The Best Board Games for Little Kids
So, your little ones have been crushing it at Hi, Ho Cherry-O, and they’re schooling you at Sequence for Kids? It might be time to level up the game closet.
We’ve done the hard work and found the best games for kids that are fun, educational, and perfect for family game nights.
Ready to add some new favorites to your collection? Let’s dive in!
See our favorite board games for kids of all ages in our Family Game Night Hub.
Guess Who? Animal Friends
The classic game with a wild twist for kids. Instead of people, you’re guessing animals—land or sea! Ask fun yes or no questions like, “Does your animal have wings?” or “Is it blue?” Narrow it down until you’re ready to guess which critter your opponent has. The first one to guess correctly wins!
Monopoly Junior
A kid-friendly version of the iconic Monopoly game! In this simplified version, you’re buying fun places like the Zoo or the Ice Cream Parlor. Who knew learning about money could be so exciting?
With fewer rules and faster gameplay, Monopoly Junior is perfect for introducing kids to money management, but with an extra dash of fun!
Outfoxed! A Whodunnit Game
Can you catch the tricky fox? In this cooperative game, everyone works together to figure out which sneaky fox stole Ms. Plumpert’s pie. Search for clues, use the decoder to eliminate suspects, and work quickly before the guilty fox escapes!
It’s like a mix of Guess Who? and Clue!
Race to the Treasure
Work together to build a path and beat the ogre to the treasure! Collect three keys along the way to unlock the treasure chest. This cooperative game teaches teamwork and strategic thinking, with everyone celebrating together when they win. Build, strategize, and win before the ogre steals the prize!
Catan Junior Board Game
Ahoy, matey! Set sail on a pirate adventure in this simplified version of the classic Catan. Build pirate hideouts, gather resources, and outsmart your opponents to control seven hideouts first.
Even the youngest players can enjoy the strategy and excitement of Catan with this kid-friendly version.
Ticket to Ride First Journey
All aboard for adventure! Ticket to Ride First Journey makes traveling across the country a fun competition for little travelers. Collect train cards, claim routes, and connect cities to complete six tickets and win the game.
With shorter routes and simpler rules, this game is perfect for young adventurers!
Qwirkle Board Game
Qwirkle is a simple yet strategic game that kids six and up will love. Match colors and shapes to build lines, but be smart about it—there’s big scoring potential if you place your tiles just right! It’s fun, fast, and teaches pattern recognition, strategy, and problem-solving skills. Qwirkle’s perfect for family game night!
Skillmatics Animal Planet
Get ready for a wild guessing game! Play in teams or go head-to-head as you try to figure out the animal on the card by asking up to 10 ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. Can it fly? Is it a carnivore? Use your best detective skills to guess the animal and collect seven cards to win!
There are other editions too–countries around the world, professions, and more.
5 Second Rule Game Jr.
Can you name three types of fruit in just five seconds? How about three kinds of animals? It sounds easy—until the timer starts and the pressure’s on! Get ready for some hilarious answers and lots of laughs as players try to think fast in this speedy and silly game. With a twisty timer and simple rules, it’s sure to be a hit!
Hedbanz
The ultimate game of “What Am I?” It’s easy to play: grab a headband, pop a card in (no peeking!), and let the guessing begin! With wacky categories – animals, objects, and food – you’ll have to ask yes or no questions to crack the mystery on your card. Be the first to guess three cards correctly and claim your victory!
Clue Junior
Who broke the toy, when, and with what? This junior version of Clue lets little detectives solve mysteries by collecting clues from characters and furniture around the board. Roll the die, uncover clues, and eliminate suspects to crack the case. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce kids to mystery-solving!
Happy Salmon
Get ready for 90 seconds of pure chaos with this one! Each card has a super simple action, like a high-five or switching spots, and you’ve got to find a partner with the same card. Once you do, perform the action, toss that card aside, and dive into the next one. Keep it going until you’re out of cards – the first one to finish wins!
Left Center Right
The most simple and the most fun! Everyone starts with three coins (you could use candy or dollar bills for extra fun!). Roll the dice –L means pass one to the left, R means hand it to the right, C means toss it in the center (the prize pool!), and a dot means to keep it. The last player with chips is the winner and gets the prize pool!
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