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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Trouble
Truthfully the most fun part of Trouble ($9, originally $13) is the popper in the middle that rolls the dice.
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Beat the Parents
It's kids against parents in Beat the Parents ($15, originally $16), a trivia game for everyone.
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Unstable Unicorns
Big kids will love Unstable Unicorns ($20), where they get to build a unicorn army.
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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.
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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.
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Watermelon Smash
Watermelon Smash ($20) is one game you're going to want to play outside — unless you want water all over your house!
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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).
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Hungry Hungry Hippos
The classic Hungry Hungry Hippos ($14, originally $16) is a great one to help your kiddos expend some energy.
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Let's Go Fishin'
Let's Go Fishin' ($7, originally $17) will help your young ones work on precision while honing their competitive skills.
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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)!
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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!