Best Science Board Games for Kids, Teens, and Adults in 2023

Science board games are an excellent way to learn while having fun. These games can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and they cover a wide range of topics, from astronomy to biology. In this article, we will review some of the best science board games available on the market.

Science Board Games for Middle School (Kids)
Science Board Games for High School (Teens)
Best Science Board Games for Adults
Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions

When looking for the best science board games, it is important to consider the age range of the players, the complexity of the game, and the specific scientific concepts that are covered. Some games are designed for younger children and focus on basic scientific concepts, while others are more complex and suitable for older players.

Science Board Games for Middle School (Kids)

Think Fun Robot Turtles STEM Toy

If you’re looking for a fun and educational game for your preschooler, Think Fun Robot Turtles STEM Toy is a great option.

Pros

Provides a stealth learning experience
Easy to learn with a clear, high-quality instruction manual
Designed for parents and children to have a fun play experience together

Cons

May not be challenging enough for older children
Some reviewers found the game too simple
Requires a moderator to help guide gameplay

Think Fun Robot Turtles STEM Toy is a great way for children ages 4 and up to learn key programming principles in a fun and engaging way. With clear instructions and a stealth learning experience, children can start playing immediately and develop critical skills while having fun. Designed for parents and children to play together, this game is a great gift for families with young children.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an educational game that provides a fun and engaging experience for your preschooler, Think Fun Robot Turtles STEM Toy is a great option.

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging STEM toy for kids, the ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game is a great option.

Pros

Provides a great stealth learning experience for young players
Develops critical skills such as spatial reasoning and planning
Comes with clear and easy-to-follow instructions

Cons

Some challenges may be too difficult for younger players
May require adult supervision for younger children
Limited replayability once all challenges have been completed

This combination logic game, marble run, and STEM toy is a Toy of the Year Award winner and contains 60 challenges ranging from beginner to expert. The game grid, 9 towers, 1 target piece, and 3 marbles are included in the package.

The challenges become increasingly difficult as you play through them, providing a fun and engaging experience for kids while still developing critical skills such as spatial reasoning and planning.

While the game is designed for kids age 8 and up, younger children may require adult supervision and some of the challenges may be too difficult for them. Additionally, once all of the challenges have been completed, there may be limited replayability.

Overall, the ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game is a great option for parents looking for a fun and educational STEM toy for their kids.

Blue Orange Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Puzzle Dexterity Game Games – 1-4 Players for Ages 8+

Dr. Eureka is a great game for those who enjoy brain teasers and puzzles. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to develop logical thinking, focus, attention, dexterity, and social skills with a fun scientific theme.

Pros

It’s a fun and unique game that challenges your brain and keeps you engaged.
It’s a great educational game for math classrooms and homeschooling.
It’s a great party game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Cons

Some people may find the game too challenging.
The balls can be difficult to handle and may fall out of the test tubes.
The game may not be suitable for younger children.

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging game that will test your brain and keep you engaged, then Blue Orange Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Puzzle Dexterity Game Games is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great way to develop your logical thinking, focus, attention, dexterity, and social skills, and it’s perfect for both kids and adults. However, some people may find the game too challenging, and the balls can be difficult to handle and may fall out of the test tubes. Additionally, the game may not be suitable for younger children.

Genius Games Ion: A Compound Building Game (2nd Edition)

We highly recommend Genius Games Ion: A Compound Building Game (2nd Edition) for anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced game that teaches the fundamentals of ionic bonding.

Pros

Players will learn the basics of ionic bonding while having fun.
The game is fast-paced and can be played in as little as 20-30 minutes.
The pick-and-pass gameplay mechanism makes the game highly interactive.

Cons

The game may be too simple for advanced players.
The science theme may not appeal to everyone.
The game may require some initial learning to understand the rules.

Genius Games Ion: A Compound Building Game is a card drafting game that teaches players the basics of ionic bonding through creating neutrally charged compounds, noble gases, charges, anions and cations, and acids and bases. The game is perfect for science geeks who want to play a game with their classroom, family, and friends.

The game is fast-paced and can be played in as little as 20-30 minutes. Each round, players compete to build compounds using positively and negatively charged ions. Points are scored for successful compounds, Noble Gases, and achieving Goal Cards. After 3 rounds, the player with the most points wins!

The pick-and-pass gameplay mechanism makes the game highly interactive. Each player starts with a hand of 10 cards, and chooses one card to place in front of them. They then pass the rest of their hand to the player on their right, where they continue playing and passing cards until every card is used. Your goal is to match the positive and negative charges on your cards to create neutrally charged compounds, scoring points.

Science Board Games for High School (Teens)

Periodic: A Game of the Elements

If you’re looking for a science board game that’s both fun and educational, Periodic: A Game of the Elements might be right up your alley.

Pros

Highly strategic gameplay that engages both adults and kids aged 10 and up
Accurate representation of all elements, groups, periodic trends, and vocabulary in chemistry class, making it an excellent educational tool for science teachers
Complies with STEM and NGSS standards and is American MENSA Recommended

Cons

Some players may find the instructions a bit complicated
Not ideal for those who are looking for a light and quick game
May not be suitable for those who are not interested in chemistry or science-related games

Periodic: A Game of the Elements is a chemistry board game that teaches players about the structure and function of the periodic table of real elements, as well as some of the most fundamental principles in chemistry. The game is highly strategic, with players moving across the periodic table to collect elements using the periodic trends. It’s intuitive enough for kids aged 10 and up to play at home or in the classroom, but it’s also engaging enough for adult gamers.

One of the best things about Periodic is that it’s an accurate representation of all elements, groups, periodic trends, and vocabulary in chemistry class, making it an excellent educational tool for science teachers. It’s also an excellent gift for science and chemistry teachers, as well as for gamers, scientists, chemists, and students who love playing geeky science games.

Looney Labs Chemistry Fluxx Card Game

We recommend purchasing the Looney Labs Chemistry Fluxx Card Game for those who are looking for a fun and educational science board game. This game is great for players of all ages and can be played in a short amount of time.

Pros

The game is educational and helps players learn about chemical reactions and the periodic table.
The game is easy to play and can be played in 5-30 minutes.
The game is great for social gatherings including parties, classrooms, or family game night.

Cons

The game can be confusing at first, but players will quickly learn the rules.
Some players may find the game too simple after playing it several times.
The game may not be suitable for those who are not interested in science.

The Looney Labs Chemistry Fluxx Card Game is a fast-paced, action-packed game that is perfect for players of all ages. The game includes 100 playing cards that feature elements from the periodic table, atoms, and molecules. Players can combine elements to form compounds and win the game.

The game is easy to play and can be played in 5-30 minutes. The rules are always changing, so the game never plays the same way twice. The game is great for social gatherings including parties, classrooms, or family game night.

Overall, we highly recommend the Looney Labs Chemistry Fluxx Card Game for those who are looking for a fun and educational science board game. It is a great game for players of all ages and can be played in a short amount of time.

Looney Labs Anatomy Fluxx Card Game

We highly recommend purchasing the Looney Labs Anatomy Fluxx Card Game for anyone interested in a fun and educational card game.

Pros

The game is designed by an ER doctor, with all facts being checked by multiple professionals, making it truly educational for beginning science students through medical school.
The game features new learning rules that will get your brain in gear with anatomical trivia.
The game is great for any social gathering, and never plays the same way twice.

Cons

Some reviewers found the game to be too complicated to understand.
The game may not be as fun as other Fluxx games.
Some players found the educational aspect of the game to be too informative rather than fun.

The Looney Labs Anatomy Fluxx Card Game is a fun and educational game designed for 2-6 players age 12 and up. The game takes about 15-45 minutes to play and comes in a small box that is super convenient for taking in cars. It is great for a road trip, beach day, camping games, or simply playing at the house.

The game features new learning rules that will get your brain in gear with anatomical trivia. The game is designed by an ER doctor with all facts being checked by multiple professionals, making it truly educational for beginning science students through medical school. The variations in game play make this fun game truly educational.

Overall, the Looney Labs Anatomy Fluxx Card Game is a great game for anyone looking for a fun and educational game to play with friends and family.

Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game

If you’re looking for a science board game that’s both educational and fun, Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game is a great option.

Pros

Teaches cell biology concepts in an engaging way
Strategic gameplay keeps players interested
Comes with a fact-based booklet to review concepts in detail

Cons

Gameplay might be too complex for younger children
Some players may not find the theme appealing
Game pieces may not be very durable

In Cytosis, players take on the role of enzymes, hormones, and receptors to build proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA or mRNA, just like in biology class. The game is great for a learning table in a classroom to teach students about various parts of cell biology, including animal cell organelles, enzymes, and hormones.

The strategic gameplay involves worker placement, where players take turns placing flasks on available organelles within a human cell in order to collect resources or take actions to build enzymes, hormones, and hormone receptors and detoxify the cell.

Cytosis is perfect for gamers, science classes, or family game night. The game comes with a fact-based booklet that reviews each concept explored in the game in educational detail. These booklets are written and peer-reviewed by over 20 PhDs and doctors from around the world to ensure the game is as correct to real science as possible.

While the gameplay might be too complex for younger children, Cytosis is a great pastime for teachers, scientists, biologists, and students. It also makes a great gift for birthdays and special occasions. However, some players may not find the theme appealing, and the game pieces may not be very durable.

Best Science Board Games for Adults

North Star Games Evolution Board Game – Every Game Becomes a Different Adventure!

If you’re looking for a fun and strategic board game that involves creating and adapting species to survive in a dynamic ecosystem, then North Star Games Evolution Board Game might be the right choice for you.

Pros

The game offers endless replayability with over 12,000 different species that can be created.
The gameplay is strategic and offers multiple paths to victory, making every game unique.
The game is great for game night with playtime of around 60 minutes and eye-catching art.

Cons

The game might take some time to learn and set up, plan on finding a youtube video and really walking through it before teaching it to others.
The climate change part of the game only comes into effect if you are purposely trying to off balance the game.
The game is recommended for ages 12 years and up.

Evolution takes place in a dynamic connected world, where food is scarce, and predators roam. Players use trait cards to create and adapt species to survive and thrive. Species can become carnivores or gain defensive traits to avoid being prey. With traits that combine to create over 12,000 different species, every game offers a new world to explore.

The game is well designed and offers excellent quality with great theme. It is easy to explain and yet not boring thanks to the variations. The game is fun and entertaining, and the kids really like it.

Terraforming Mars Board Game

We highly recommend the Terraforming Mars Board Game for those who enjoy strategy games and science themes.

Pros

Compete for different milestones and awards worth many VPS
Over 200 different projects to complete
Suitable for 1 to 5 players ages 12 and up

Cons

May be too complex for some players
Long playing time, may take several hours to complete
Components may be fragile and prone to damage

This game is a highly engaging and challenging strategy game that allows players to build and manage their own colonies on Mars. With over 200 different projects to complete, players must compete for different milestones and awards worth many VPS. The game is suitable for 1 to 5 players ages 12 and up.

The game is not without its flaws, however. Some players may find the game too complex and difficult to understand, especially those who are not familiar with strategy games. Additionally, the game may take several hours to complete, which may be too long for some players. Finally, some components of the game may be fragile and prone to damage, which may be a concern for some players.

Overall, the Terraforming Mars Board Game is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategy games and science themes. The game is challenging, engaging, and highly rewarding, and is sure to provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages.

Blue Orange Games Photosynthesis Board Game

We highly recommend the Blue Orange Games Photosynthesis Board Game for science and biology enthusiasts who want to enjoy a nature-inspired strategy game with their family or friends.

Pros

Beautiful and thematic gameplay
Easy to play and understand
Suitable for both adults and children

Cons

May have a steep learning curve for some players
Some players may find it repetitive after multiple plays
The game may not be challenging enough for experienced board game players

Photosynthesis is a strategy board game that allows players to take their trees through their life cycle, from seedling to full bloom to rebirth, while earning light points as their leaves collect energy from the revolving sun’s rays. The game has an amazing table presence with an ever-changing forest that is sure to catch the eye of any player.

This 2 to 4 players nature-inspired game can be enjoyed by parents playing with their children as well as adults. It also plays very well as a 2 players abstract board game. The game uses an action points allowance system mechanism, which makes it easy to play and understand.

Photosynthesis was one of the top-rated board games when it was released at Gen Con. It is easy to play for families enjoying other Blue Orange classic and award-winning board games like Kingdomino, Planet, New York 1901.

In conclusion, the Blue Orange Games Photosynthesis Board Game is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun and engaging board game with beautiful art and thematic gameplay.

Brain Games – The Game

If you’re looking for a science board game that’s perfect for family game nights and parties, then Brain Games – The Game might be just what you need.

Pros

Great party game for family game nights
Challenges players in different categories to win
Made in the USA

Cons

Limited replayability
Some cards may require knowledge of the show
Questions can become repetitive after a few sessions

Brain Games – The Game is a great way to challenge your mind and have fun at the same time. It is based on the Emmy Nominated National Geographic Channel TV Series and requires players to complete challenges in four categories – Logic, Vision, Language, Mind, and Body – to win. The game is designed for 3-6 players aged 14 and up and is made in the USA.

The game is a great party game and perfect for family game nights. It’s easy to learn and play, and the challenges are both fun and educational. However, the game does have some cons. The replayability is limited, and some cards may require knowledge of the show to fully understand. Additionally, the questions can become repetitive after a few sessions.

Overall, if you’re looking for a science board game that’s both fun and educational, Brain Games – The Game is definitely worth checking out.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best science board game, there are several features to consider. We recommend keeping the following factors in mind to help you make an informed decision.

Age Range

Firstly, consider the age range of the players who will be participating in the game. Some games are designed for children, while others are more suitable for teenagers or adults. It’s important to choose a game that is appropriate for the age of the players to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game and that it’s challenging enough to keep them engaged.

Complexity

Consider the complexity of the game. Some science board games are simple and easy to understand, while others are more complex and may require more time to learn and play. It’s important to choose a game that matches the skill level of the players to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game and that it’s not too difficult or too easy.

Learning Objectives

Consider the learning objectives of the game. Some science board games are designed to teach specific scientific concepts, while others are more general and focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategy. It’s important to choose a game that aligns with the learning objectives of the players to ensure that they can learn while having fun.

Components

Consider the components of the game. Some science board games come with a lot of pieces and require a lot of set-up time, while others are more straightforward and easy to set up. It’s important to choose a game that has the right balance of components to ensure that it’s not too overwhelming or too simplistic.

Replayability

Consider the replayability of the game. Some science board games have a lot of replay value and can be played over and over again, while others may become repetitive after a few plays. It’s important to choose a game that has enough variety and depth to keep the players engaged over multiple playthroughs.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost of the game. Some science board games can be quite expensive, while others are more affordable. It’s important to choose a game that fits within your budget and provides good value for money.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best science board game for your needs and ensure that everyone has a fun and educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download printable science games?

You can download printable science board games from various websites such as Science Buddies, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Pinterest. These websites offer a wide range of games that cover different science topics and can be printed and played at home or in the classroom.

What are the best board games for 13 year olds?

Some of the best science board games for 13 year olds include Periodic: A Game of the Elements and Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game. These games are not only fun to play but also help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also provide an opportunity for players to learn about different scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.