Educational board games for kids are one of the best ways to make them learn that is through hands-on experience. Nowadays, several games claim to develop different skills in kids. But, educational board games help in the overall development of your child without focusing on a single skill. Various educational board games focus on Math, Geography, Reading, Vocabulary, Talking, and much more.
All this while they concentrate on enhancing skills like communication skills, memorizing power, strategy making, critical thinking, etc. Also, board games have the capability of increasing a child’s brainpower and skills in an entertaining way. Such games not only help in the child’s growth but also expand their thought process and language skills. It helps kids to interact more with their family and friends.
Parents often wonder about how to choose an educational board game for their kids. Here are a few tips that will help to select a perfect educational board:
Easy to Learn
One of the most important factors that you should keep in mind is that the game should be easy to learn. Being at a very young age, your kids may take time to understand the game properly. But, it should not be complex enough that it becomes difficult for your child to learn. While purchasing an educational board game, remember that the game is for your kids and not adults. It should come up with an easy, clear, and direct set of instructions that should not be hard to learn.
Easy to Set-Up and Clean-Up
A board game that takes more than a few minutes to get arranged may appear annoying and discouraging to kids. They may end stop playing with it to avoid its set up process. Thus, a board game should be easy to set-up without much bothering. Apart from the set-up, it should be easy to clean up as well. You should choose the one that comes with a minimum number of objects in the kit so that cleaning it up is not painful.
Also, a good board game should be easy to store and have a kit to store all of its parts together. Losing a part or two may spoil the whole game. Easy set-up and clean-up will inculcate a habit of arranging their own stuff.
To know about more factors that can help you in precise buying refer to our Buying Guide
Best Educational Board Games
| Educational Board Games | Best for Learning | Suitable for | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattel Apples to Apples Junior Game | Vocabulary and creativity | 9 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Junior Board Game | About money and counting cash | 5 and 8 years old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| BeGenio Race To Infinity Math Games | About Logic, Emotional Intelligence, | 4 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Buffalo Brain Games | About brain, logic, etc. | 8 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Peaceable Kingdom Alphabet Bingo | Uppercase letters | 4 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Zobmondo The Ladybug Game | Recognition of numbers, colors, etc. | 3 to 7 years old kid | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Proof The Fast-Paced Math Game | Math skills and creativity | 9 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Da Vinci's Room Sums in Space | About space, rocket ships, planet earth, etc. | 5 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Skillmatics Educational Game | About Monuments, Culture, food, etc. | 6 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game | Counting and Money value | 7 years old kid or above | CHECK ON AMAZON |
10 Best Educational Board Games Reviews
1. Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior Game
If you have a small child, in order to keep him/her occupied and learn at the same time, this game comes really handy. Specifically created for small kids, this game is suggested for kids that belong to age group 9 and up. It comes with 126 Green Apple Cards, 378 Red Apple Cards, and playing rules. This “Apples to Apples junior game” is easy to clean, and 4 to 8 players can play it together. Moreover, instead of handing over your kid something electronic in nature, this type of game works better for entertainment purposes as well.
The only thing that makes this a great game is that it’s fun when played in a large group with different generations. This is because smaller children would require explanations of why their card is best in the game while making them learn and grow.
Features:
- The fancy box measures 10.63″ L x 10.63″ W x 1.63″ H
- It weighs 1.32 pounds
- No need for batteries
Pros:
- Helps the kid to expand vocabulary
- High-quality material
- It is easy& fun to play as well as learn
- Keeps your kid engaged for long periods
Cons:
- Cards may get lost
2. Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Junior Board Game
Suggested for children who belong to the age group of 5 and 8 years, this monopoly board game by Hasbro Gaming is a perfect option to keep them engaged and entertained. It further helps them learn to count and recognizing things such as the zoo, video game arcade, Movie Theater, etc.
Moreover, this junior board game mostly requires to be played by multiple players. And hence, it becomes quite a healthy option for teaching your kids certain things. It involves artificial banknotes as well, which makes your kid understand the value of the currency and counting cash from a young age. Apart from that, it is not recommended for kids that are not even 3 years old as they can end up putting any part in their mouth. So if you have to teach your kid maths, buy this one for her/his next birthday.
Features:
- It weighs only 1 pound
- The box measures 1.6 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
Pros:
- Children-friendly
- Great for gifting
Cons:
- Any part of the game may get damaged or lost
3. BeGenio Race To Infinity Math Games
Designed to enhance different skillsets of children such as analytics, thinking, mathematics, social interaction, and more, this board game allows them to have fun too. Children are able to play with their parents or teachers when it comes to this “Race to Infinity” game, and they learn subtraction, addition, and more throughout, till the game ends. It is suggested to the kids who belong to the age group 4 years plus.
Moreover, children can play in groups and learn from each other too. Furthermore, in kids, it enhances qualities such as Logic, Emotional Intelligence, etc. for their mental development. If your kid is shy or has low confidence, this game could prove to be a great investment. So he or she can gain confidence and feel worthy among other children.
Features:
- The box measures 9.8 x 2.4 x 9.8 inches
- It weighs 1.64 pounds
- No requirement of batteries
- It comes with 12 Multiplication Times tables
Pros:
- Allows children to build various skills
- Children feel confident when solving math problems
- It makes the learning of new things an engaging activity for kids.
Cons:
- Game parts may get lost or damaged easily.
4. Buffalo Brain Games
Suitable for the age group of 8 years and up, the “Brain Games Kids” is a perfect option with 128 challenge cards, i.e., in a total of 3 categories. It further includes 48 Brain Benders Cards, 6 Colored Pawns, 48 Puzzling Pictures, a Game Board, 32 Body Language Cards, a Card Holder, etc.
This board game can be played by multiple players, and hence, it is quite engaging to play and learn at the same time. It further teaches teamwork and enhances problem-solving skills. Children can develop skills like logic, coordination, body language, and learn about the brain.
Features:
- It weighs 1.9 pounds
- Children learn about brain-related facts
- The product measures 16 x 16 x 0.1 inches
- Exploration of the human brain and science so it can be used wisely.
Pros:
- Easy to play
- Children learn about how the brain works
- It doesn’t require batteries
- Enjoyable, especially for first-timers
- A good option for gifting
Cons:
- It’s a bit boring for playing again and again
- You may end up losing parts of the game.
5. Peaceable Kingdom Alphabet Bingo
Suggested for the age group of 4 years and up, the Alphabet Bingo, a letter learning game, is suitable to keep your child stay engaged for a long period. It helps in recognizing or/and learning about uppercase letters, math, etc. This game further ensures the enhancement of a child’s knowledge of sharing, coordination, patience, and teamwork.
It further engages the kid with an activity he or she can do with the family, and hence, the understanding between the kid and family increases. Moreover, this board game isn’t suggested to kids who are not even 3 years old as they can put the game parts into their mouth or swallow it. This game is good for educational purposes and a fun activity to have for kids.
Features:
- It weighs 1.3 pounds
- The box measures 8 x 6.9 x 1.7 inches
- Colorful visuals and parts attract children
- It comes with the how-to-play instructions
Pros:
- Good for literacy growth in child
- Easy to clean
- It is a budget-friendly game
- Good quality product
Cons:
- The pieces can get lost easily
- Only uppercase letters are taught with this game
- Bit expensive
6. Zobmondo The Ladybug Game
Ideal for the age group of 3-7 years, the Ladybug game by Zobmondo is one of those games that can be played again and again with the same interest and fun. It’s really hard to get bored with this game, and children learn to play this game very easily. It has 8 Praying Mantis Passes, 61 Aphid Chips, a Game Board, and 38 Ladybug Cards.
Furthermore, the box includes 4 Ladybug Pawns and Stands. This involves completing the level before your competition does and winning the game. And hence, it’s fast-paced, which further means it requires around 15-20 minutes to complete one game. The most amazing thing about the game is that it was designed by a child. And hence, it’s been made with what kids enjoy playing. It teaches staying focused on your goal, and recognition of numbers, colors, and more.
Features:
- It weighs 13.6 ounces
- The box measures 9 x 2 x 9 inches
- Not for kids that are less than 3 years old
- Light educational game and hence, ideal for gifting
Pros:
- It doesn’t require batteries
- Multiple people can play it and hence, more fun
- Interesting graphics and visuals are attractive for kids
Cons:
- Choking Hazard
7. Proof The Fast-Paced Math Game
With the option to be played by multiple players, this math game allows kids to learn to be creative by solving or guessing equations faster than other people. How fast a player can play depends on how he or she is able to exercise his/her brain muscles to find the hidden equation. Among the 9 cards with numbers on them, a player is required to tell the result and show the proof for the same.
On being correct with the equation, he or she can collect cards. The more cards a person have, the higher the chances of winning in the end. To make it interesting, there is a provision of about 100 cards with numbers. Well, the more the cards, the longer you can play.
Features:
- Teaches a kid division, multiplication, and square roots
- It weighs 5.9 ounces
- The box measures 5.5 x 3.9 x 1 inches
- Ideal for 9 years old kids and up
Pros:
- No need for using batteries
- Good for gifting
- Improves mental health
Cons:
- You may damage or lose the cards; however, you can play even if some are lost.
8. Da Vinci’s Room Sums in Space
Enhancing the learning of odds, evens, subtraction, addition, and more, this math game allows the child to grow math skills. It further allows the kid to learn about space and how it functions like the black hole, the rocket ship, planet earth, and more. All the player has to do is to try not to get into the black hole and head back to their rocket ship safely.
Moreover, this math game is not suggested for any kid who is less than 3 or 4-year-old. Well, this is because of the small parts of the game that can be swallowed by the kids and may cause some serious damage. It comes with 3 levels of difficulty, and two to four players can play this game together.
Features:
- It weighs 13.8 ounces
- The box measures 12 x 0.1 x 18 inches
- It is suitable for children that are 5 years old or above.
Pros:
- No need for batteries
- A good option for gifting purposes
- Good to teach kids the art of Addition and Subtraction
Cons:
- You may damage or lose the parts of the game
9. Skillmatics Educational Game
This “Guess in 1o” game by Skillmatics involves 52 game cards that have cities written onto them. There are clue cards that are 6 in total, and the players have to guess the name of the cities (within 10 guesses) by answering certain questions. The one who answers correctly collects 7 game cards first is the winner of the game. It focuses on enhancing creativity and thinking skills in kids.
They must come up with interesting questions related to the city’s culture, various famous monuments, food, and more. There is a provision of some clue cards, which they can use when stuck. However, it’s a limited option. This way, they are able to learn these things too about these cities. Moreover, it helps with the enhancement of skills such as communication, confidence, social interaction, and more.
Features:
- It weighs 12.3 ounces
- High-quality material
- The box measures 7.6 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
- Ideal for kids that are 6 years old or above
- Engaging
Pros:
- It promotes decision making in kids.
- Kids become better at dealing with problems
Cons:
- Kids may lose cards
10. Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game
If your kid is 7 years old or more, this Money bags coin value game is a good option to introduce him/her to the world of counting or valuing money while playing it. It involves a colorful and visually appealing game board, which is quite attractive for kids. Furthermore, it comes with dice, 100 plastic coins, 10 play dollar bills, and 4 markers.
This game can be played by two to four players, and hence, it involves social interaction, engagement, and connectivity. It further enhances counting and valuable math skills in kids. They can learn how to collect or value coins and currency notes while they play this game with other people.
Features:
- It weighs 1.15 pounds
- The box measures 10 x 10 x 6.2 inches
- Ideal for 7 plus years old kids
- Plastic has been used to make the coins
Pros:
- No need for batteries
Cons:
- No warranty
- Choking hazard
Few Tips to Choose the Best Educational Board Games for Kids
1. Enhance skills
You should look for one such board game that not only strengthens your connection with your child but also provide cognitive benefits for children. The game should increase their concentration level and develop skills like letter recognition, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, etc. While choosing a good educational board game, you should look that the game should involve strategy and not just luck.
Also, this will encourage your child to think on different levels and measure their move. It will enhance their problem-solving skill and develop critical thinking. Besides this, look for the one that involves more number of players. This is a good way to teach your kids about teamwork.
2. Age Appropriateness and Number of Players
Age plays a major role in deciding the best educational board game for your child. You should make sure that your child may use the best out of the game at his age. Age appropriateness will not force them to understand things beyond his age. It will help them to learn accordingly. Moreover, the age factor affects the safety section.
You should check the age labels to ensure the safety of your child. Some board games come up with small parts that may pose choking hazards for too small kids. Hence, keep a check on the age label while choosing an educational board game. Some games are easier to play with few players while some offer more fun with more players. And hence, look for a game that is playable by a large number of players to promote teamwork.
3. Duration of Playing Time
It is essential to maintain a balance between keeping children engaged for some time and ensuring that they do not lose interest in the game. A good educational board game should take around 15 to 30 minutes per round. This way, they can play a couple of times over a span. This duration of the game keeps children engaged and binds them to the game.
Moreover, this makes the game interesting for them. Lengthy games may appear boring and monotonous to the kids, and they may get frustrated. As we all know, board games are an awesome way to encourage critical thinking and improve rule-following. It encourages your tiny one to play together with his family or friends. Such games make learning processes in the kids happen gently and naturally. So instead of giving toys, consider giving them some educational board games.
Conclusion
While choosing an educational board game for your tiny tot, you should consider the tips mentioned above. You should go with the one that may boost their child’s skills and add a fun factor in their life. However, if you aren’t still ready or sure enough which one you should buy, we have 2 best recommendations. The first one up is the ” Mattel Apples to Apples Junior Game,” which is not just a high-quality product but helps with the enhancement of various skills in a kid.
This game ensures to fulfill its sole purpose being an educational board game. Another one up is the ” Hasbro Monopoly Junior Board Game,” which ensures to teach the value of money to a kid. It further allows engagement, interaction, and hence, improves social skills as well.
If you have more queries related to educational board games, please leave them down in the comment section.
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