We’ve researched some of the most popular board games on the market, considering the age level, entertainment level, and challenge value of each. Our top pick is Settlers of Catan: Family Edition. The reimagined classic requires the same strategic thinking, but in a more family-friendly way. If you’re a Catan fan, you’ll be happy to know that this strategy-based game comes in a kid-friendly version. Like the original version, this game requires you to build a settlement to earn points, but the Family Edition makes it a little easier to learn the ins and outs of the game, so kids won’t need to sit through lengthy instructions to get to the fun. Since you build the board with sets of hexagonal tiles at the start of each game, this game won’t get old too quickly, and although it is competitive—part of your strategy is blocking your opponents from getting points—you’ll also need to work together by trading, teaching social skills and good sportsmanship along the way. Reviewers love that this reimagined classic has a quicker setup time and easier-to-understand instructions. This is a great starter strategy game for kids and families, who can eventually graduate to the original Catan or other more intensive board games aimed at adults. Still, some wished that this version had a bit more play options compared to the original. Price at time of publish: $30 This game can be played alone or with up to 4 players who take turns attempting to match face tiles. Since this game is geared toward younger audiences, we recommend supervising play time as the tiles are rather small and could be lost or swallowed. This game also received the Oppenheim Gold Best Toy Award for its innovation and design. Price at time of publish: $18 Outfoxed! is a collaborative game that requires players to work together to reveal clues and narrow the suspects to figure out which thieving fox stole Mrs. Plumpert’s prized potpie. It’s a non-competitive “whodunit” game of deductive reasoning, probability, and attention to detail. Price at time of publish: $19 Players race to collect train cards, claim routes, and try to connect cities coast-to-coast before their fellow players do. The game ends when one player claims the Golden Ticket by completing six tickets. It’s a game that encourages long-term planning and careful monitoring of your progress and the progress of those around you. Games last about thirty minutes, so it’s the perfect alternative to younger crowds who love genuine strategy but may not have the patience or understanding of a more advanced game of strategy like Catan or Risk. Price at time of publish: $28 The goal of the game is to get to the bottom of a broken toy mystery; what toy is it, who broke it, and when did it happen? Though there are a lot of rules to learn, once you’ve mastered the basics, this game is suitable for kids. Rounds can be on the longer side, so this pick is best for kids who can sit and focus. Price at time of publish: $16 Players compete for points by claiming Park Cards and collecting trail stones by racing across the country to experience U.S. National Parks. The game was specifically designed to be educational as well as competitive, so every Park Card features interesting facts about the park visited—meaning your child will learn a little something while they try to win. Price at time of publish: $50 Busytown is a winding road that stretches across a city, town, farm, construction area, airport, and harbor. Each player tries to move their game piece closer to the ferry boat that will take them across the water to Picnic Island. It’s a cooperative game that encourages kids to work together to find hidden objects on the game board, so it’s a good pick for siblings to play together. It’s also worth noting that a Disney-themed version of the game is available for a lower price, so fans of new and classic films can get into the action. Price at time of publish: $60 This game is relatively easy, but it teaches problem solving, attention to detail, and categorization. This updated version of the game is more inclusive, with more variety in ethnicity and skin tone that the original game. Price at time of publish: $12 Similar to Bingo, players try to cover all the spaces on their Zingo card with tiles, which are the same format as the tiles: a noun with its name underneath. Tiles and cards feature both images and words so it’s helpful for younger players, especially pre-readers and early readers, by helping kids learn how to use, spell, and read different words. First player to cover their entire Zingo card yells “Zingo” to win. Price at time of publish: $22 Players experience a new story and journey every time, earning a high replay value for this pick. While it is definitely not as detailed or tactical as the original game, players get to know the characters and monsters of the classic Dungeons and Dragons and practice their skills before graduating to more intricate storylines and battles. Price at time of publish: $25 It’s great indoors on rainy doors, or outdoors when it’s time for a fresh air break. Just be warned that the stepping stones are a lightweight foam, so it’s not ideal for a windy day (or underneath heavy boots). The other potential challenge is when your gaming space is on the smaller side, but you can adjust accordingly when setting up. Kids of all ages (and their grown-ups) will likely enjoy getting their wiggles out as they play. Price at time of publish: $25 The game ends when there is no more room to place pieces on the board and the player with the lowest number of their pieces remaining wins. This pick is extremely simple to grasp, but strategic enough for the whole family to enjoy. Price at time of publish: $25
Skills Involved
Sure, it’s all fun and games, but it’s great for the players to learn something, too. For the youngest players, look at games that teach counting and reading comprehension. For older players, consider ones that help them hone their strategic skills.
Entertainment Value
Of course, first and foremost, games should be about enjoyment. From those that will leave your sides aching from laughing so much to others that are more competitive, there’s a board game out there for every family and occasion. Consider who’ll be playing—as well as their interests and senses of humor—when choosing one for maximum fun.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Meredith Hurd, a freelance writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2019. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Dena Ogden and Emma Phelps, writers for The Spruce, also later updated this roundup to include more recent board game releases.
