If you are looking for fun games to keep your child engaged, we have compiled a list of the best classic board games for kids to help you choose the right one. Suitable for playing with two to three players or the whole family, these board games allow your child to bond with their friends and family while having endless fun. Apart from popular games like chess, Cluedo, Monopoly, and more, you can also try new ones to grab your child’s attention. These games help improve your child’s analytical, cognitive, and memory skills while keeping them away from screens and video games. So, explore our list of entertaining board games to find one that suits your child’s preferences.
Top Picks
22 Best Board Games From 8-14-Year-Olds To Play At Home In 2024
Family Board Games
Playing board games is one of the best ways of spending unhurried quality time with your family. Your children want and need you to spend time and play with them. So why not pick out a family board game for tonight?
1. Best Family Board Game: Carcassonne
Carcassonne is one of the best family board games. It is a tile-placement game where each player places a tile within a piece of Southern French landscape. With no reading involved, this map making strategy game can be played by kids of all ages. A tile may represent a city, road, grassland etc., and it has to be placed adjacent to other tiles such that it extends the existing cities, roads etc. Having placed a game piece, the player chooses to be a knight, a robber on the road or a peasant to continue the game. This simple game continues until the last tile has been placed. This video review, showcasing a tester’s experience, will help you understand whether this is the right game for your child.
Age: 8+
Players: 2 to 5
Playing time: 30-90 minutes
Type: Simple, intelligent tile game
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 5,899 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
2. Best For All Ages: Gutter Games Beat That! Game Household Objects Expansion
The eighty challenge cards of the household game by Gutter Games can keep people of all ages occupied for hours. This card game uses regular household products such as cups, bowls, spoons, and toilet paper to create fun challenges for the entire family. So gather around the family, pull out the cards, and use these fun and quirky challenges to break the ice and bring the family closer.
Age: All Ages
Players: 2 players
Playing time: 60+ minutes
Type: Card game
3. Best For Small Parties: Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a card game where you play by putting a deck of cards face down. Players keep drawing cards, and when someone draws an exploding kitten, they explode and go out of the game, unless they have a defuse card. The objective is to stay in the game using the mitigate, defuse and move cards to avoid the exploding kittens. The classic card game is unique and a breath of fresh air from the traditional board games. Check out this review of the game to know more about it.
Age: 10+
Players: 2-5 players (up to 9 players can play with combined decks)
Playing time: 15 minutes
Type: A family-friendly party card game
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 81,568 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
4. Best Roleplaying Game: Dominion
Dominion is a role play game, where you are the monarch of a peasant kingdom with beautiful rivers and forests. The objective of the game is to expand your territory and build a Dominion. But, the challenge is to outsmart the other monarchs with the same plans! This is a very addictive and captivating card game that the entire family can play. This simple product review video will help you understand the game and make an informed choice.
Age: 13+
Players: 2-4 players
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Card game
5. Best Guessing Game: Hedbanz
Hedbanz is one of the best, fun board games for kids. It is a goofy guessing game of “Who am I?” The classic game begins when the players put on a headband and pick a card, placing it in the headband facing outward so that other players can see it easily. Players then ask ‘yes or no’ questions to figure out what they are- an animal, an object, or a fruit or vegetable. Be the first one to guess what you are, and you win!
Age: 8+
Players: 3-10
Playing time: 45 minutes
Type: Brain teaser card & chips game
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 13,662 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
6. Best For Teenagers: Codename
Codename has two rival spymasters who know the secret identities and code names of 25 secret agents. The two teams compete against each other to contact their agents first through the clues that their masters give. The teammates have to guess the right names based on the clues, while trying to avoid the assassin.
Win or lose, your kids will enjoy playing this social word game.
Age: 14+
Players: 2-8 players
Playing time: 15 minutes
Type: Mystery solving
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 20,663 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
War Board Games
War games can be a little intimidating for first-timers, but blowing up enemy squads, at least on the board, can be a thrilling experience for most. Here is a list of exciting war games that older kids will enjoy playing.
7. Best Star Wars Game: Star Wars: Rebellion
Star Wars Rebellion is one of the latest board games for Star Wars fans. Play and participate in the combat between the rebels and the Galactic Empire. Players get to run the empire of the Galactics and curb the flying rebels, while mandating the starships and troops for their cause. The tried-and-tested game comes with a two-piece board and over 150 miniatures along with cards featuring the popular Star Wars heroes and villains.
Age: 14+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 180-240 minutes
Type: War strategy game
8. Best Fantasy Game: A Game of Thrones: The Board Game Second Edition
King Robert Baratheon dies and the land of Westeros is gearing up for battle. In the Game of Thrones board game, players take up the roles of the great houses of the seven kingdoms of Westeros as they vie for the control of the Iron Throne through warfare. Choose strategy, sweet words or diplomacy to influence the Westeros and claim the throne.
Age: 14+
Players: 3-6
Playing time: 120-240 minutes
Type: Strategic War planning
TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,770 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
9. Best Adventure Game: War of the Ring (Second Edition)
In the War of the Ring, one player takes control of Free Peoples (FP) and the other controls the Shadow Armies(SA). The enormous map of Middle Earth lies on the table as the board. There are more than 200 miniature figures each representing the Fellowship, the Witch King, and the Nazgul. The entertaining game takes your kids into the story of the Lord of the Rings, which makes this ideal for fans of the books or the movies.
Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 150-180 minutes
Type: Adventure, fantasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 832 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Strategy Board Games
Strategy board games are fun and productive as they require the kids to work their brains. These games help your kid evolve in strategic thinking, planning and using their wits to outscore your opponents. Here is a list of fantastic strategy games you can try.
10. Best Strategy Game: Splendor
Splendor is an addictive strategy game for kids. Players don the role of a wealthy renaissance merchant who’s set to acquire mines and transportation, hire artisans to make gorgeous jewelry and impress the nobility. Players trade precious stones for development cards and vice-versa, to create better jewelry, gain prestige and win. The game is easy to learn and can keep the kids busy for hours!
The game is easy to learn and can keep the kids busy for hours!
Age: 10+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Strategic resource management
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 9,566 reviews on Amazon.
11. Best Team Game: Pandemic
Players don the role of scientists to fight four deadly diseases, and find the cures for the illnesses before humanity gets extinguished. Pandemic is a cooperative board game and encourages the players to work together and plan their strategies before outbreaks. The game has some extension packs and never gets old.
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 45 minutes
Type: Strategy, Collaboration
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 12,415 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
12. Best BPA Free: Phone Phever Board Game
Phone Phever is a board game for ages 13 and above and can be played by a minimum of three players and onwards. It encourages players to use their wit combined with their smartphone skills, making it one of the most favorite board games among children. This skill-building game includes cards with over 1,200 unique questions under six categories – music, law and politics, movies, technology, and history.
Pros
- Playtime of 30-60 minutes
- Compatible with all smartphones
- Award-winning
- No app required
Cons
- Cannot function without an internet connection
- Board design may seem confusing to some
"Phone Phever is a fun game in which you need to be quick with your responses. The gameplay is fast-paced and competitive, which adds a lively energy to family game nights. My children can't get enough of it."
Educational Board Games
Games need not be overtly educative, but educational board games help kids get a firm hold over communication, learning, sharing, and imagination. Here are our picks of the best educational board games for kids.
Heather Welch, a parent, play advocate, and educator, says,“Playing board games promotes cognitive development and allows for collaboration and strategic thinking. Board game etiquette, such as being patient, sharing, and taking turns, helps develop social skills. Moreover, a game night is a great way to spend quality time and communicate with children and friends.”
13. Best Eco-Friendly:7 Wonders
7Wonders board game takes the kids through three different ages, allowing them to lead an ancient civilization from its primitive roots to its rise as a world power. Create a nation of artisans and philosophers or lead your troops towards military victory. You can also master the mysteries of science and technology, while building an influential merchant state. Then, rule!
Age: 10+
Players: 2-7
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Strategic planning
14. Best For Every Age:Scattergories
Scattergories is an excellent classic word game for anyone to play, individually or as teams. Each player has to fill a category list where the answers have to begin with the same letter. If no player matches up to your answers, you score points. After three rounds, the winner is declared. Then, begin a new game!
Age: 12+
Players: 2-6 players
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Wordplay, vocabulary
15. Best With Suprises:Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is one of the top rated party games for kids. There are two decks of cards, namely ‘Things’ and ‘Descriptions.’ An active player draws a ‘description’ card featuring an adjective, and the rest of the players secretly choose the ‘thing’ card that best matches the adjective. Active player reveals the card and decides the card best matching the adjective. The winner of this matching game becomes the next active player.
Age: 12+
Players: 4-10 players
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Literacy, creativity
16. Best For Math Learning:Mathopoly
A mathematical take on the classic game of Monopoly, Mathopoly is fun in every way. Players have to earn as many segments and units as they can by solving simple math equations. The game introduces kids to simple concepts of math in such an exciting way that they’ll end up loving the subject while improving their math skills.
Age: 11+
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 30 minutes
Type: Math board game
17. Best For Geography:Scrambled States of America
Scrambled States of America is a geography board game for kids. The objective of this simple game is to match cards up while learning more about the states and their geographical location. You win by collecting most state cards and become the head of the states.
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 20 minutes
Type: Geography board game
Sports Board Games
Sports-based board games bring on both mental agility and playful spirit, and encourage the child to learn more about a sport. Following is a list of sports board games for your children.
18. Best Fun For Everyone:1st And Goal
This game pits two American-football teams inside a gridiron. Strategic playing will determine which dice you get to roll for each play and the roll of the dice determines the yardage gained or lost. The right offensive play earns you a lot of yardage, unless the defense comes back with a better play roll. The game begins with 60 Offense and 60 Defense cards.
Age: 13+
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 120-150 minutes
Type: Football dice game
19. Best Creativity:Blood Bowl
Blood Bowl is a fantasy football game, parodying American football. One of the most favorite board games among kids, it is occupied with conventional fantasy elements of 22mm miniatures representing humans, goblins, dwarfs, orcs, elves, and trolls. Blood bowl is a new way of playing football while boosting the child’s imagination and creativity!
Age: 12+
Players: 2
Playing time: 45- 120 minutes
Type: Fantasy football
Logic Board Games
The best board games are not only about entertainment, but also about boosting the child’s mental agility and thinking acumen. Here are a few logic games that your children should play:
20. Best Easy To Setup:Robot Turtles Game
Robot Turtles is a very encouraging game for young programmers who want to code. While making silly turtle-noises, they learn about coding, functions and the fundamentals of programming. Try this game, and before you know, your little one could become the programming expert who creates computer games instead of just playing them!
Age: 4+
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 15 minutes
Type: Coding
21. Best Strategizing Skills:TeeTurtle Unstable Unicorns Card Game
The TeeTurtle Unstable Unicorns Card Game was 2019’s Toy of the Year. It allows your child to enhance their strategizing skills. You can betray your friends and build a unicorn army. The award-winning classic card game includes 135 cards and a rule book. Around two to eight players can play this game.
Pros
- Durable material
- Easy to learn and follow
- Suitable for ages eight and above
- Compact and portable
Cons
- May lack depth in strategizing for some
- Baby unicorn cards may become irrelevant after the first turn
"This game adds a humorous twist to card games, and my kids really enjoy it. It may take a little time to grasp the rules, but once you get it, it is an amusing game with unique strategies and friendly competition. I recommend it for game nights."
22. Best ABS Plastic:Clue – Classic Edition
Clue is a classic board game that is popular among kids and adults! The game begins with six legendary suspects who have killed Mr. Boddy. You have to find out in which of the nine rooms, by which of the six weapons was the murder committed. Pick up the right clues, deduce correctly and find out by who, where and how the crime was committed.
Age: 8+
Players: 3-6
Playing time: 45 minutes
Type: Mystery deduction
Even if you are relatively new to the board-game scene, your kid and you can play and learn at the same time, and have fun too. Just know that cool games needn’t always be on your PC or mobile. They can be right on your coffee table.
How To Choose The Right Board Games For 8-14-Year-Olds?
Consider the following factors before buying a board game for children in the age range of 8 to14:
- Age range: Check the game’s age recommendations to ensure it is suitable for your child. Age-appropriate games will help your child understand the rules better for a fun playtime.
- Theme: Consider your child’s interests when choosing the theme of the board game. From strategy and war games to fun guessing games, you can opt from the several options available.
- Number of players: Some board games need a single player, while others need a fixed number of players to start a game. Check the information to ensure it suits your needs.
- Skills: Choose board games that offer an opportunity to learn how to compete, collaborate, and strategize. These skill-building games develop logic and analytical thinking. Consider board games with challenging gameplay to keep your child engaged and help them focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find board games that are easy for kids to play?
You could shop for them online. Going through the product details of the board games listed in this post can help you better understand the nitty-gritty of the games in order to decide whether they’d be suitable for your child.
2. What kind of board games do kids like to play?
It may vary from one child to another. It mainly depends on whether they like to strategize more or analyze more or prefer historical or sports themes. Based on these factors, you may select the game.
3. What are some board games that kids can play in large groups?
That would depend on the theme. Games that involve strategizing, such as mystery-solving ones, could accommodate a large number of players. Read the product details as the manufacturers generally specify the number of players a game is meant for.
4. Which age group plays the most board games?
It’s a matter of personal preference and the type of board game. Some board games are relished until we outgrow them, while others, such as the good old chess, are revered even in old age.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in kids’ toys and gifts. Her deep understanding of the topics helps her articulate informative write-ups for her readers. In this post, she has prepared a list of the best board games for kids that will enhance their thinking and analytical skills. Priti has explained every recommended product in detail by highlighting its important features. You may read the article to find complete information about the products and then decide which suits your needs.
The Bottom Line
Board games are a fun way to keep children away from screens as they socially interact in an immersive and entertaining experience. Our list of the best board games for kids includes options to test the child’s mental agility while improving their analytical and problem-solving skills. Our top recommendations are the Carcassonne board game for its simplicity; the Exploding Kittens, a family-friendly game involving strategy and risk; and the Pandemic, a challenging game that encourages teamwork. Also, when choosing the right board games for 8-14-year-olds, ensure they are age-appropriate, made from safe, non-toxic materials, and pique your child’s interest. You could also choose from multiple game genres and themes, including war board games, strategy board games, educational board games, logic board games, etc.
Infographic: How To Store Board Games?
Board games provide entertainment, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation for individuals of all ages. Properly storing board games is essential to maintain their components, prevent mildew, and ensure longevity, allowing for continued enjoyment and replay value. Explore the infographic below to discover numerous valuable and practical ways to store board games at home.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Examining Board Gameplay and Learning: A Multidisciplinary Review of Recent Research
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340690811_Examining_Board_Gameplay_and_Learning_A_Multidisciplinary_Review_of_Recent_Research
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