Top Board Games for 8-Year-Olds and Up That They Will Love
January 2, 2025
Playing board games is great for kids. It helps them think better, work with others, and plan ahead. Playing games helps kids get ready for the future. Many games are both fun and educational, perfect for family nights and are a fun way for parents and kids to spend time together. Board games are a great way to help kids grow and make memories. Games like Marvel United (10+), Adventure Land (14+), and Ticket to Ride (8+) are favorites for kids. They teach kids to solve problems, think critically, and work together. These games are great for any family's collection.
Why Board Games Matter for Child Development
Board games are more than fun. They help kids grow in many ways. Games like Clue (8+) and Sequence (7+) make brains strong. Board games offer many benefits for kids. They help with solving problems and thinking clearly. They also improve how kids work together and feel about themselves.
Improved problem-solving skills and critical thinking
Enhanced social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy
Developed strategic thinking abilities, including planning, analysis, and evaluation
Boosted self-esteem and confidence among players
Increased social confidence
Games like Boggle (8+) and Scrabble (8+) help kids learn new words. They make learning fun. Playing games without breaks helps kids focus longer. This is important in a world full of distractions.
Educational Board Games for Kids Around 5-8 Years Old
Kids between the ages of 5- 8 years old are growing fast. So I have dedicated a paragraph to this age group for parents to consider. Games like My First Stone Age (5+), Planet (8+), and Qwirkle (6+) are great for these ages. Playing board games is a great way to have fun together. It's a chance to make memories and learn social skills. It's perfect for family game nights.
Some classic games for kids around 5-8 include:
My First Stone Age (5+), recommended for kids as young as 5 years old
Planet (8+), which promotes strategic thinking and planning
Qwirkle (6+), a game that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Good Strategy Board Games for Young Minds
Board games for kids help them think better, solve problems, and work together. In addition to games like Ticket to Ride (8+) and Marvel United (10+), games like Chronicles of Avel (8+) , Chess (6+), and Checkers (6+) are also fun and teach strategy. Yes, parents can introduce Chess and Checkers as early as 6 years old.
Strategy board games have many benefits:
They improve critical thinking and problem-solving.
They help with teamwork and talking.
They boost strategic thinking and planning.
Family-Friendly Board Games
There are many fun board games for kids that are great for game night. They help kids learn to work together and compete in a healthy way. Games like Sushi Go! (8+), Blank Slate (8+) and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (8+) are great. They are made for kids of different ages and don’t take long to play. For example, Sushi Go! is for 2-5 players and lasts 15 minutes. Blank Slate is for 3-8 players and takes 20-35 minutes. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza takes about 10-15 minutes to play.
Age recommendation: 8 and up
Skills that these games strengthen: counting, reading, strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and critical thinking
These games are not only fun but also help kids and adults play together. They make game night a special time for your family. Playing these games helps everyone learn to work together and have fun.
A cozy family game night scene featuring a colorful array of strategic board games spread across a coffee table, surrounded by happy children and adults engaged in play, with warm lighting and snacks nearby, showcasing an inviting atmosphere for bonding and fun.
Quick and Easy Board Games for Busy Families
Finding fun, quick games for busy families can be tough. But, there are many games that can be played in under 30 minutes. These games are perfect for family game nights.
Games like Qwixx (8+), Kingdomino (8+), and Patchwork (8+) are great for busy families. They can be played in 15-30 minutes. They're perfect for family game nights because they're interactive and easy to learn.
Games That Take 30 Minutes or Less
Qwixx (8+): A quick dice game (2-6 players) that can be played in 15 minutes.
Kingdomino (8+) : A strategy game (2-4 players) that can be played in 15-25 minutes.
This game also has a couple of expansions: Expansion Age Of Giants and Kingdomino Duel (this one will be hard to find at the time if this writing. You might be able to find it on ebay for a reasonable price).
To complete your collection of Blue Orange Classic Award Winning Board Games collect these games: Queendomino (8+) and Dragomino (5+)
2 to 4 players can play Queendomino traditionally, but up to 8 players can play when the game is combined with Kingdomino
Dragomino is for the younger player with the age range beginning at 5.
Patchwork (8+) : A puzzle game that can be played in 30 minutes.
Designed specifically for two players, Patchwork delivers an exceptional and immersive gaming experience tailored to pairs of friends or family members
Conclusion: Creating Lasting Memories Through Board Games
Board games offer opportunities for shared laughter, problem-solving, and quality time. Whether it’s the thrill of competition or collaboration, these moments forge lasting bonds. Gathering around a board fosters deeper relationships, builds resilience, and creates stories worth retelling. Ultimately, board games serve as catalysts for treasured family memories and friendships.
Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links help support the blog.
