Best Kids' Board Games

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Wonder Forge Richard Scarry's Busytown, Eye Found It
Wonder Forge
Richard Scarry's Busytown, Eye Found It
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Bottom Line

Richard Scarry has been a trusted name in childhood entertainment for generations, and this fun board game brings his colorful characters to life for hours of fun for all ages.

Pros

Not only does it offer appealing animal characters, a spacious game board, and action-packed fun, but the logistics of the game also encourage teamwork.

Cons

Best suited for small kids, but adults report having fun playing along with them. Rare complaints of pieces breaking and the game board peeling.

Best Bang for the Buck
Hasbro Candy Land The World of Sweets
Hasbro
Candy Land The World of Sweets
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Bottom Line

Though a modern version of a classic children's board game, it continues to offer the engaging play and affordable fun that kids have enjoyed for years.

Pros

An exciting game that takes children down paths filled with candy on a race to the finish. Plays similarly to the classic version enjoyed by kids for several decades.

Cons

Some parents gripe that they don't like the new graphics, but more rave about the fun they have playing the game with their kids.

Milton Bradley Classic Operation
Milton Bradley
Classic Operation
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Bottom Line

If you are looking for a challenging game that will keep kids and adults on their edge of their seats, this is the one to pick. You may remember it from your childhood – it's just as fun today.

Pros

The classic skill game that keeps players on edge as they attempt to "operate" without setting off the buzzer. Exciting and challenging fun for kids and adults; accommodates numerous players.

Cons

A bit too difficult for young kids to master – takes a steady hand and focused concentration. A few reports of missing pieces upon arrival.

Spin Master Games Soggy Doggy
Spin Master Games
Soggy Doggy
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Bottom Line

Little kids love the action and anticipation of the game, but older kids may not be as impressed.

Pros

A cute game with a unique concept – players have to return "home" when they get wet when doggie shakes. Ideal for young kids – keeps them eagerly awaiting doggie's next move.

Cons

May not be challenging or interesting for older kids. Not much water comes off the doggie when he shakes, but this may be a plus for parents hoping to keep messes to a minimum.

Mattel Blokus
Mattel
Blokus
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Bottom Line

More than just fun, it's a great game for honing critical thinking skills for both kids and adults, but if you are looking for a game for younger kids, it may be too advanced.

Pros

Strategy is the object of this game, and helps kids learn to focus and concentrate. Easy to learn, but challenging to master. Ideal for kids age 7 and older.

Cons

Small pieces feel cheaply made, and get lost easily – some owners wish it came with a case to keep track of all the components.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

41 Models Considered
68 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
144 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Board games may change, but they never go out of style, especially for kids. Kids’ board games range from updated versions of classic games that have been around for decades to brand new games kids love just as much. Games for younger kids often focus on simple skills like counting, matching colors, and teamwork. Games for older kids have more complicated rules, may require a steadier hand, or may require higher level thinking skills. Some kids’ games even have interactive features, such as parts of the game that move or make sound. Whether you choose a simple classic game or a more involved new game, board games are always a great gift.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Pressman
Mancala for Kids
Hasbro
Connect 4
Hasbro
Risk Junior Pirates
Mattel Games
UNO Minecraft Card Game
Skillmatics
Guess in 10 Educational Game
The team that worked on this review
  • Jennifer
    Jennifer
    Writer
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
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Wonder Forge

Richard Scarry's Busytown, Eye Found It

Wonder Forge

Richard Scarry's Busytown, Eye Found It

Richard Scarry has been a trusted name in childhood entertainment for generations, and this fun board game brings his colorful characters to life for hours of fun for all ages.

$26
×

Milton Bradley

Classic Operation

Milton Bradley

Classic Operation

If you are looking for a challenging game that will keep kids and adults on their edge of their seats, this is the one to pick. You may remember it from your childhood – it's just as fun today.

$19
×

Hasbro

Candy Land The World of Sweets

Hasbro

Candy Land The World of Sweets

Though a modern version of a classic children's board game, it continues to offer the engaging play and affordable fun that kids have enjoyed for years.
$12
×

Spin Master Games

Soggy Doggy

Spin Master Games

Soggy Doggy

Little kids love the action and anticipation of the game, but older kids may not be as impressed.

$12
×

Mattel

Blokus

Mattel

Blokus

More than just fun, it's a great game for honing critical thinking skills for both kids and adults, but if you are looking for a game for younger kids, it may be too advanced.

$24

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