We found an awesome TechCrunch article recently that found 10 amazing board games that will get your kids off their idevices – we hope. While we can’t promise there won’t be fights, you will be able to spend a few good hours with the little ones.
Blokus
Zingo
The easiest game in the bunch. Zingo is basically bingo with pictures and simple words. The best part is the tile system: when you slide the little plastic container like a credit card machine two fresh tiles pop out ready to play.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth is great for nearly every age (as long as the kids won’t swallow the pieces). This game involves moving wizards and witches around a constantly-changing maze. The images are the best part, making the game like Dungeons & Dragons for the wee ones.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a great game for the 4-10 year old members of the family. Because there is no reading, this map-making strategy game can be fun for the littlest folks (just give them a bunch of tiles and let them go wild) and the early readers who will love the concept and design. It’s one of our family favorites right now.
Forbidden Island
Escape from the island before it sinks! How? With cunning and multi person strategy. Forbidden Island requires you to work together to find the magical treasures and get back to the chopper before the island dips underwater.
Cargo Noir
Cargo Noir is a trading game based around a black market. You move goods around the world, amass a fortune, and the one with the most clubs, yachts, and henchmen wins the day. It’s a unique game with plenty of fun stuff for older kids.
Exploding Kittens
Get Exploding Kittens. Right now. It’s a great game and a crowdfunding darling that was drawn by The Oatmeal. My kids like to play it without us adults, which is a true first.
Small World
Small World pits various factions – vampires, ogres, and elves – against each other for control of the map. This game is quite complex but also quite fun. There’s a bit of setup involved but nothing a dedicated pre-teen can’t handle.
Dominion
Dominion is an addictive card-based game that is sort of a gateway drug for Magic: The Gathering. Every game is different and because it uses cards you can reduce the board footprint when traveling. It’s a fascinating and complex game for older kids.
Chess
A game like chess might be a no-brainer but teaching a child how to play is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. The rules aren’t complex, the pieces are amazingly totemic and evocative, and there’s definite fun to be had when they beat you handily in a few games. Well worth picking up a set when you can.
