Keeping kids entertained during the winter months can be difficult, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Board games are a great way to keep them occupied, often building essential skills like problem-solving, following directions, and teamwork, and enjoy some sibling or family QT. Choose your favorites and have a snow day board game marathon, or grab some snacks, throw on some PJs, and have a family game night!
I crowdsourced suggestions for kid favorites and here’s what I found…
Little Kids
Ages 2 - 4
One of my personal favorites for little ones, this game allows kids to move and perform silly stunts guaranteed to get some laughs. There’s no real objective of the game, other than to complete the action on each card, so there’s no winner or loser and the game can be played in short spurts here and there (because we know how long a toddler’s attention span lasts). Builds gross motor skills, coordination, and following directions.
My Very First Games - First Orchard
Ages 2 and up
Gather all the fruit before the raven reaches the end of the path! This game promotes teamwork (players work as a team), color recognition, and basic counting skills.
Ages 3 - 7
This is a big fan favorite for little ones! Match colors to help the squirrels find their acorns. Builds fine motor skills, color recognition, sorting, and counting.
Ages 3+
Spin the wheel and add fruit to your basket, or, if you’re not so lucky, return it to the tree. The first player to pick all the fruit off their tree to fill their basket, wins. Develops basic math skills.
Ages 3+
This oldie but goodie is still a major kid fave. Climb to the top of the game board to win, but beware of the chutes! Develops counting skills.
Ages 5+
Help the mermaids swim to the island before the Sea Witch gets there! No reading required, so little ones will be able to follow along. Encourages strategic thinking and teamwork.
Big Kids
Ages 5-11
Teach your kids the value of money! Similar to Monopoly, players complete chores to earn allowance and then spend it on things they want.
Ages 6+
This one’s been around for a long time, and is now available in special editions like Disney and Star Wars. Guess your opponent’s mystery character by asking yes-or-no questions.
Ages 7+
Similar to Yahtzee, but with pigs! Players take turns rolling the pigs until they get a “Pig-Out” or an “Oinker.” Gain or lose points depending on how the pigs land. The first player to get 100 points wins.
Ages 8+
*There’s also a Suspend Jr. version suitable for ages 4-7*
This one’s not technically a board game, but great for kids who like a challenge. Balance the game rods without letting any fall! Develops hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills.
Ages 8+
Create the best sushi meal by strategically grabbing ingredients to maximize your points. This game moves fast, so players need to stay on their toes!
Fun for the Whole Family
Ages 4+
A variation of Bingo, the game cards have words with accompanying pictures so kids of all ages can play. Mom, Dad, or older siblings can be the “caller” while players race to fill their cards.
Ages 7+
*There's also a Headbanz Junior version suitable for ages 5+*
Take turns putting a card in your headband and asking questions to figure out what you are. Each card has the word and a picture, so non-readers can play, too. Kids will love answering Mom and Dad’s questions as they try to guess their card.
Ages 7+
In this game, kids are actually encouraged to stretch the truth. But don’t get caught or your nose will grow! Comes complete with silly glasses and “nose” additions. I can imagine the giggles at just the sight of Mom or Dad wearing them.
Classics
These classic games are still going strong and many are now available in fun, special editions:
- The Game of Life (ages 8+) and The Game of Life Junior (ages 5+)
- Monopoly (ages 8+) and Monopoly Jr.(ages 5+)
- Jenga (ages 6+)
- Connect 4 (ages 6+)
- Sorry (ages 6+)
- Battleship (ages 7+)
- Uno/Uno Dare/Uno Flip (7+)
- Yahtzee (ages 8+)
- Clue (ages 8+)
Enjoy!
