Summer time is always filled with plenty of time playing board games at our house. Most of the games we play frequently are also games I played as a kid! It is funny how some games really do just stand the test of time and are played by generations.
Cluedo
Ages – 8+
Number of players – Our version requires a minimum of 3 players but there is a newer version which has a special 2 player version. Maximum of 6 players.
We recommend for – a game that the whole family can play. Even if you have younger kids they can pair up with an adult or older sibling and roll the dice, move the piece help choose the pieces to make your accusations.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $25
Monopoly
Ages – 8+ (our youngest child has been playing this game competently since he was about 6, so I think younger kids can play too)
Number of players – 2 – 6 players
We recommend for – playing when you have plenty of time. It is a game that takes much longer to play than most of the games on this list. We often start a game on Saturday, play a decent session, around an hour then finish it either later that day or on Sunday. During school holidays we will play the game in one session when we have more time.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $25
Game of Life (electronic banking)
Ages – 8+ (again our youngest has been playing this since he was about 6, so younger kids can easily play with minimal assistance)
Number of players – 2 – 4 players
We recommend for – a great game for siblings to play with each other. The games can vary in length as you can choose how many years you wish to play for – 10 years or up to 99 years. The game teaches kids that in order to win you need more than money.
Price: The non electronic game is about half the price of the electronic version, but the kids really love the credit card and pressing the buttons. You can buy the electronic version online here on sale for $52.95.
Scrabble
Ages – 10+. I think kids need to be at least 10 if not a bit older to be able to play this game independently.
Number of players – 2 – 4 players
We recommend for – a game for older kids in the family to play with parents.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $25
Chess
Ages – 5+ (possibly earlier if you as the teacher are competent and confident in teaching them. I was taught how to play chess by my eldest son when he was 7!)
Number of players – 2
We recommend for – all kids. Chess is such a brilliant game for kids to learn to play. It helps kids develop their concentration, problem solving skills, it teaches them the importance of planning and looking ahead and it helps with strategic thinking. Our local library has a giant chess set which the kids love to play every time we visit.
Price: Varies but you can buy one online that has a folding wooden chess board for $44.99 here. You can also buy Giant chess sets too!
Draughts / Checkers
Ages – 6+
Number of players – 2 players.
We recommend for – while not as complex as chess, draughts is a great game that also teaches kids the importance of planning and looking ahead and it helps with strategic thinking.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $19.99
Snakes and Ladders
Ages – 3+
Number of players – 2 – 4 players
We recommend for – the game to introduce kids to board games. It is simple to play but fun with lots of excitement of big ladders to go up and snakes to go down. We have the standard sized board game of this but our giant size game is still by far the favourite one to play.
Price: Varies but you can buy this Giant Snakes and Ladders game on sale for $55.
Family Feud
Ages – 8+
Number of players – 3+
We recommend for – a game to play with lots of people. The more people the more fun it is to play as you can have more people on each team. If kids are playing on their own side they would need to be 8, but if you have multiple players on each side younger kids can still play with their assistance.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $25
The Chase
Ages – 8+
Number of players – 3 – 6
We recommend for – definitely a game for older kids and kids (and adults) that liked to be quizzed on their general knowledge.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $49.99
Wordsearch
Ages – 8+ (possibly younger, see notes in recommendations)
Number of players – 2 – 4
We recommend for – a great game for primary school kids. When I play with the kids we make a rule, that I cannot find more than 2 words in a row and they then get a free turn to find the word. Younger kids can play more easily in this format. Younger kids are completely capable of finding the words, but it just takes them a little longer to do so. You can modify the rules to allow for younger players and they really love playing it.
Price: Varies but you can buy online here for $44.99