The best children's board games should be three things – fun, straightforward, and replayable enough that their grown-ups won't want to tear their hair out if they have to play over and over.
That's why the 12DOVE team and I have spent some time listing our recommendations here. There's no shortage of choice when it comes to the best children's board games, so we've tried to cut through the noise with options that'll suit a variety of age ranges. If you ask us, these are some of the best board games overall and should keep even the most impatient kids busy for a while.
They aren't all competitive head-to-heads, either. You'll find a few cooperative options thrown into the mix too to foster a more… er, collaborative atmosphere around the table. If that sounds good but you don't know where to start, check in with the 'how to choose' section below.
Wondering how we settled on these board games for kids? Our experts have been hands-on with every single entry on this page, and we'll only ever recommend something if we think it's truly worth your time. You can find out how we test games further down the page.
Quick list
This game has a pretty great elevator pitch; it has giant kaiju beating the crap out of each other and stomping all over the city. However, the gameplay is just as novel. Besides being easy to learn, this is a masterclass in push-your-luck mechanics where high risk equals high reward.
Read more below
It's tough to find a more accessible, replayable board game for children than Spot It (known as Dobble in the UK). A remarkably straightforward but compelling version of snap, your job is to find a match before anyone else can. No reading is required either, and it's ideal for playing on the go.
Read more below
Although it's an all-ages game, there's no denying how appealing Pokemon is to younger gamers. You're collecting adorable monsters as pets, for starters… The Trading Card Game's mechanics are also the easiest to grasp of all the TCGs currently weighing down shelves (like Magic: The Gathering).
Read more below
If your kids are low on patience or you just want to fill 10 minutes, Sushi Go is a must-have. Thanks to rules you can explain in around 30 seconds and matches that don't last much more than a quarter of an hour, it hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting a quick match they won't mind repeating.
Read more below
Besides a wonderfully silly setup (zombies have invaded school and will force you into eternal detention unless you stop them!), this game deserves a place on the list because of its emphasis on forward-thinking. Its handling of Legacy mechanics and upgrades help it stand out as well.
Read more below
By combining your kid's favorite franchises (from Batman to Harry Potter) and an accessible but weighty system, Funkoverse hits all the notes you'd want from a strategy board game for children. Crucially, you can mix and match characters from other versions of the game for fresh challenges.
Read more below
Best children's board game overall
King of Tokyo is the perfect choice for big and little monsters alike. Putting you in control of tongue-in-cheek super beasts (you can play as a 'Space Penguin', for crying out loud), it's a dice-based game revolving around pushing your luck. Your aim? Collect points by taking center stage and squishing skyscrapers… but try not to hog the spotlight for too long, because it'll put a target on your back.
Besides having a wonderfully silly concept that children of all ages can enjoy, this board game is a good introduction to strategy. Despite being easy to learn, winning requires more brain power than other board games for kids.
✅ You want something easy to understand but compelling: This isn't a game you'll need to study for, but that doesn't mean it's boring. It perfectly balances accessibility with engaging mechanics.
✅ You want something you'll enjoy too: Despite its inclusion here, King of Tokyo isn't specifically designed for kids. It's a great fit for all ages.
❌ You have very young children: Even though it's straightforward, the rules may go over the head of younger kids.
❌ Your kids take things very personally: Because your monster will end up being attacked a lot, particularly if they go to the Tokyo space, sensitive children might get upset and feel as if they're being picked on.
Features & design: As you'd hope from a board game about squishing buildings beneath your monstrous feet, King of Tokyo is very accessible. Your aim is to earn points by attacking Tokyo – e.g. placing your character on that space if and when it's empty. The longer you stand your ground in the city, the higher your score.
But there's a catch. To be specific, those in Tokyo are open to attack and can't heal from any wounds their rivals inflict. In essence, you're playing chicken with your monster's life.
No matter where your character is, your actions will be decided by rolling the dice. (Getting three of a certain number nets you points, claws allow you to attack, and hearts let you heal from wounds so long as you're not in Tokyo.) You can either bank these results or choose to roll some – or all – of the dice again. You can only do this three times per turn, so it's all about assessing risk.
King of Tokyo isn't a particularly serious game in spite of this, though. Its artwork is endearingly cartoonish and larger-than-life.
Gameplay: There's a thrill to throwing dice and seeing what comes up, and King of Tokyo adds to the rush with a sense of danger. Do you stick it out in Tokyo to gain the lead, even though everyone will be trying to knock your monster out? Similarly, should those on the outside make a beeline for Tokyo or try to whittle away their opponents' health? The result is a captivating balance that's just as good one-on-one as it is in a large group.
It's tactical in an inoffensive way, too – kids won't struggle to get their head around its light-hearted strategies. From my experience, newcomers will pick it up quickly and become hooked soon after.
It helps that the mechanics aren't too demanding, of course. Playing is as simple as rolling dice and choosing which results you want to keep, so it's incredibly accessible. However, older kids and grown-ups will still be drawn to it thanks to that rock-solid gameplay loop.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | This game is easy to understand but strangely moreish. | 4/5 |
Accessibility | King of Tokyo is easy to get your head around, and learning it doesn't require hours spent poring over the rulebook. | 4/5 |
Replayability | It's not the deepest system, but it's darn compelling nonetheless. | 4/5 |
Setup and pack-down | Beyond some little green cubes that I can see getting easily lost, this is an easy game to assemble or put away. | 4/5 |
Component quality | The cartoon aesthetic, standees, and chunky dice help King of Tokyo pop. | 5/5 |
"If you ask me, King of Tokyo is a front-runner in terms of the best children's board games thanks to eye-popping artwork, compelling push-your-luck mechanics, and an overall sense of fun."
Best children's board game for younger kids
It says a lot about a board game for kids when there are loads of different versions to choose from. Basically, you can guarantee that it's a hit. Spot It! (or 'Dobble', if you're UK-based) is the perfect example. As well as a classic set that's been delighting children since 2009, you can get your hands on alternatives featuring everything from Harry Potter to Spongebob Squarepants. In other words, there's likely to be an edition that'll suit your child's interests.
Better yet, it doesn't require reading of any kind; this may as well be Snap dialled up to 11. When combined with how easy it is to play on the go, Spot It is firing on all cylinders.
✅ You're looking for an accessible, quick game: Matches last between 5 - 10 minutes, and the concept is incredibly simple.
✅ You want something portable: Spot It doesn't need a lot of space, and it's contained in a hardy tin. That makes it easy to cart around on the go.
❌ Your child struggles with high-speed games: Seeing as you've got to call out matches before anyone else, you have to be quick off the mark in Spot It.
❌ Your child is easily frustrated: It's easy to get overwhelmed if your opponent is on a roll and keeps calling out matches before you have a chance to speak.
Features & design: Along with a family-friendly style, the straightforward gameplay of Spot It keeps the game accessible. This is basically a more involved version of Snap; your goal is to match pictures on a card before your opponents. However, it shakes up the formula with unique goals that either have you attempting to get rid of or collect more cards every round.
That means it doesn't take up much space in action, allowing you to play it almost anywhere with a small, flat surface. I always have a copy in our bag when travelling or on vacation, for example.
Gameplay: Spot It may be straightforward, but don't assume it'll be easy. Those cards are littered with symbols and pictures of varying sizes, so you'll need to have your wits about you if you want to find pairs before rivals. It's not unlike searching for the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch game, and yelling out the matching symbol before other players can is incredibly satisfying.
Just be careful if your kids get easily frustrated, or if they're playing against significantly older siblings – physical, verbal, and processing speed are important in Spot It.
Fortunately, there's no reading involved during gameplay. That means younger children won't need help once they understand the rules, making it a great option for kids aged 6 or under.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | Spot It is simplistic, but effective. | 3/5 |
Accessibility | Because it's a more advanced version of Snap, this game is very easy to understand. It doesn't require reading during play, either. | 5/5 |
Replayability | Due to the amount of cards and multiple objectives, you can return to Spot It over and over again. | 5/5 |
Setup and pack-down | Seeing as it's just a tin of cards, setting up Spot It is dead easy. | 5/5 |
Component quality | A hard-wearing tin and friendly cartoon artwork ensure this game ticks the boxes. | 4/5 |
"Spot It is one of those I'll almost always put in the suitcase before a vacation, because it's the ideal airport game."
Best children's board game for older kids
The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been wowing kids of all ages – and adults, of course – for decades, so it's an easy recommendation. Rather than buying booster packs, however, I'd suggest getting this 'Battle Academy.'
It's a starter set by any other name, and is a superb introduction to the franchise as a result. It can also be used as a stepping stone into the full TCG, largely because it provides accessories and cards that can be used with the standard game.
✅ You want a game with strategy: Even though it's fairly easy to get the hang of, the Pokemon TCG is like an iceberg. There's so much depth here.
✅ You want a game to grow with: Battle Academy is the perfect on-ramp to the full TCG, and is compatible with all the new expansions.
❌ Your child finds it hard to plan ahead: Doing well in Battle Academy (and the Pokemon TCG overall) hinges on being able to plan ahead and plot your next move to counter opponents.
❌ Your child already knows how to play the TCG: This is built to teach your child how to play Pokemon, so it won't suit those who are already experts.
Features & design: New to Pokemon, or struggling to remember how it works? Don't worry, it's simple. You start by choosing a Pokemon from your hand of cards that will be 'active,' while the others stay in reserve. You then power up its moves with Energy cards, or evolve your Pokemon into a more powerful form. The first person to defeat a certain number of Pokemon is the winner.
These Pokemon cards use classic illustrations, so anyone longtime Pokefan will appreciate the burst of nostalgia. They still look great even now.
Gameplay: Things have grown more complicated in the Pokeworld since its inception thanks to ex, Mega Evolutions, and more, but Battle Academy wisely sticks to the basics. It provides a drip-feed of info to scale up complexity bit by bit, and that means it doesn't overwhelm kids with rules. By the time they're done with the tutorials, they'll be ready for more.
As for moment to moment gameplay, Battle Academy serves the same excellence we've come to expect from the Pokemon TCG. Different attacks require varying amounts of Energy that can't then be used elsewhere on the same turn, so judging what to do and when is a core part of the challenge. Similarly, you've got to work out when to stick it out in combat and when to recall your Pokemon before they can be defeated. There's plenty to juggle, so older kids will appreciate its layered strategy.
Crucially, the decks and accessories here can be used with the full TCG. This allows kids to grow with the game rather than getting bored of it.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | Pokemon is pretty simple to get your head around, but it's like an iceberg; it has depth. | 5/5 |
Accessibility | It requires a bit more thought than other children's board games on this list, but Battle Academy's instructions are a masterclass in easing you in gently. | 4/5 |
Replayability | There are multiple decks here that you can use, and mixing these cards with ones from the full TCG produces all-new sets. | 4/5 |
Setup and pack-down | There's a little more prep and packing away with Battle Academy, but the instructions guide you through it well. | 3.5/5 |
Component quality | The deck boxes are a little flimsy, but everything else is solid as a rock. | 4/5 |
"The Pokemon TCG has been wowing kids and adults across the world for 30 years, and few tabletop games have its staying power."
Best quick children's board game
There's something special about this adorably bizarre little game; it's got the secret sauce of being easy to understand, fast-paced, and the kind of game that'll have your kids begging for "just one more go." Because Sushi Go can be finished in under 15 minutes, you'll also find yourself playing round after round. This leaves us with one of the most appealing games for kids who struggle to sit still.
Blissfully straightforward rules are to thank for that, and you could probably explain them in a 60-second elevator ride.
✅ You want something quick: Because matches only last 15 minutes (or less), it's great for younger children or those with shorter attention spans.
✅ You want an on-the-go game: Sushi Go comes in a hardy metal tin and doesn't need much in the way of table space, so it's great for travel or vacation.
❌ Your child hates math: You'll need to add up the points values of cards to find out how you've done, so math-averse kids may want to sit this one out.
❌ You have very young children: It may be tricky for younger kids to understand the strategy involved here.
Features & design: Sushi Go tasks players with creating the best 'meal' from a deck of cards in front of them, and certain combinations are worth more points than others. In a spicy twist, some will only pay out if you have the most of a particular item.
That's harder to achieve than you'd think. Because everyone must pass their hand of cards to the next player every single turn, you never really know what dishes you’ll be able to choose from next. You can start to figure out what your rivals are gunning for, too…
Gameplay: Creating delectable dishes in Sushi Go is a simple yet strategic experience everyone can enjoy. Although some adding is required at the end of each round, it isn't complicated – most will pick it up quickly.
The game's rapid-fire mechanics should hold the attention of kids without much by way of patience as well. Matches are a doddle to set up, packing away is a breeze, and there's just enough tactical consideration to keep older children invested.
In fact, this is far from being a kids-only affair; Sushi Go is a great warm-up act for games night with grown-up friends or family. I've got many fond memories of playing this at parties, so I'll often sling it into my backpack when I'm heading to a get-together.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | Sushi Go isn't a complicated beast, and even though that means it has an expiration date, it's a delight in the moment. | 4/5 |
Accessibility | You can explain the rules and get things set up exceptionally quickly, and it's easy to understand once you get going. | 5/5 |
Replayability | Because your strategy will change depending on what you draw, every session of Sushi Go feels as fresh as sashimi. | 4/5 |
Setup and pack-down | Seeing as it's just a deck of cards stored in a portable tin, Sushi Go isn't difficult to organize before or after a game. | 5/5 |
Component quality | Thanks to hard-wearing cards and a sturdy, metal tin to put them in, Sushi Go should be able to weather regular use. | 5/5 |
"This charming little game is light and breezy, but is still satisfying when you manage to pull off a coup and undermine your rivals by stealing the cards they need before they can get to them. Delicious."
Best co-op children's board game
Get ready, class; hordes of undead teaching staff are breaking down the school gates and preparing to storm the grounds. If they get through, you'll all be forced into eternal detention. So grab your water pistol, toy lightsaber, or Nerf blaster and man the battlements – it's go time.
All this is to say that Zombie Kidz might have the coolest pitch ever. Fortunately, the gameplay is just as good as the concept. This is a fast-paced tower defence game where your progress unlocks cool new abilities, and you won't get far without good teamwork. That makes it one of the best children's board games if you want your little ones to join forces rather than squabble for the crown.
✅ Your kids are looking for a deeper game: Whilst it's not complicated by any means, Zombie Kidz has more to sink your teeth into than a lot of other children's board games.
✅ You want something that will last: Thanks to 'Legacy' mechanics where your victories unlock new gameplay options, this should keep your little ones amused for a while.
❌ Your child is scared of zombies: Although they don't eat brains and aren't too scary, zombies are still all over this thing.
❌ You're shopping for very young children: This is a step up from Spot It and Sushi Go, which means it's best for older kids.
Features & design: Zombies are trying to break down the gates, so it's go time – defending the school is up to you. Your goal is to keep each of the four entrances locked down, along with fighting off any shambling undead that get through. If all zombie tokens enter the board, it's game over and you'll be stuck listening to a decomposing history teacher drone on for the rest of time.
With the addition of unlockable abilities, Zombie Kidz Evolution might as well be a 'my first Legacy game' as well. This will keep things interesting even after multiple sessions, and it's a fun activity siblings can share as they work through the numerous challenges.
My only complaint is that the component quality could be better – I'm not sure the cardboard pieces will hold up against sticky fingers and spilled food. Still, the artstyle feels very Dreamworks so makes up for it.
Gameplay: If you've played any kind of tower defence before, you'll know the drill. Keep the enemy away, maintain your defences, and use special abilities to help overcome increasingly overwhelming odds. It's a satisfying core loop.
Unlockable elements don't overcomplicate things either. Rather than drowning you in options, the central premise stays the same – you're always defending the school and its four gates. What changes is the zombie horde, not to mention your powers. This means kids should feel on top of things even when new additions are heaped onto proceedings.
Oh, and it's not stressful. Sure, you're holding off an undead swarm and things can get increasingly dicey as you approach a match's end. Good communication can help with crowd-management, and due to the 15-minute runtime it's easy to reset and try again if you fail.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | Zombie Kidz Evolution is the perfect level of difficulty for children who want something more complex. | 4/5 |
Accessibility | You can be running games very fast thanks to the straightforward rules, and even with unlockable abilities, the core loop remains the same. | 4/5 |
Replayability | Zombie Kidz is designed to be played over and over again, so longevity won't be a problem where Evolution is concerned. | 4/5 |
Setup and pack-down | Despite including a few Legacy elements (sealed envelopes, stickers, upgrades, that sort of thing), Zombie Kidz Evolution isn't a faff to get going. | 4/5 |
Component quality | Some components may not stand the test of time, but most should hold up well against older kids. The cute aesthetic makes up for it, too. | 3/5 |
"Some of my favorite childhood memories involve really getting into evolving board games like this, and I can see Zombie Kidz doing that for the next generation." Read more: Zombie Kidz Evolution review
Best strategy children's board game
If you've set foot in any major store over the last few years, you'll have seen Funko figurines lining the shelves. Small of stature, big-headed, and perfect as gifts for gamers, they recreate characters from major franchises in a loveable cartoon style. And because they're everywhere these days, it's not surprising to see them make the leap into board games for kids.
The Funkoverse Strategy Game is far from a cash-in, though. It's surprisingly deep, well thought out, and boasts tactics that are accessible yet layered enough to hold your attention over its 30-minute runtime.
✅ You kids like tactical games: Funkoverse is all about outsmarting and outplaying your opponent.
✅ You want a versatile game: There are numerous versions of this game spanning most of pop culture, so you'll be able to find something to suit your kid's interests.
❌ You hate Pops: This game is entirely built around those big-headed figurines.
❌ You want something that will be supported long term: I've not seen new products from Funkoverse for a while, so it may be retired.
Features & design: Unlike many children's board games, Funkoverse doesn't have one 'core' box set. Each one features a different franchise (from Avengers to Harry Potter) and characters with their own unique strengths. These are all interchangeable with one another, meaning you can have Batman facing off against a velociraptor from Jurassic Park.
However, despite featuring unique characters and boards, each one uses the same core rules. Accordingly, it's easy to take a figure from one set to another. This is a fitting twist on Funko's 'collect them all' mentality.
Multiple scenarios in every box offer replayability, too; each board is double-sided with different obstacles to change the flow of play. These go hand-in-hand with straightforward, user-friendly tutorials that ease you in gently. I got the hang of things quickly after blasting through one on a lazy afternoon, allowing me to mix and match the various sets we used for playtesting.
Gameplay: Thanks to the four game types contained within each box (Leaders, Flags, Territory, and Control), Funkoverse feels like a tabletop version of Overwatch or Fortnite. These alternate ways to play also revitalize the game if you're getting tired of it. Territory and Control task you with holding a specific area for as long as you can, Flags is all about stealing your opponent's flag while protecting your own, and in Leaders you must protect a randomly-selected character. These all play very differently, and when you add in cover, lines of sight, and knocking out foes who then have to be revived, there's a lot to juggle.
Each character is more than just a palette-swap as well. Batman can use his grappling hook to zip around the board, for example, while Ian Malcolm's knowledge of Chaos Theory allows him to use an extra dice in combat.
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | The inclusion of multiple, distinct scenarios and the ability to swap characters between boxes makes for a unique experience. | 4/5 |
Accessibility | It may have 'strategy game' in the title, but Funkoverse isn't nearly as intimidating as that makes it sound. | 4/5 |
Replayability | There are many different box sets to choose from, and all the characters are interchangeable. That means you have no end of combinations to test. | 5/5 |
Setup and pack-down | There are quite a few tokens and cards, but it's pretty self-contained for a strategy game. | 3.5/5 |
Component quality | The quality of design here is exceptional, from the Pop figures to tokens that go above and beyond. | 5/5 |
"Listen, any game that allows you to battle the Golden Girls as Lord Voldemort is a winner in my book." Read more: Funkoverse Strategy Game review
How to choose children's board games
There's no shortage of board games for kids out there, so how do you decide what to get your children? I recommend considering the following when deciding on what to play next.
How we test children's board games
Testing each product by hand is incredibly important to the 12DOVE team (who have years of experience covering the tabletop industry), so we make sure that we don't ever recommend a children's board game without playing it extensively ourselves first.
We've gone into greater detail in our 'how we test board games' guide, but the process essentially involves our reviewers spending as much time playing and living with kids' board games as we possibly can, ideally with different player counts to see how the experience differs.
In terms of our on-page methodology, this is the approach we take:
- Introduction: This is where we get into the elevator pitch of a game. We then feature 'buy if/don't buy if' boxouts which give an at-a-glance summary for those short on time.
- Features & design: We'll get into a game's core mechanics (e.g. how it works) here, along with a discussion on its art and component quality.
- Gameplay: The bulk of our review is usually spent here, discussing whether the experience is actually fun to play.
We then feature a ratings table that breaks down individual elements of a game. It looks like this:
Criteria | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Game mechanics | Our reviewer explains what the game is like to play, and whether it's fun. | ?/5 |
Accessibility | Is it easy to understand? | ?/5 |
Replayability | How often can you return to it without wanting to tear your hair out? | ?/5 |
Setup and pack-down | We discuss the entire experience from beginning to end. | ?/5 |
Component quality | This is where our team critiques the physical parts of the game, and its artwork. | ?/5 |
Finally, we include an expert verdict where we pick the brains of our in-house experts for their thoughts on the game, potentially giving an alternate perspective.
For a look at our process sitewide, be sure to check the full 12DOVE review policy.
Best children's board games: FAQ
What board game is best for 5 year-olds?
If you're hunting down good board games for young kids, the likes of Spot It and Rhino Hero are excellent choices. The latter can be enjoyed no matter your child's reading comprehension because it focuses on stacking cards rather than complex tactics, while the former is all about matching symbols.
We're big fans of Disney Mad Hatter's Tea Party as well. This quirky tower-building game challenges you to stack plastic teacups on a wobbly table, so it's endless fun for children who enjoy hands-on tasks.
What board game is best for 10 year-olds?
King of Tokyo should delight anyone of that age and up. A thoroughly silly but engaging battle between monsters who want to squash the city, it's easy-going but has enough tactical complexity to hook those that want something more complex.
Zombie Kidz Evolution is much the same; it develops with each game by adding new mechanics and special abilities.
Looking for present inspiration? Be sure to check out these Disney gifts, Star Wars gifts, or our guide to Harry Potter merchandise. It's worth dropping in on these roundups of Fortnite merchandise and the best Lego sets, too.
