What’s inside: The Best Board Games for 6-8 Year olds including a few card games since we have several of those that are perfect for this age.
When you think of playing board games with your 6-8 year old does Candyland come to mind?
If you’re looking for the perfect board games to keep your little ones and the whole family to enjoy. Look no further! We’ve created a list of must-have board games for 6-8 year olds.
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There are so many fun family board games that the whole family will love playing. From cooperative games to competitive ones we’ve got them all on this list.
- Board Games for 6 to 8 Year Olds
- What are the benefits of playing board games?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
- Best Board Games for 6-8 Year Old Kids
- Best Educational Board Games for 6 – 8 year olds
- Fun Strategy Board Games For Kids
- Cooperative Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
- Board Games That Promote Creativity and Imagination for 6-8 Year Olds
- Shop the List of Best Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
- Favorite Board Games for 6-8 year Olds
- The Finish Line – Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
Board Games for 6 to 8 Year Olds
As a homeschool mom of 4 little ones I know how hard it can be to figure out what board games for 6-8 year olds are actually worth getting and which ones will end up sitting in the closet.
I can’t promise your kids will love every one of these games since kids interests and skill levels vary so much.
I can give you my best recommendations and some helpful information for picking the right game for your kids.
Many of these games are not only fun but also educational. Playing board games can help kids to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction.
What are the benefits of playing board games?
Board games play a crucial role in the development of children. They offer numerous benefits that enhance cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Board games help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. When playing, kids are presented with various challenges and obstacles they must overcome, stimulating their minds and encouraging them to think strategically.
Additionally, board games promote healthy competition, teaching children how to handle both winning and losing graciously. This fosters resilience, sportsmanship, and good sports ethics, which are important life skills.
Another benefit playing board games provides is an excellent opportunity for social interaction.
Playing games together helps promote communication, cooperation, and teamwork as players interact with each other, negotiate, and make decisions together.
Kids playing games not only improves their social skills but also teaches them the importance of collaboration and compromise.
Through board games, children learn to take turns, listen to others, and respect different perspectives, all of which are crucial for building positive relationships and navigating social situations.
When playing board games with kids there are a lot of possible benefits including:
- Practicing following rules
- Learning to win and learning to lose gracefully
- Figuring out how to detect patterns
- Planning ahead and strategizing
- Predicting the outcome depending on a move made
- Improving and learning from experience and practice
Some kids games also allow kids to practice math and reading skills as well as team work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
When choosing board games for 6-8 year olds, it’s important to consider their developmental stage and interests. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Age Appropriateness
Make sure that the game’s complexity matches your child’s age and abilities. Games that are too easy may be boring to them, while those that are too challenging may frustrate them.
Though many games have a recommended age you know your child best and their capabilities.
Educational Value
Look for games that offer educational benefits, such as enhancing literacy, practicing numbers, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These games can make learning fun and enjoyable for your child.
Engagement
Consider the game’s theme, artwork, and mechanics. Choose games that align with your child’s interests, as they are more likely to engage and stay interested in the game.
Duration
Take into account the length of time it takes to play a game. Younger children may have shorter attention spans, so shorter games or games with adjustable playtimes can be more suitable.
Number of Players
Consider the number of players required for a game. Some children may prefer playing alone, while others enjoy playing with friends or family members. Choose games that accommodate the desired number of players.
By considering these different factors, you can select board games that are not only entertaining but also promote learning and development in your 6-8 year olds.
Best Board Games for 6-8 Year Old Kids
Whether you’re planning a family game night or looking for a gift that will be a hit, these board games are sure to captivate and excite your kids.
Let’s dive into our handpicked list of the best board games for 6-8 year olds that will have your kids begging for more game nights!
Classic Games for Kids
There are a lot of classic board game options for kids and families to play. While some games we (adults) love and others we don’t love very much classic board games have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Some of the classic games are family favorites and are loved from generation to generation. Other games teach younger kids how to follow rules and play a simple game allowing them to paly more complex games as they grow.
Two of the first classic games you’re probably already thinking of are Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. These are games that people definitely have mixed feelings about (because they aren’t the best for adults to play).
I have personally found that these games are great for preschool and kindergarten age kids to learn how to follow rules and the basics of using a game board to play a game.
By 6 years old most kids have mastered the Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders games and are ready to try some other great board games, though they still may love those simpler games.
Hasboro Guess Who Classic Game
Guess Who is a fun 2 player game for 6 year olds to learn how to play and can be enjoyed by older kids as well.
This game requires some strategic thinking and paying attention to details.
The classic Guess Who game is a lot of fun, but we have really enjoyed playing our personalized version of the game we made using family photos.
Using family photos definitely changes how you can play the game and the questions you can ask.
To play Guess Who each player has a game board with 24 different face tiles and a randomly drawn mystery card (that their opponent hasn’t seen).
The objective is to guess the mystery person on your opponent’s card by asking one yes or no question per turn, and eliminating gameboard faces that don’t fit the mystery person’s description.
Get the Classic Game on Amazon (Get the template to personalize your game board here)
Operation
Operation is a fun game with it’s fun little game pieces, simple rules and annoying noises young children can’t seem to get enough.
The recommended age range for this game is 6 years old and up. This is due to the hand-eye coordination required and the small game pieces.
To play operation you will use the tweezers to remove Cavity Sam’s ailments while avoiding setting off the buzzer.
Get the Classic Operation Game on Amazon.
Connect Four
Connect four is another classic family game played by 2 people.
Many younger children can learn to play this game but as the younger players get older (6-8 years old) they can really learn the skill of strategizing to win the game.
The object of the Connect Four game is to get four of your game pieces in a row while blocking the other player from winning.
Sorry!
Sorry is a classic game of luck and strategy. This game can be played by 2-4 players and is perfect game to play with multiple ages.
Game play for Sorry includes drawing cards and moving game pieces around the board. The hope is to eventually get all of your pieces home.
Depending on your child’s temperament this game might be better saved until they are a little older. But some 6 year olds enjoy playing.
Just keep in mind that players can force each other’s pawns back to the start which can be frustrating.
Trouble
Trouble is a game very similar to Sorry! But instead of cards the game is played with dice.
Played with 2-4 players at a time each player takes turns rolling or popping the dice and moving around the game board.
The objective is to get all your pawns around the board and home first. Players can also send each other’s pawns back to start in this game.
There are a lot of different versions of Trouble including the original game as well as fun character and movie inspired versions.
Bingo
Bingo is one of our favorite games to play with groups of various ages. It’s a great game for holiday parties, class activities and more.
Growing up we played bingo for fun prizes each New Years eve and it was such a fun tradition.
There are so many different versions of Bingo. You can find the classic game with numbered marbles and numbered cards or you can find fun printable holiday versions of the game online.
To play everyone has a bingo card and the caller draws a numbered marble or a card with a picture on it and calls it out.
Those that have the number or picture on their board mark it (with a dot marker or treat, coin, etc.).
The first person to get a row of markings – row, column or diagonal calls out bingo!
Perfection
Perfection is a fun game that can be played on your own (only one player!) or as a group. Playing this game can get competitive and be a lot of fun to play as a family.
The object is to be the quickest to fit all 25 shapes into their matching holes in the tray. If the timer runs out POP! goes the game and its past to the next player. The person who watches all 25 shapes in the shortest time wins.
Uno
Uno isn’t board game it’s a card game but I had to include it on the list since it’s such a great game to play with little kids (and their older siblings).
There are a lot of different versions of Uno. For young kids start out with the classic set of cards.
Once they have figured out the game some of our favorite versions to play are Uno Attack, Uno Flip and Mario Uno.
Dog Man
One of the newest games we have added to our collection is the Dog Man Hot Dog Game.
This game is fast paced and our kids love it. The game is all about being able to collect the most hot dogs. It takes speed but is a simple game even our 3 year old loves playing.
Charades for Kids
Charades for kids is another game that doesn’t have a board but is so much fun for the entire family.
If you’re playing with kids that can’t read yet you can use the first option on each card with a picture so they can play without needing help.
Older children can chose to act out the other options on the card, giving you more play options.
Monopoly Jr.
Monopoly Jr. is a good board game for kids 6-8. Instead of being a game that never ends like the classic Monopoly game can be the Jr. versions are typically a lot quicker to play and simplified.
We have the Super Mario Monopoly Jr. and the Unicorn Edition and my kids love playing both of these games.
Life Jr.
Life Jr. is a simplified and quicker version of the classic Life game. This game can be played with 2 or more players making it a great choice for some quality time.
The game is played by spinning and moving along the game board. Following prompts from cards and enjoying the twists and turns of life.
Once you’re kids get familiar with the Life Jr. game or if they have a longer attention span (around age 8) we really like the Super Mario and Life twists and turns versions of the game as well as the classic.
Best Educational Board Games for 6 – 8 year olds
Educational board games combine fun and learning, making them excellent tools for developing various skills.
Educational games can be used just like regular games. The fun educational games are great for family game night, as part of your homeschool or even in the classroom.
Zingo
Zingo similar to bingo but more fun is a matching game perfect for pre-readers and early readers.
Use the Zingo! Zinger dispenser to reveal tiles and race to be the first to call out which tiles you have on your board. First person to get a full board calls out Zingo!
This game makes working on language skills fun. When we play this fun board game we always end up playing multiple rounds.
Scrabble Junior
A junior version of the classic Scrabble game, Scrabble Junior helps children enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills.
With double-sided game boards, one side offers a simpler version for beginners, while the other side provides a more challenging gameplay experience.
Memory Match
Memory match is a great game for kids to play. The object of the game is to find and flip over 2 of the same images.
If you don’t flip the same image flip the tiles back over and it’s the next persons turn. If the images match you get to go again.
The player with the highest score (most matches) wins the game.
There are so many different versions of memory match you can purchase or you can make your own.
Sequence
Both the Sequence for Kids and Sequence Letters are fun family games.
The sequence for kids game is easier, by the time kids are 6 years old a lot of them are already playing Sequence Letters and some are ready for the classic version of the game.
Match your card with one on the board and place your chip. First player with four chips in a row wins the game.
Fun Strategy Board Games For Kids
Strategy board games challenge children to think critically, plan ahead, and make strategic decisions. Here are some of my family’s favorite strategy board games that are perfect for 6-8 year olds.
Many of these strategy board games are fun for older players as well and good games for kids to play as they grow and get a better skill level.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey or the Original Game
This simplified version of the popular Ticket to Ride game introduces children to the world of train adventures.
Players collect train cards and strategically place their trains on the board to complete routes and connect cities.
The first player to complete 6 routes (ticket cards) gets the golden ticket and wins the game.
We have both the regular ticket to ride and first journey and I personally like the regular game better even for kids 6 to 8.
The biggest difference between the two games is the length of the train route and how tickets and trains are drawn.
If you have the regular game I would try playing it with your kids and if they have a hard time with it then get Ticket to Ride First Journey.
Blokus
Blokus is a strategy game where players take turns placing their colorful pieces on the board.
The goal is to cover as much territory as possible while blocking your opponents. This game encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic planning.
Blokus is the perfect addition to your family game collection, it’s one of our favorites. It’s a good game to start playing with young kids and can be fun to continue playing as they grow.
When first teaching kids how to play don’t make it to challenging. The more you play the game you can increase the difficulty level, by playing more offensive with blocking.
Skyjo
Skyjo is a favorite family game played with Skyjo cards, the game can be played with 2-8 players making it great for the whole family.
Each player has 12 cards face down on the table the object of the game is to get all the cards flipped over and have the lowest score.
With numbers from negative 2 to 12 and the ability to get ride of a whole row of cards this game is an excellent way for kids to practice number recognition and some basic math.
Clue
Clue is a classic murder mystery board game that challenges players to solve a perplexing whodunit.
The game is set in a grand mansion, players take on the roles of colorful characters, each with their own secrets and potential motives.
The objective is to figure out who committed the murder, in which room, and with which weapon, by strategically collecting and eliminating clues.
There is a Clue Jr. that is the great for kids that are younger and just learning the game. We skipped the Junior version and started playing the classic.
Our favorite is that the new version of the game includes Clue cards to help uncover clues faster.
The Bears and the Bees
This Grandpa Beck game is a fun one that doesn’t require any reading.
To play the Bears and the Bees each player is given honey comb shaped cards with different colors around the sides. The honey side plays as a wild card.
With bear cards, bee cards that make another player draw and flower cards that make all other players draw this is one of our favorite competitive games.
Battleship
Battleship is a timeless two-player strategy board game that simulates naval warfare.
Players engage in a “battle” as they position their fleet of ships on a grid, attempting to hide them from their opponent.
The goal of the game is to accurately guess the coordinates of the enemy’s hidden ships and sink them before they do the same to your ships.
With a combination of logical thinking and some lucky guessing, battle ship is a fun game for different age groups to enjoy playing together.
Checkers
The classic game of checkers is a perfect board game for different ages to play. Kids can often quickly figure out how to play the game.
The more they play checkers the better they get at figuring out strategy and the more fun they will have with the game.
There are several different versions of checkers out there including fun themed games like this Mario Checkers game.
Qwirkle
Qwirkle is a tile-laying board game that combines elements of strategy, pattern recognition, and matching.
Players take turns placing uniquely shaped and colored tiles on a grid, aiming to create rows and columns of tiles that share either the same shape or color.
With simple rules and endless possibilities, Qwirkle is a fun and challenging game suitable for players of all ages, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings and game nights.
Mastermind
I spent hours playing mastermind as a kid with my siblings. Now it’s so fun to teach my kids to play the game.
We have an older version of the game (like the one I had growing up) I found at a thrift store.
The game is played with 2 players. One player creates a hidden pattern and the other player tries to guess what the pattern is.
The end of the game (or round) is reached when the player correctly guesses the hidden pattern.
Rush Hour
Rush Hour is a captivating and challenging puzzle game that puts your strategic thinking and spatial awareness to the test.
The objective of the game is simple: maneuver a red car out of a congested gridlock by sliding other vehicles back and forth.
With various sized cars and trucks, each puzzle presents a unique traffic jam conundrum.
As the game progresses, the puzzles become increasingly complex, demanding more intricate maneuvers and greater planning.
With over 40 challenge cards of varying difficulty levels, Rush Hour offers an escalating series of brain-teasing trials, ensuring hours of engrossing gameplay.
Cover Your Assets
Cover Your Assets is designed for 4-6 players, this family-friendly game is a family favorite.
The objective? Build your wealth by amassing valuable assets, but beware, because your opponents are out to steal them!
Players strategically match cards to form pairs of assets, like jewelry, properties, and stacks of cash, in an effort to protect their fortune.
However players can snatch coveted assets from their rivals, resulting in uproarious showdowns and unexpected shifts in fortune.
Spot It!
Spot It! is a fast-paced matching game where players race to find the matching symbols between two cards.
No this game doesn’t have a game board but I had to include it on the list.
With multiple game variations, Spot It! is great for visual perception, attention to detail, and speed.
Cooperative Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
Cooperative board games are a great way to teach children the value of teamwork and collaboration.
Below are two cooperative board games that promote cooperation and shared decision-making among 6-8 year olds.
Space Escape
We had friends introduce us to the game Space Escape several years ago and it’s such a great cooperative board game to play with kids.
Players work together to help the mole rats gather their equipment and make it to their escape pod before time runs out!
Have fun as you climb the ladders, slip down airshafts, but don’t get bit by the snakes.
Disney Codenames
Disney Codenames is a favorite family game. We played the original code names game first and then had to get the Disney version of the game.
The Disney Codenames is a fun interactive game to play with kids and much easier for younger kids to play.
The recommended age for this game is 8+. Depending on your child I would say the minimum age is 6 (both my 6 year old and 8 year old love playing the game).
The younger children may struggle giving clues so we usually have the adults playing be the Cluemasters.
Board Games That Promote Creativity and Imagination for 6-8 Year Olds
Board games that encourage creativity and imagination can transport children to magical worlds and inspire them to think outside the box.
Here are three board games that foster creativity and imagination in 6-8 year olds.
Story Cubes
Story Cubes sparks imagination as players roll the dice and use the images rolled to create unique and imaginative stories.
This game promotes storytelling, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Dixit
Dixit is a beautifully illustrated game where players use their creativity to describe and guess the artwork on their cards.
This game encourages imagination, abstract thinking, and communication skills.
Toy Story Talent Show
Toy Story Talent Show is a whimsical and enchanting board game that brings the beloved characters from the Toy Story universe to life in a creative and competitive setting.
Designed for 2-6 players, this family-friendly game invites participants to step into the shoes of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other iconic toys as they showcase their unique talents in a lively talent show.
Players traverse a vibrant game board, encountering various challenges and opportunities along the way.
From trivia questions to hilarious charades, each activity showcases the distinctive skills and personalities of the toys.
With a mix of strategy and luck, players accumulate points based on their performances, aiming to impress the judges and win.
Shop the List of Best Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
- Guess Who
- Operation
- Connect Four
- Sorry
- Trouble
- Bingo
- Perfection
- Uno
- Charades for Kids
- Monopoly Jr.
- Life Jr.
- Zingo
- Scrabble Junior
- Memory match
- Sequence for Kids
- Ticket to Ride
- Blokus
- Skyjo
- Clue
- Bears and the Bees
- Battleship
- checkers
- Qwirkle
- mastermind
- Rush Hour
- Cover Your Assets
- Spot It!
- Space Escape
- Disney Codenames
- Story Cubes
- Dixit
- Toy Story Talent Show
Favorite Board Games for 6-8 year Olds
There are so many fun games I have shared in this list and more we are constantly learning about. But I wanted to quickly share our top 5 favorite board games for the 6-8 year olds.
We have had such a great time playing these games with our kids and I know you will create great memories playing too.
Our top 5 most played games are:
The Finish Line – Board Games for 6-8 Year Olds
Board games have the power to entertain, educate, and bring families together.
The must-have board games for 6-8 year olds listed above cover a wide range of genres, from classics to educational and interactive options.
These games provide countless opportunities for learning, skill development, and imaginative play.
So, whether you’re looking to enhance critical thinking, promote social interaction, or spark creativity, there’s a board game out there that is perfect for your 6-8 year old.
Start collecting these must-have board games and enjoy countless hours of family fun, laughter, and learning.
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