Board games are a great way for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. They can help improve critical thinking skills, social skills, and even problem-solving skills. But with so many different games on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are worth investing in.

Here are five board games that we think every kid should own, and we’re not talking about Monopoly or Candyland. These are games that will get kids thinking, laughing, and having a great time.

1. The Settlers of Catan

The Settlers of Catan is a classic board game that has been around for years. It’s perfect for kids aged 10 and up and can be played with 3-4 players. In the game, players must collect and trade resources in order to build roads, settlements, and cities.

The first player to 10 points wins the game. This game is great for teaching kids about trading, strategy, and resource management and is always a hit with kids and adults alike. From developing reading and math skills to learning about probability and statistics, there’s a lot that kids can learn from playing The Settlers of Catan.

2. Blokus

Blokus is a strategy game that is perfect for kids aged 5 and up. It can be played with 2-4 players and is a great way to get kids thinking about spatial awareness and problem-solving. In the game, players take turns placing pieces on the board, trying to block their opponents from placing their pieces. The first player to use all of their pieces wins the game.

This is a great game for kids who are visual learners and who enjoy puzzles. It’s also a great way to get kids talking and working together as they try to figure out the best way to win the game.

3. Ticket to Ride

What kid doesn’t love trains? Ticket to Ride is a board game that is perfect for kids aged 8 and up. It can be played with 2-5 players and is all about collecting train cards and claiming routes on a map.

The first player to collect 6 Train Car cards and reach their Destination cities wins the game. It can help your little ones learn about planning and strategy while they have a blast collecting train cards and trying to outsmart their opponents.

4. Carcassonne

Is your kid a fan of knights and castles? If so, they’ll love Carcassonne. This board game is perfect for kids aged 7 and up. It can be played with 2-5 players and is all about building the city of Carcassonne. Players take turns placing tiles on the board, trying to create the most efficient city possible. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

From learning about city planning to probability, there’s a lot that kids can learn from playing Carcassonne. And, of course, they’ll have a blast doing it.

5. Pandemic

Does your kid like to save the world? In Pandemic, players must work together in order to save the world from 4 deadly diseases. This cooperative board game is perfect for kids aged 8 and up. It can be played with 2-4 players.

In the game, players must travel around the world, treating diseases and trying to prevent outbreaks. The first player to collect 5 cards of a disease wins the game. This is a great game for kids who are interested in science and medicine. And it’s a great way to teach kids about cooperation and working together towards a common goal.

Final Thoughts

Board games are a great way for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. The games on this list are perfect for kids of all ages and can help teach them valuable skills that they’ll use for years to come.

So, next time you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection, be sure to check out one of these board games. Your kids will love them!