Best Board Games For Kids 2018
Clear Some Shelf Space — Here Are the 21 Best Board Games For Kids of All Ages
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Growing up, I used to beg my older brothers and my parents to play board games with me. Monopoly was always my favorite — and still is — even though I don't think I've ever won a single game. Our family always had a well-stocked game shelf in our hall closet that ranged from games my brothers and I played as children to family-friendly options we play with my nieces and nephews now.
Some of those classics, like Monopoly, are still top-notch games for kids today, and so many new games have come on the market as recently as this year. Though, I have to say, kids' games these days seem to get more and more creative and more and more gross — just wait until you see Don't Step in It! For a variety of games for all ages and play types, keep reading for 20+ options you'll want to stock up on.
1 Monopoly
Always a solid choice for the whole family, Monopoly ($8, originally $20) teaches kids about banking and property management from a young age. And if your game is anything like how it is when I play, it also lasts all evening!
2 Operation
The anatomy in the classic Operation ($14) might not be completely accurate, but it's close enough to be a good lesson for little ones.
3 The Game of Life
You can experience an entire lifetime with The Game of Life ($18, originally $20) — sometimes it all goes your way and you end up filthy rich when you retire . . . and sometimes it doesn't. But then you just clear the board and start again.
4 Googly Eyes
Once you put on your silly glasses for Googly Eyes ($14, originally $20), you and your kids will have a blast trying to draw pictures that you can actually recognize.
5 Clue
It was Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench! Or it's just Clue ($9, originally $13), the classic mystery game where you all have to figure out whodunit.
6 Zingo
Your kids will love this new take on Bingo in ThinkFun's Zingo Bingo ($20). The Bingo cards are much more kid-friendly than the standard ones.
7 5 Second Rule
Designed for kids 10 and up, 5 Second Rule ($12, originally $20) will get you totally tongue tied — in five seconds or less!
8 Trouble
Truthfully the most fun part of Trouble ($9, originally $13) is the popper in the middle that rolls the dice.
9 Beat the Parents
It's kids against parents in Beat the Parents ($15, originally $16), a trivia game for everyone.
10 Unstable Unicorns
Big kids will love Unstable Unicorns ($20), where they get to build a unicorn army.
11 Hedbanz
HedBanz ($13, originally $15) is the board game equivalent of Heads Up on your phone, where you have to guess what photo you're wearing on your headband.
12 Robot Races
Start your kids young with coding with Robot Races ($13), where they have to map out paths to help their robot through a race.
13 Watermelon Smash
Watermelon Smash ($20) is one game you're going to want to play outside — unless you want water all over your house!
14 The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game
What started as a hilarious Saturday Night Live skit is now fun for the whole family with The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game ($15, originally $20).
15 Escape Room in a Box
Whether it's to practice for an Escape Room outing or because you don't have one near you, Escape Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment ($27, originally $30) gives you an at-home option.
16 Pie Face Cannon!
Pie Face Cannon! ($10, originally $25) takes the original Pie Face game up a notch and lets you defend yourself from being pied!
17 Don't Step in It!
Don't Step in It ($14, originally $20) is exactly what you think it is — trying to avoid stepping in poo.
18 Hungry Hungry Hippos
The classic Hungry Hungry Hippos ($14, originally $16) is a great one to help your kiddos expend some energy.
19 Let's Go Fishin'
Let's Go Fishin' ($7, originally $17) will help your young ones work on precision while honing their competitive skills.
20 Hot Potato Family
You and your kids better be good at thinking fast on your feet if you're going to play Hot Potato Family ($25)!
21 Yeti in My Spaghetti
Yeti in My Spaghetti ($9, originally $18) is like Pickup Sticks but with an added yeti for fun. You have to pick up the noodles without letting him fall!
