We are a board game family. I love playing games, Morgan loves playing games, the kids love games. They are just such a great way to engage with them and each other. Finding games that are both engaging, fun, and developmentally appropriate can be a challenge. I am always on the hunt for new games that would be a good fit for my kids - especially as they get older. Today, I thought I would share a few of my favorites on my list for ages 5 and up.
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At this age I like to have a mix of cooperative games (where you work together to solve a common problem) and competitive games (where there is a clear winner and loser.) I find that by the second plane of development (ages 6 to 12) that a lot of children really enjoy the competitive element of games and are really ready to explore the social rules around winning and losing.
Carcassonne - this is probably the most advanced game we play with Henry in theme since it does involve "war" but it's very benign. 8+
Uno - such a fun classic, can play independently around 5
Rivers, Roads, and Rails - this game takes a long time to win but the game play is very simple. Younger kids can play but it takes so long that they do have a harder time sticking with it. 5+
Guess Who - another classic, 5+
Fraction Formula - very simple and fun way to explore fractions involving some skill and some luck. Nora and Gus like playing with Henry but understanding of the skill of the game comes a bit later - 6+
Outfoxed - really fun cooperative game (similar to a kid friendly Clue). Some logic, some luck. It does require a lot of memory so 5+
Chess - a classic again, we introduced at 7
Swish - a really fun game, made even more fun if you have a light table. The matches can be difficult and engaging even as an adult. 8+
Shadows in the Forest (we have this version) - this game has to be played in the dark (really dark) but it is a favorite winter time game for us. Challenging and cooperative, we like it as adults. Our version can take a long time and while game play is easy I'm increasing the age because it scares my younger kids. 8+
Yahtzee - another fun classic game. The younger kids love to roll but it has been 7+ before strategy and rules were understood.
I have a few other games on my list that I would love to add for my bigger kids too. They include:
What games do your older children like to play?
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