Board games have been a staple of family entertainment for generations, providing hours of fun and bonding time. However, not all board games are created equal, and some can even be educational. That’s where educational board games come in. These games combine the fun of traditional board games with the added benefit of teaching valuable skills and knowledge.
When it comes to choosing the best educational board game, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, consider the age range and skill level of the players. Some games may be too advanced or too simplistic for certain age groups. Second, think about the subject matter of the game. Is it something that will interest the players and provide valuable knowledge? Finally, consider the game’s replayability. Will it hold up over multiple playthroughs, or will it quickly lose its appeal?
We tested several educational board games to identify the ones that offer the most fun and educational value. Whether you’re looking for a game to play with your kids or a fun way to learn something new, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment and education.
Best Educational Board Games
We all know that education is important, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, learning can be fun and engaging, especially when it comes to board games. Board games are a great way to teach kids important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategy, all while having a good time. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best educational board games that are both entertaining and educational. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun way to teach your kids or a teacher searching for classroom activities, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of the best educational board games.
Scholastic Race Across the USA Game
We highly recommend the Scholastic Race Across the USA Game for families looking for a fun and educational board game that teaches geography and social studies.
Pros
- Players learn about different states and their landmarks while having fun.
- Questions are tailored to each player’s grade level, making it easy for kids of different ages to play together.
- The game encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
Cons
- Some state cards may have incorrect information.
- The game can be repetitive after a few rounds.
- The board and game pieces are made of thin cardboard, which may not hold up well over time.
In Scholastic Race Across the USA Game, players travel to different states and answer geography questions to win. The game is designed for kids aged 8 and up, and questions are tailored to each player’s grade level. This makes it easy for kids of different ages to play and learn together.
One of the best things about the game is that it encourages teamwork and friendly competition. Players work together to move their game pieces across the board, and they must answer questions correctly to advance. This makes it a great game for family game night or for classroom use.
However, some state cards may have incorrect information, which could be confusing for players. Additionally, the game can become repetitive after a few rounds, which may make it less appealing to play over time. Finally, the board and game pieces are made of thin cardboard, which may not hold up well over time.
Overall, we think that the Scholastic Race Across the USA Game is a great choice for families looking for an educational board game that’s also fun to play.
Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game
If you’re looking for a fun and educational board game for children to learn math, then the Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game is a great option.
Pros
- The game is designed for 2-4 players and challenges players to use their elementary math skills to escape Math Island.
- The game is easy to play and involves rolling equation dice, solving addition or subtraction problems, and moving spaces on the board.
- The game is designed for students as young as 6 and helps build school-ready addition and subtraction skills.
Cons
- The game may not be challenging enough for older children or those with advanced math skills.
- The game may become repetitive after multiple plays.
- The game may not be as engaging for children who do not enjoy math.
The Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game is a smart and fun way for children to learn math skills. The game is easy to play and involves solving addition and subtraction problems to move around the board. The game is designed for students as young as 6 and helps build school-ready addition and subtraction skills.
The game includes many obstacles, such as an erupting volcano that sends dice flying and players scrambling, making it all-out math mayhem. The game is designed for 2-4 players, making it a great option for family game night or classroom activities.
Overall, the Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game is a great educational game for children who want to learn math in a fun and engaging way.
Wordplay for Kids Board Game
If you’re looking for a fun and educational board game that can help your kids develop word-building skills, vocabulary, spelling, and concentration, then Wordplay for Kids is a great choice.
Pros
- The game is a Teacher’s Choice Award Winner, which means it has been recognized for its educational value.
- It’s a fast-paced and challenging game that can be played by kids ages 6 to 12 and parents alike.
- The game is designed to be easily played in large groups, making it a great option for family game night or kids’ party gatherings.
Cons
- It may not be suitable for younger kids who haven’t yet mastered reading and writing.
- Some players may find the game repetitive after a few rounds.
- The game may require adult supervision to ensure that the rules are followed correctly.
Wordplay for Kids Board Game is a fun and engaging way to help your kids improve their language and cognitive skills. The game comes with a spinner that provides two letters that must appear in the word, and a roll of the die then selects the word category to guide kids along: “Food or Drink”, “Object or Thing”, “Living Creature”, “Something in the House”, “Boy’s or Girl’s Name”, and “Any Word”. Each round is fast, fun, and challenging, and everyone plays every round.
To play, you must form a word based on the letters and category provided and move ahead on the board. The longer the word, the more spaces you move. The game is designed for 2 or more players/teams and can be easily adapted for the classroom, making it a great teacher’s tool.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun and educational board game that can help your kids improve their language and cognitive skills, then Wordplay for Kids Board Game is definitely worth checking out.
Skillmatics Board Game – Scout It Out 50 States
If you’re looking for a fun and educational board game that the whole family can enjoy, then the Skillmatics Board Game – Scout It Out 50 States might be just what you need.
Pros
- Educational and engaging gameplay that is perfect for family game night.
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- High-quality materials that are built to last.
Cons
- Some of the clues might be a bit challenging for younger players.
- The game might become repetitive after a few rounds.
- The rules might be a bit confusing for first-time players.
In this game, players must use their knowledge of the states of America to guess which state is being described based on the clues provided. The first player to collect five game cards wins the game. Along the way, players will learn fascinating facts about each state and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One of the best things about this game is that it is both educational and engaging. Players will have fun while learning, making it the perfect game for family game night. The high-quality materials used in the game also ensure that it will last for many game nights to come.
However, some of the clues might be a bit challenging for younger players, which could make the game frustrating for them. Additionally, the game might become repetitive after a few rounds, which could make it less enjoyable over time. Finally, the rules might be a bit confusing for first-time players, which could lead to a slow start.
Overall, the Skillmatics Board Game – Scout It Out 50 States is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and educational board game.
Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game
If you’re looking for an engaging way to practice math with your kids, the Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game is a great choice.
Pros
- Encourages basic math drills through fun game play with Sum Swamp.
- Develops fluency in early math skills as kids play the game. Perfect for Homeschool or classroom learning.
- Includes everything needed for play: gameboard, 4 swamp creature game pieces, 2 number dice, and an operation die.
Cons
- The game may be too easy for older kids or those who have already mastered basic addition and subtraction.
- The gameboard and pieces are made of paper, which may not hold up well with frequent use.
- The operation die may be confusing for younger kids who are just starting to learn math.
The Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game is a fun and educational way to practice math with your kids. As they race through the swamp, they’ll face math challenges and meet funny swamp creatures along the way. The game is perfect for homeschool or classroom learning, and it includes everything needed for play.
One potential downside of the game is that it may be too easy for older kids or those who have already mastered basic addition and subtraction. Additionally, the gameboard and pieces are made of paper, which may not hold up well with frequent use. Finally, the operation die may be confusing for younger kids who are just starting to learn math.
Overall, the Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game is a great choice for parents and educators looking for a fun way to practice math with kids.
ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words
If you’re looking for a fun and educational game that helps your child learn how to read, then ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Trusted by families worldwide and developed by educators
- Develops critical skills in pre-readers and early readers
- Clear instructions and easy to learn
Cons
- Only suitable for pre-K to 2nd graders
- Limited number of sight words
- Some customers reported missing pieces in their sets
ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is a bingo-style game that features 72 Zingo! Sight Words tiles and 6 double-sided Zingo! cards. It’s perfect for pre-readers and early readers, and it’s been developed by educators to create a great play and stealth learning experience for kids.
One of the biggest advantages of ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is that it’s trusted by families worldwide and has sold over 50 million copies. It’s also been developed by educators, so you know that it’s a high-quality product that’s designed to help your child learn how to read.
Another great thing about ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is that it develops critical skills in pre-readers and early readers. It teaches recognition of essential words and is as popular in the classroom with teachers as it is in the home with families.
Finally, ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is easy to learn with a clear, high-quality instruction manual. You can start playing right away and enjoy the fun and educational experience with your child.
However, it’s important to note that ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is only suitable for pre-K to 2nd graders. It also has a limited number of sight words, so your child may outgrow it quickly. Additionally, some customers reported missing pieces in their sets, so you may want to double-check yours before starting to play.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and educational game that helps your child learn how to read, ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words is definitely a great option to consider.
VATOS Magnetic Match Ring Game
If you’re looking for a fun and educational game for your kids, the VATOS Magnetic Match Ring Game is worth considering.
Pros
- This game is a great way for children to learn about how magnets work while developing their focus, memory, matching, problem-solving, and social skills.
- It’s suitable for all ages (3+ and up) to play alone or as a group, making it a great way to spend quality time with the family and loved ones.
- The magnets in this game are stronger and bigger for more powerful magnetism, which makes it more challenging and engaging.
Cons
- The frame of the game board is slightly flimsy and has to be taken apart every time if you want to put it back in the box.
- While the game is entertaining, it may not keep children entertained for hours.
- The challenge booklet may be too difficult for younger children to understand.
The VATOS Magnetic Match Ring Game is a fun and engaging way for children to learn about magnets while developing important skills. The game is easy to set up and play, and it’s suitable for all ages. The stronger and bigger magnets make the game more challenging and engaging, but the flimsy frame of the game board may be a downside. Additionally, while the game is entertaining, it may not keep children entertained for hours. Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and educational game for your kids, the VATOS Magnetic Match Ring Game is worth considering.
VATOS Little Detective Board Game
If you’re looking for a fun and educational board game for kids and families, the VATOS Little Detective Board Game is a great option.
Pros
- Encourages parent-child interaction and family bonding
- Provides a unique gaming experience with multiple playing methods and props
- Improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and observation ability
Cons
- Some children may get bored with the game quickly
- Instructions can be confusing at first
- Game board is made from cheap material and may tear easily
The VATOS Little Detective Board Game is perfect for parties and family game nights. It’s a great way to get kids away from screens and encourage them to interact with each other and their parents. The game provides a unique gaming experience with multiple playing methods and props, making it more interesting than other board games.
One of the best things about the VATOS Little Detective Board Game is that it’s educational. It helps improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and observation ability. This makes it a great option for preschool education, gifts, and other events.
However, some children may get bored with the game quickly, especially if they’re used to more fast-paced games. Additionally, the instructions can be confusing at first, so it may take some time to figure out how to play the game. Finally, the game board is made from cheap material and may tear easily, so it may not last as long as other board games.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and educational board game for kids and families, the VATOS Little Detective Board Game is definitely worth considering.
Adsumudi Math Game
We highly recommend the Adsumudi Math Game for families with kids of different ages who want to make math practice fun.
Pros
- Provides a fun alternative to math workbooks to help kids practice math facts.
- Recommended for 9+. Perfect educational travel game for families with kids of different ages.
- Different levels of play on each card. Star ranking at top of card indicates general difficulty level to further tailor game to players’ skills.
Cons
- Some kids may lose interest after repeated playthroughs.
- May not work for all kids, depending on their learning style.
- Not all answers are included in the game, so players may need to look up some answers online.
The Adsumudi Math Game is a great way to help kids practice multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The game is recommended for ages 9 and up, making it perfect for families with kids of different ages who want to play together.
One of the best things about the Adsumudi Math Game is that it provides a fun alternative to traditional math workbooks. Kids will love playing the game and won’t even realize they’re practicing math facts.
The game includes 52 double-sided cards containing 416 unique challenges, with different levels of play on each card. The star ranking at the top of each card indicates the general difficulty level, allowing players to tailor the game to their own skills.
While some kids may lose interest after repeated playthroughs, the Adsumudi Math Game is still a great way to make math practice fun. However, it may not work for all kids, depending on their learning style. It’s also worth noting that not all answers are included in the game, so players may need to look up some answers online.
Overall, we highly recommend the Adsumudi Math Game for families with kids of different ages who want to make math practice fun.
Cltoyvers Math Board Game
We highly recommend the Cltoyvers Math Board Game for anyone looking for a fun way to improve their mental math skills.
Pros
- The double-sided design makes it practical for both preschool and elementary school kids.
- The game is easy to customize and has many different ways to play.
- Made of 100% natural wood with non-toxic water-based paints, this game is safe for kids.
Cons
- The game does not come with instructions, which may be confusing for some users.
- The numbers on the board may be difficult to see for those with visual impairments.
- The game may not be challenging enough for older kids or adults.
This fast-paced, fun math game is loved by teachers, families, kids, and grown-ups alike. It’s perfect for family game night or as a classroom or homeschool learning game. The Cltoyvers Math Board Game is suitable for girls and boys 3 years old and older, and can be played with 2-4 players.
The newly upgraded addition and multiplication two-in-one board version is more practical! Preschool kids can play addition board game and elementary school kids can play multiplication board game. This math game is fun to play no matter how old you are. The game includes 1 wooden double-sided board, 2 plastic 10-face dice with numbers from 1 to 10, 4 wooden pawns pieces, 100 math cards (50 multiplication, 50 addition), and 1 multiplication & addition table.
There are lots of fun ways to play and explore, and you can customize the rules. For example, you can randomly draw the math cards, and whoever finds the answer first on the game board and uses the wooden pawn to stand wins the card, and the player with the most cards wins. Or you can toss the 2 dice and multiply (add) the two numbers shown on the dice, whoever finds the answer first and uses the game pawn to stand wins.
Overall, the Cltoyvers Math Board Game is a great math STEM toy for kids and adults who love math. Mathematics for primary school kids just got a whole lot more fun. Great for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th grade.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best educational board games for your needs, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Age Range
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a game that is appropriate for the age range of the players. Many educational board games are designed for specific age groups, so be sure to read the recommended age range on the packaging.
Learning Objectives
Consider the learning objectives of the game. What skills or concepts does it aim to teach? Look for games that align with your educational goals and the needs of the players.
Game Mechanics
The game mechanics are also an important consideration. How is the game played? Are the rules easy to understand and follow? Is the game engaging and fun to play?
Quality and Durability
Lastly, consider the quality and durability of the game. Look for games made with high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use. Check for reviews and ratings to ensure that the game has a good reputation for quality.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best educational board game for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some classic board games that are educational for kids?
Classic board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Chess are educational for kids as they help improve vocabulary, money management skills, and strategic thinking respectively.
What are the best educational board games for 10-year olds?
Some of the best educational board games for 10-year-olds are Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic. These games help improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.
What are some educational board game ideas for middle school students?
Middle school students can benefit from games like Codenames, Risk, and Clue. These games help improve vocabulary, geography, and deductive reasoning skills.
What are the best board games for a high school classroom?
Board games like Diplomacy, Power Grid, and Axis & Allies are great for high school classrooms. These games help improve negotiation, resource management, and critical thinking skills.
What are some DIY educational board games?
DIY educational board games can be created using materials like cardboard, markers, and dice. Games like Mathopoly and Word Ladder can be created to help improve math and language skills.
What are some good board games that are also educational for your brain?
Board games like Blokus, Qwirkle, and Bananagrams are great for improving cognitive skills such as spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and vocabulary.