Ultimate Toy Guide: 30 Best Board Games for Kids
Discover the best board games for kids ages 5 to 8! Seeking classic favorites or exciting new adventures, we’ve got you covered.
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Finding the perfect board games for kids can be a game changer for family nights, playdates, and even solo play.
This age group is bubbling with curiosity, creativity, and a knack for fun, making it the ideal time to introduce them to a variety of engaging games.
I’ve rounded up the 30 best board games for kids ages 5 to 8 that your kiddos will love, and trust me, you’ll have a blast playing them too!
And if you have younger little ones in the 3 to 5 age range, don’t worry—we’ve also put together a fantastic list of best board games for preschoolers for the little ones.
Related: Ultimate Toy Guide: 20 Best Board Games for Preschoolers
30 Best Board Games for Kids Ages 5-8
Whether you’re looking to spark their strategic thinking, boost their creativity, or just have a good laugh together, there are board games for kids on this list that’s perfect for your kiddos.
1. Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens! is a hilarious card game where players draw cards and try to avoid the exploding kittens. It’s a mix of strategy and luck with adorable, funny illustrations that keep everyone giggling. The quick gameplay and silly antics make it a blast for kids and parents alike.
2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a fast-paced card game where players race to slap a card that matches the spoken word. It’s chaotic, energetic, and hilarious, perfect for kids with quick reflexes and a love for silliness. The unique theme and simple rules make it an instant hit at any gathering.
3. Throw Throw Burrito
Throw Throw Burrito is a card game that combines dodgeball with matching games. Players collect sets of cards while dodging soft burrito throws. It’s energetic, silly, and perfect for active kids who love a bit of chaos with their games.
4. Monopoly Junior
Monopoly Jr. is a simplified version of the classic game that’s perfect for little ones. Instead of buying properties, kids buy amusement parks, candy shops, and other fun locations. It’s a great way to introduce them to basic money management and strategic thinking without being too complicated.
5. Happy Salmon
Happy Salmon is a quick, action-packed game where players match actions like high-fiving and fist-bumping as fast as they can. It’s hilarious and perfect for getting kids up and moving. The simple rules and fast pace make it a hit at any gathering.
6. Operation
Operation is the classic game where players use tweezers to remove funny ailments from a patient without setting off the buzzer. It’s great for fine motor skills and concentration. Kids love the challenge and the thrill of trying to avoid the dreaded buzz!
7. Taco vs Burrito
Taco vs Burrito is a wacky card game created by a kid, where players build crazy meals and sabotage each other’s creations. It’s all about strategy and a bit of luck, with lots of giggles over the funny food combinations. This game is perfect for kids who love food and humor.
8. Rhino Hero
In Rhino Hero, kids build a skyscraper out of cards and help Rhino Hero climb to the top without knocking it over. It’s a fun stacking game that requires balance and dexterity, with the adorable rhino adding extra charm. The suspense and creativity make it a favorite for little builders.
9. Charades for Kids
Charades for Kids is all about acting out clues without speaking. It’s super fun to see how creatively kids use their imagination to get others to guess correctly. This game is great for boosting confidence and improving communication skills while having a ton of laughs.
10. Hedbanz
Hedbanz is a fun guessing game where players wear headbands with a card on them and try to figure out what it is by asking yes-or-no questions. It’s hilarious and perfect for developing questioning skills and quick thinking. Kids love the silly headbands and the challenge of guessing.
11. The Game of Life Junior
The Game of Life Jr. is a simplified version of the classic game where kids go on adventures and make fun choices. They earn stars and enjoy different experiences along the way, introducing them to decision-making and planning. It’s engaging and educational, with plenty of excitement.
12. Qwirkle
Qwirkle is a tile-matching game where players create lines of matching colors or shapes. It’s great for pattern recognition and strategic thinking. The colorful tiles and simple rules make it a hit with kids and a fun challenge for the whole family.
13. Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players draft sushi dishes to create the best meal. It’s all about strategy and quick decisions, with adorable sushi graphics. Kids love the cute theme and the fun of building their own sushi combos.
14. Sorry!
Sorry! is all about getting your pawns around the board and back home before everyone else. It’s a mix of luck and strategy, with the thrill of sending opponents back to start. Kids love the competitive nature and the chance to shout “Sorry!” with glee.
15. Unstable Unicorns for Kids
Unstable Unicorns for Kids is a whimsical card game where players build an army of adorable unicorns. The goal is to be the first to collect a certain number of unicorns, using strategy and a bit of luck. It’s packed with laughs and imaginative play, perfect for unicorn lovers.
16. Trouble
Trouble is known for its Pop-O-Matic dice roller, which kids absolutely adore. The goal is to get all your pieces around the board and into the finish before anyone else. It’s simple, exciting, and teaches basic counting and strategy while keeping everyone on their toes.
17. Guess Who?
Guess Who? is a fun guessing game where players ask yes-or-no questions to figure out the mystery character. It’s great for developing deductive reasoning and quick thinking. Kids love the challenge of narrowing down the possibilities and making the big reveal.
18. Kerplunk
Kerplunk is a game of suspense where players take turns removing sticks from a tube while trying not to let the marbles fall. It’s all about careful moves and strategy, with the excitement building as the game progresses. Kids love the thrill of avoiding a marble avalanche.
19. Jenga
Jenga is a classic block-stacking game where players take turns removing blocks from a tower and placing them on top without making it topple. It’s fantastic for teaching patience, strategy, and fine motor skills. The anticipation and tension make it a family favorite.
20. Spot It!
Spot It! is a fast-paced matching game where players race to find the one matching symbol between two cards. It’s great for improving observational skills and quick thinking, and it’s perfect for on-the-go fun. The simple yet addictive gameplay makes it a hit with kids.
21. Battleship
In Battleship, players take turns guessing the locations of their opponent’s ships on a grid. It’s a fantastic game for developing critical thinking and spatial reasoning. Plus, the thrill of calling out a hit or miss adds to the excitement.
22. Mancala
Mancala is an ancient strategy game where players move stones around a board to capture the most. It’s excellent for teaching counting and strategic planning. The simple yet deep gameplay makes it a hit with kids and a great way to introduce them to classic games.
23. Uno
Uno is a fast-paced card game where players match colors and numbers to get rid of their cards. It’s easy to learn and full of twists with special action cards. Kids love the vibrant colors and the thrill of shouting “Uno!” when they’re down to their last card.
24. Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and Ladders is a game of ups and downs where kids move their pieces along a board, climbing ladders and sliding down chutes. It’s great for teaching counting and numbers, and it’s always a hit with the little ones.
25. Candy Land
Candy Land is a simple and colorful game where kids move their pieces along a path by drawing cards. It’s perfect for introducing the youngest kids to board games, and no reading is required, just fun.
26. Connect 4
Connect 4 is a strategic two-player game where the goal is to get four of your colored discs in a row. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a great game for kids to develop their strategic thinking.
27. Mouse Trap
Mouse Trap is a hilarious game where players build a Rube Goldberg-like contraption to catch their opponents’ mice. It’s fantastic for teaching cause and effect, with the added fun of watching the crazy chain reaction in action. Kids adore the creativity and excitement of this game.
28. Checkers
Checkers is a timeless game of strategy where players aim to capture their opponent’s pieces by jumping over them. It’s simple to learn but requires careful planning and foresight. This game is great for teaching kids strategic thinking and patience.
29. Clue Jr.
Clue Jr. is a kid-friendly version of the classic mystery game. Kids work together to solve the case by gathering clues and making deductions. It’s perfect for developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while having a blast unraveling the mystery.
30. Scrabble Jr.
Scrabble Jr. is a kid-friendly version of the classic word game. Players create words using letter tiles on a colorful board, making it fun and educational. It’s perfect for early readers and helps improve spelling and vocabulary in an engaging way.
Final Thoughts
Board games for kids offer so much more than just a way to pass the time. They help kids develop important skills while having a blast.
Whether you’re playing a round of Monopoly Jr. or stacking cards in Rhino Hero, these moments of play are opportunities for learning, bonding, and growing together.
So grab a game, gather the family, and let the good times roll!
