Board games for children and families: how to find the right games without buying the wrong one

The choice of board games for children and families ranges from simple games for children aged 3 and over to complex strategy games for children and adults. But an eye-catching cover or a promise of ‘learning through play’ tells you little about whether a game will actually suit your family’s day-to-day life.

Three common buying mistakes often lead to the wrong choice:

• The recommended age is interpreted too loosely: A game for ages 6 and up may be too challenging for a younger child, even with support. On the other hand, older children can quickly lose interest in games with very simple rules.
• The number of players isn’t considered in the context of everyday life: A game for 2 to 4 players won’t necessarily suit a large family. A solo game also serves a different purpose from a cooperative board game.
• Materials and storage are overlooked: Small cards, loose playing pieces or delicate boxes can be impractical when you’re out and about. Games with magnets also come with additional safety considerations.

Check these buying criteria before you order

1. Age, aim of the game and complexity

The manufacturer’s age recommendation is a useful guide, but it’s no substitute for judging what your child is ready for. Pre-schoolers tend to do best with short rules, just a few steps and pieces that are easy to handle. For games for children aged around 6 and over, simple trading, dice-rolling or collecting mechanics can make it easier to get started.

Also consider whether the game involves competition or cooperation. Cooperative board games can be a good fit for families who want to work towards a shared goal. Traditional strategy games for children, on the other hand, often require planning and concentration, as well as the ability to cope with the outcome of a game.

2. Number of players and playing time

The number of players shown on the box should suit how you plan to use the game. For a quick family game night, games lasting around 15 to 30 minutes are often easier to fit into everyday life than longer sessions. With card games for families, it’s also worth checking whether the cards are easy for little hands to shuffle and hold.

For travel, look for compact dimensions, a secure closure and tidy storage. A travel game shouldn’t leave you with lots of small, easily lost pieces once you’ve finished playing.

3. Safety, materials and care

Games with small parts are generally not suitable for children under 3 if the manufacturer warns of a potential choking hazard. This applies even if a product is promoted as an educational game or creative toy. Take particular care with magnetic toys: swallowing strong magnets can cause serious injuries. Check these products regularly for cracks and exposed magnets.

Sturdy plastic pieces, strong cardboard, metal tins and built-in storage can all be practical features. Before buying, also check whether the manufacturer recommends cleaning the game with only a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Our picks for different types of families

Suited to: budget-conscious beginners

Hasbro C2093100 Gaming Kristallica

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product information, this game is for 2 to 4 players aged 3 and over, making it an easy choice for short family games.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The rules involve just a few steps, so parents don’t need to prepare by working through a lengthy instruction booklet.

Key benefits and strengths

For 2 to 4 players, with simple rules and a gameplay style designed to develop fine motor skills, according to the product description.

Suited to: buyers looking for high quality

Kosmos 697495 Catan Junior

Why this product suits this profile: The Junior edition is for 2 to 4 players aged 6 and over, combining collecting, building and simplified trading.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its age recommendation and simplified rules set clear expectations, rather than offering younger children an adult game with no changes.

Key benefits and strengths

A game for 2 to 4 players, made from cardboard and plastic, with a clearly explained building and trading system.

Suited to: specific needs and frequent use

SmartGames SG455 IQ-Puzzler PRO

Why this product suits this profile: This solo game is suitable for children aged 6 and over. Its compact size makes it handy for journeys, waiting times and quiet moments.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It’s chosen as a solo game, rather than being mistaken for a game for several family members. The box contains 120 challenges in 2D and 3D.

Key benefits and strengths

13 plastic pieces, no batteries and dimensions of approximately 3.82 × 1.1 × 5.67 cm, according to the product information.

FAQs about board games for children and families

Which board games are suitable for children aged 3 and over?

Look for games with just a few rules, short rounds and pieces that are easy to handle. Check the age recommendation, warnings and recommended number of players. An adult should always supervise play when small parts are involved.

How long should a family game last for younger children?

Short games of around 10 to 20 minutes are often easier to fit into a pre-schooler’s day. Older children may enjoy games lasting 30 minutes or more, as long as the rules are easy to understand and they can play independently.

What’s better for travelling: a board game, puzzle or card game?

A travel game or compact puzzle usually takes up less space than a traditional board game. Check that it has secure storage, consider how many pieces it contains and make sure it can be played on a small surface, such as a folding table.