Paw Patrol, Save The Forest, Family Board Game for Kids Aged 4 & Up
Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Whether you’ve got antsy kids at home or in the classroom, a good board game can keep the little ones entertained for hours — not to mention help strengthen their critical-thinking skills. So while we’ve written before about all sorts of games and activities in the past — including the best four-player board games , two-player board games , and board games for adults — here, we’ve rounded up the 27 best board games for kids. Update on January 9, 2025 : Updated prices and checked stock for all products. Ticket to Ride is an adventure-style game in which players attempt to cross the country and connect cities by building train routes. Suitable for ages 8 and up, it is easy to pick up “but also offers a level of strategy and tactics just deep enough for competitive gamers to return to time and again,” says Ian Ross, who runs the popular Instagram page Board Games As Art . For a lightning-quick, pick-and-pass-style card game, Lauren Bilanko, a co-owner of Twenty Sided Store , suggests Sushi Go! , which she says is very easy to learn but still fun enough to play over and over again. The gameplay is simple: collect cards to create collections of dishes for different point values, and whoever scores the most points wins. Illustrator Stephen Walsh told us about this “really sweet” game about competitive panda husbandry that’s a favorite of his kids. It asks players to cultivate land plots and grow three species of bamboo for pandas. Walsh describes it as the “perfect Christmas Day game” to break out when you want something family-friendly and cheerful. The game takes about 45 minutes to play and is suitable for ages 8 and up. Most ’90s kids will remember this classic, which is suitable for children ages 4 and up and can accommodate two to four players. “Nothing could beat being a kid and unboxing this game to build a wacky Rube Goldberg machine,” says board-game designer Rob Sparks . In our roundup of the best board games to break out during parties, five of our experts praised Just One . “Hands down, Just One is our favorite new party game,” says Kelsey Demers, who runs the board-game blog the Tabletop Family . “It’s simple to play, a breeze to teach, and utterly addictive.” The game won the prestigious 2019 Spiel des Jahres, or German Game of the Year, which evaluates board games based on their game concept, rule structure, layout, and design. The main objective, as the title suggests, is for players to help their teammates guess a word by suggesting “just one” word as a hint. Which sounds easy enough, but, as Matthews warns, “Watch out, duplicate words cancel each other out,” so you need to be creative. A right answer scores your team one point, while a wrong answer docks two points, with the ultimate goal being to get as many points out of 13 as possible. This game takes about 20 minutes to play and is suitable for up to seven players. Walsh describes Dixit as “a great icebreaker of a game, fantastic for getting everyone interacting.” Great for kids with strong imaginations, it begins with one player being designated the storyteller; that player makes up a sentence based on the image on one of the cards in their hand. Then each player selects the card in their hand that best matches the sentence and gives it to the storyteller. The storyteller shuffles the cards and presents them to the other players, who place bets on which is the original card with the winners gaining points for correct guesses. As an added bonus, “the card artwork is beautiful, imaginative, and sometimes a little surreal,” Walsh says. Recommended by longtime Manhattan nanny Kasia Dabrowska, this bingo-esque game is easy to teach kids because the name of the game is speed-spotting familiar items like a dog, bird, or baseball bat. Strategist contributor and father of two Steven John also keeps it in rotation with his family. “ Outfoxed has more replay value than I have ever experienced in a child’s board game,” says John. For months after first getting the game, his then-5-and-a-half-year-old requested a round nearly every single day, he adds. A classic whodunit, the game’s kids discover a series of clues and a group of suspects, zeroing in on the guilty fox through a process of elimination. Similar to Mousetrap , Operation was beloved by ’90s kids. Walsh told us that while he loved this game when he was young, he also enjoyed playing it when he was older with his friends after a night out. The whole family can sit down and operate on Cavity Sam to remove his various ailments — including his wishbone, charley horse, and Adam’s apple — without setting off the buzzer. For kids who love to build things, this game asks players to build a shifting tower by adding pieces. The game can accommodate up to four players, which encourages socialization and “very important” peer interaction, explains child therapist Glenda Stoller, co-founder of Village Parenting NYC . Colleen Russo Johnson , a children’s-tech and media expert, recommends this remix of the original Connect 4 game, which requires a bit more strategy. In addition to placing their pieces in a slot, players must spin the corresponding column, which keeps gameplay interesting. “I was really surprised at how it held up,” says clinical child psychologist George Sachs . Fourth-grade teacher Courtney Caulfield adds that the kids in her class also love the throwback. “They like it because they can play with friends,” she says. “And it usually makes them think.” Anya Kamenetz , mother of two and author of The Art of Screen Time , recommends the fast-paced Exploding Kittens game Throw Throw Burrito , “which is a fun combination of goofiness and actual strategy.” Gameplay is only 15 minutes and can accommodate two to six players. Toy blogger and reviewer Lori Jepsen of Toysenberry is also a fan. “ “I mean, what’s not to love about throwing burritos at your siblings or parents or spouse?” According to Strategist contributor and dad David Pogue , “this is the greatest game ” that all ages can play. The rules of this spy-themed favorite are very similar to the basic elements of charades, with players dividing into two teams with one designated spymaster, who provides clues. By guessing the words correctly, players unveil the other teams’ agents. The first to unmask all of its opponents’ spies wins. Pogue calls it “truly hilarious and satisfying,” and though the designer has it labeled for kids 10 and up, Pogue notes that “ Codenames is super-fun with younger kids because they make fantastically imaginative connections between the words.” This edition of Monopoly is designed for cheaters: The goal is to see how many rules you can bend or break in order to win. “Isn’t that the way every kid plays all the time anyway?” says Zibby Owens, mother of four and host of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books . The game “encourages secret bank thefts, secret property swipes, and serious consequences if caught,” Owens adds. Ideal for kids ages 10 and up, this fast-paced board game’s main objective is to be the first to help all of your aliens escape into outer space via drone. Suitable for two to four players, “it’s the first game I’ve ever seen with a real flying drone,” says Adrienne Appell of the Toy Association , who recommends it because it “combines different kinds of play for a lot of fun.” Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo, who covers kids’ toys, recommends an old favorite, Slamwich . “I am a sucker for any toy with cool vintage illustrations or designs, so after I saw this card game at a friend’s all-ages engagement party a few months ago, I went and bought it for myself, to play with my nieces and nephews,” she writes. The game only takes about 20 minutes to play and the objective is simple: Players flip and stack cards to reveal “slamwiches,” “double deckers,” as well as “sandwich thieves” and “munchers” cards that require players to turn over more cards. Whenever a slamwich, double decker, or thief card gets flipped, the first player to slap the cards wins those cards, and the first player to collect all the cards wins the entire game. “I loved Slamwich when I was a kid,” adds Strategist sleep writer and board-game fan Amelia Jerden. This farm-animal-themed board game “challenges kids to really think about each move,” says NAPPA Awards director Elena Epstein. The game’s main objective had kids create a layout for a series of cows, pigs, and other farm animals that must be kept separated using a limited number of fences, which tests a child’s logic, spatial reasoning, and planning skills. “Kids feel a lot of pride as they figure out each level,” Epstein says. This tic-tac-toe inspired board game is “visually appealing” and “complex,” according to Sophia W., a nanny for the New York–based SmartSitting agency. Even better, Sophia says, “It’s well suited for gifted and special-needs children, as the colors stimulate kids who think visually.” This 3-D Tetris game, recommended by Ali Mierzejewski, the editor-in-chief of the Toy Insider, works much like the original version of the game except you’re competing against other players using one pot of physical pieces. “You have to be strategic about what pieces you need and try to predict what the other players will need while playing. It’s a really fun way to update the classic video game,” she says. A tried-and-true for a reason, Yahtzee is “easy to teach, with minimal setup, and suitable for any number of players,” says Sparks. “This absolute classic will have players pushing their luck to roll high-scoring combinations of dice.” Most important, Yahtzee is fast-paced, so it will keep kids engaged throughout the gameplay. Collaborative games are great because they teach kids teamwork skills as they work together toward a common objective. Caitlin Meister, founder of the Greer Meister Group , a private-tutoring and educational-consulting practice in Brooklyn, recommends Forbidden Island , in which players have to work together to get off an island before it sinks into the ocean. “You reassemble the board each time by laying out tiles, so it doesn’t get boring,” she says. It has plenty of replay value. If you’re struggling to find games for very little kids, try Monkey Around . “It’s like Twister for toddlers,” explains Holly Magelof, toy buyer for the Dolphin Bookshop , which she says is very popular among the toddler set. “You see the kids wiggling and giggling — it’s consistently a best seller.” Spot It! is a matching card game in which kids try to find two identical images between two cards first. Since it’s small enough to fit in your hand, it’s a great game to keep in your purse for doctors’ waiting rooms or long car rides. This one is animal-themed, but the game comes in a bunch of different variations, including favorite IP like Frozen and Paw Patrol . For something more educational, try this math game that was featured in our gift guide for 8-year-olds. To win a card, players have to get to the center number by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the five other numbers on the card (each number can be used only once). The first player to collect five cards is crowned the winner. While the game is designed for kids ages 8 to 12, each player starts the game by choosing their own level of difficulty, meaning kids of different skill sets can all play together. If your kids are bored of Pictionary , Quintin Smith, editor of the game-review site Shut Up & Sit Down , recommends Pictomania , which he describes as being “more deep, exciting, and competitive” than the old game-night standard. It’s “a side-splittingly funny” game, he says, because players are asked to draw and guess at the same time, “resulting in remarkably poor drawings and guesses.” Corsillo discovered this game by way of her “strategy-game connoisseur” brother. According to Corsillo, Raccoon Tycoon combines the fast play of Ticket to Ride with the social interaction of Settlers of Catan , “but is more engaging and fun to look at.” A player will win the game by collecting the most points, but there are multiple ways to earn them, which ups the game’s replay value. Corsillo also notes that part of what sets Raccoon Tycoon apart is “the intricate, uncanny illustrations,” designed by painter Annie Stegg. “Every time I play, I discover some clever detail that makes me laugh,” she adds. “Another perk is that you can play with as few as two people or as many as five, and though you have to pay attention to multiple things at once, it’s not so complicated that a beginner or child couldn’t win on their first time playing.” But since the game play takes between 60 and 90 minutes, this game is better for older children. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best kids’ items , baby shower gifts , gifts for a 1-year-old , 2-year-old , 3-year-old , 4-year-old , 10-year-old , and patriarchy-defeating books . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. 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By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime. * We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Operation Board Games is a popular collection of classic board games that are perfect for family game nights or friendly gatherings. This collection includes all-time favorites such as Monopoly, Clue, and Risk, as well as lesser-known but equally fun games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. Each game is designed to be easy to learn and play, while also offering a unique and exciting experience for players of all ages. With a variety of games to choose from, Operation Board Games is the perfect addition to any game collection. The Classic Operation Game is a board game suitable for kids aged 6 years and above. It comes with a gameboard, tweezers, 12 plastic ailments (including rubber band), and game guide, and requires 2 1.5V "AA" alkaline batteries (demo batteries included). Players use the tweezers to remove Cavity Sam's ailments, which include classic ailments, while avoiding the “buzz”. The game can be played solo or with friends. The Hasbro Operation Splash game adds a fun, wet twist to the classic Operation gameplay. You’ll need to dodge sprays while attempting to save Cavity Sam by removing his ailments. This game connects to a hose, activating a sprinkler that creates a splash zone, making it perfect for outdoor play. You have just 25 seconds to complete your mission, enhancing your timing and coordination skills. With five foam ailments and a lifesaver ring included, this game promises a fun challenge for players aged four and up, making it a great family activity. The World's Smallest Operation Board Game is a miniaturized version of the classic game, measuring only 2.75 x 0.625 x 1.75 inches. It includes all the classic features, such as four body parts, tweezers, a carry/storage box, and a light-up/buzzer sound nose. The game is recommended for ages 8 and up, and it's perfect for Easter gifts, party favors, stocking stuffers, and more. The compact design makes it easy to take everywhere you go. The Operation Game: Paw Patrol The Movie Edition Board Game is a fun kids' game inspired by the Nickelodeon Paw Patrol movie. This board game is designed for kids aged 6 and up and is perfect for 2 or more players. Players help the pups save the day by using tweezers to collect the 11 plastic tools the Paw Patrol needs. The player who collects the most tools wins the game. The game also includes classic Operation gameplay with lights and buzzer, making it a great addition to family game night. The Hasbro X-Ray Match Up Game is a matching board game designed for kids aged four and up. The game features a twist on classic Operation gameplay, with a pretend "X-Ray" feature that lights up to reveal the X-Ray cards. Players race against the automatic timer to remember where the X-ray cards are placed as they try to match their ailment cards. The game involves card matching, where players pick an ailment card from the pile, then choose an X-ray card they think has a matching picture. The scanner reveals if it's a match - if it is, they get to keep the card. The game is a great choice for your child's playdate or to keep kids entertained on a rainy day. It makes a great birthday gift for kids aged four and up. Experience the festive fun with the Rudolph Operation Game by USAOPOLY, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the beloved holiday classic. This game features a unique tray designed with Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster as the patient, making it a delightful twist on the original Operation game. You will enjoy using tweezers to carefully remove fun holiday-themed parts, such as Jingle Tingle and Cold Shoulder. It's perfect for family gatherings, offering a light-hearted challenge that can bring everyone together. With easy rules and a quick playtime of just 10 minutes, it's great for players aged 6 and up. Experience laughter and fun with the Shrek Operation Game by USAOPOLY. In this entertaining twist on the classic game, you will help Shrek recover from various amusing ailments. Use tweezers to carefully extract 12 unique “Funatomy” pieces, like the “Frog in the Throat,” while avoiding the buzzer that triggers Shrek's roar. This game not only tests your steady hands but also adds a magical Shrek-themed game tray and doctor cards to enhance your gaming experience. Perfect for game night, it can be enjoyed by one or more players. The Star Wars Operation Game invites you to join Chewbacca in a fun twist on the classic game. You can play alone or with friends, making it a great option for gatherings or solo play. Use the included tweezers to carefully remove the troublesome Porgs from the gameboard while trying to avoid triggering the buzzer. This exciting feature adds a level of challenge and keeps you engaged. With 11 plastic hair hazards to navigate, you'll find plenty of opportunities for laughter and competition. The VIZIKN Operation Game is a classic choice for kids aged 3 and up, offering hours of fun while helping to develop essential skills.