin Master Hedbanz Picture Guessing Game
The classic picture-guessing game is well-curated and more fun with this Hedbanz guessing game, as it has six fun choices of new headbands for players and various cards with art illustrations. On each turn, the players flip over the time and start asking yes/no questions to guess the card on their headband. Suitable for children aged eight and above, this cooperative board game can be played by two to six players. It comes with six headbands, 13 scoring badges, 69 picture cards, three sample question cards, a timer, and instructions.
Pros
- Adaptable
- Easy to learn
- Easy to play
- Suitable for parties
Cons
- Cards may be in Spanish
- Cards might not seem enough
Review:
A reviewer says, “I play the Spin Master Hedbanz Picture Guessing Game with my 7- and 10-year-olds. It fosters language skills and offers quick or lengthy play. The expansion packs add freshness, and despite some unfamiliar characters, it’s a delightful family game.”
How To Choose The Right Board Game For 10-12-Year-Olds?
Here are a few factors you must consider when buying a board game for your child.
- Playtime: Some games could last 30 minutes, while others can be played for hours. When selecting a game, look for one that matches your child’s attention span. If your child is new to board games, choosing one with a shorter playtime would be a good idea.
- Level of difficulty: Apart from entertaining your little one, the best board game should also be easily understandable. So, choose accordingly.
- Quality: Not every board game will be made of similar material. If you choose a board game manufactured with quality material, playing with it becomes more enjoyable. On the other hand, if the game pieces and cards look worn out after a few sessions, your child may not continue playing with it anymore.
- Theme: If the theme doesn’t match your child’s interests, buying that game will be nothing less than wasted money. So, select the theme depending upon your child’s interests and watch it become their favorite board game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can children get addicted to these Board Games?
If the child enjoys playing a particular board game, they may be drawn to the game more frequently. But board games are not addictive in a negative way as compared to video game addiction. Board games help develop cognitive skills, memory skills, problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and strategy-building skills, and they don’t create psychological stress or withdrawal in children.
2. How safe are these Board Games to Play?
These board games are age-appropriate and highly safe for children of ages 10 to 12 years to play.
3. Will these Board Games improve the children’s knowledge?
Each board game is designed with different themes and helps develop a variety of skills in children. Rather than imparting knowledge, these games for kids are designed to develop strategic skills, interpersonal skills, communication, and logical thinking.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose, a writer and reviewer, is adept at writing about games, toys, and gifts. She inspires buyers through her knowledge and guides them to buy a suitable product. With her article about the best board games for 10- to 12-year-olds, she ensures each product she recommends is of high quality that allows children to become more imaginative, creative, and skilled. Priti has also included a buying guide that helps you understand how factors like playtime, difficulty level, and theme contribute to making a perfect purchase.
The Bottom Line
Most children these days grow up with smartphone devices and video games. While they provide exciting gaming possibilities, they cannot simulate the joy of playing board games with your friends and family. Our list of the best board games for 10-12-year-olds includes multiple entertaining options that can meet the child’s developmental needs while engaging their attention. We recommend the Catan Board Game for improving logical thinking skills, the Ravensburger Labyrinth Family Board Game for balanced gameplay, and the Gamewright Dragonwood: A Game Of Dice & Daring Board for its dragon-themed, dynamic adventure. These games encourage communication and social skills and teach children the importance of teamwork and cooperation. So, enjoy a fun family game night with a suitable board game.
Infographic: What are the Benefits Of Board Games For 12-Year-Olds
Board games are an excellent way for 12-year-old children to develop important skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and social interaction. The skills they may develop from these games can aid them both on the academic and personal front. So dive in to know why children need board games! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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