Best board games for kids in 2020

Board games are a great pastime. They allow you to have fun, train your mind, dexterity and communication skills. That is why experts in the field of child psychology recommend purchasing not electronic toys, but "board" for children. Of course, it will not be possible to completely replace the more popular computer games, but on weekends or during a trip, you can always take a toddler or almost an adult schoolboy with a classic game.

The modern desktop market is overcrowded, it is quite difficult to find a quality product. To help you figure it out, we've compiled a list of the 10 most popular variations. The best board games for kids in 2020 are categorized according to age, making selection even easier.

Basic selection rules

Choosing the right board game is very important. If you make a mistake with the selection, you can not only upset the child, but also harm him. For example, games with lots of small details cannot be offered to toddlers. Child psychologists note that the subject matter of the publication also has a significant impact. From 2 years old until adolescence, the child goes through stages of development of mindfulness, dexterity, imagination and logic. It is very important to match your games to these stages. This will help speed up development, strengthen the baby's craving for knowledge, and develop his self-confidence.

What to look for first:

1. Age category. The recommended age is always indicated on the game boxes. For example, the designation 3-5 says that it is better not to offer the toy to children over 5, but it will not work for babies under 3 either. If the publication is marked “6+”, “10+”, etc., this is a game for the whole family with restrictions regarding the minimum age limit. It is important to pay attention not only to the biological age of the child, but also to his social and mental development. Someone can surpass their peers in development and reach for "Erudite" already at the age of 5, and some kids for a long time cannot learn to speak and, as a result, take part in board games with vocabulary tasks.
2. The number of players. The best option is the one that can be used both alone and in a company with friends. The front of the box usually shows the recommended number of players. A real sensation will be made by publications that allow companies of more than 10 people to play. This game is useful for a children's party.
3. Directionality. Conventionally, board games can be divided into logical, gambling, physical, communicative and creative. Many games fall into several categories at once. For example, "UNO" requires a quick reaction from the player, and is also gambling. Activity tests creativity and communication skills.

Before buying, be sure to check with your child what he prefers. Some children prefer historical strategies, others prefer attention and reaction toys such as Jenga. The development of useful skills will happen much faster if the kid is interested in the game process.

Games 2+

At this age, you should not buy board games with chips, small details and complex tasks. Kids cannot yet make complex logical chains, so you need to choose the maximum simple tasks for finding differences or for minimum dexterity. It should be noted that most of the games "for toddlers" presented in stores are actually 3+ board games. It makes no sense for kids in 2 years to buy a desktop edition, except, perhaps, the leader of this category - the Jungle puzzle.

Doble: Numbers and Shapes

Price: from 870 rubles

The game "Dobble: Shape Numbers" is a variation of the popular "Dobble" game, adapted for the little ones. There is a 3+ limit on the box, but there are no small or toxic parts in the toy, so you can use the board earlier. It is necessary to focus on the development of the child. If at 2.5 years old he can already find similarities in color or shape, then you can safely start learning in the form of a game.

The essence of the board is to find the similarities on each card and discard it as quickly as possible. All cards are round, so you can't get hurt. On each of them, on the obverse, there are several geometric shapes and numbers of various colors. The child needs to indicate what exactly matches: maybe the color of two shapes, two numbers, or two shapes. Usually there are two similar elements on a mug.

You can start entertainment alone or with a company of up to 5 people. There are 5 mini-games: for time, team, for one person, and so on. The rules are very easy to understand, the colorful design catches the attention of the kid, and the presence of numbers on the circles allows you to develop math skills at a very early age.

Pros:

• colorful design;
• low price;
• complete safety for the baby;
• five use cases at once;
• can be used on the road, since a flat surface is not required for the game;
• designed for both a single player and team interaction;
• development of mathematical skills, attention, coordination and logical thinking.

Minuses:

• the game will quickly get bored with active children;
• the child will quickly grow up from simple rules, already at the age of 5 he will have to buy the standard version of the Dobble.

Chicken coop escape

Price: from 750 rubles

A domestic game with high-quality performance of details and colorful figures. The mechanics are very simple and the design itself works without batteries. Players (2 to 4 people are required, although more people can take part if they wish), it is necessary to distribute 36 chickens among themselves in equal parts. Figures differ in color, total color variations 6. After distribution of chickens, everyone should randomly choose 3 pieces and place them in front of him. Before the start of the party, you need to click on the chicken coop - this will start a mechanism that, in a few minutes, will make the coop rise sharply. But more on that later.

After clicking on the chicken coop, each player must throw a die. On the sides of the cube there are not points denoting numbers, but only colors. If the dropped color matches the color of one or more chickens from the player's collection, he must place it in the chicken coop. The die is passed in a circle, the players place the figures in the chicken coop until it fires. Approximately 10 minutes after the start of the game, the structure will rise sharply, and all the figures in it will fly apart. This is “chicken coop escape”. Everyone should try to catch the chickens. Those who were not caught in time are considered to have escaped.

The first to win is the one who does not have a single hen left, or the one who, by the end of several games, sent the largest number of figures to the chicken coop. You can play this board endlessly. Children especially like “Chicken Coop Escape” because of the fascinating “shooting” of chickens from the structure and simple mechanism.

Pros:

• development of motor skills for the little ones;
• an interesting pastime that will take kids at least an hour;
• does not require a large number of players, you can only play for baby and mom / dad;
• low price;
• simple mechanics that take only 30 seconds to explain;
• colorful figures develop the child's eyesight and basic logic (finding differences in shape and color).

Minuses:

• not suitable for travel use;
• babies can swallow small parts, it is better to play under the supervision of adults;
• since the chickens fly away, they can easily fall on the floor, and from there - into the esophagus of pets;
• the game does not develop communication skills, erudition or attentiveness, but is mainly entertaining, for children at 7 years old and older quickly get bored;
• escaped chickens will have to be collected for a long time, the figures may be lost during the game.

Jungle puzzle

Price: from 500 rubles

A special game for the little ones. It operates on the principle of a puzzle, but it is not located on the table, but on the floor. It is much more convenient for kids who are just beginning to learn about the world: you can crawl on the surface of the pictures, examine them. The 34-piece jigsaw puzzle comes with 8 figures with various tropical animals. Thanks to such a rich set of details, the child will quickly learn to distinguish between the main inhabitants of the jungle. High quality detailed picture with bright colors additionally attracts attention.

The puzzle can be assembled several times, or it can be glued and used as a rug or wall decoration. Another convenient option is to decorate the surface of the children's table with it. For the first time, it is recommended to play with the child, explaining to him the characteristics of each animal, their colors, and behavioral features. Then the kid can do it himself.

Pros:

• completely safe game without small details;
• colorful design;
• very low price;
• you can play alone or with your parents;
• cognitive material;
• develops not only erudition, but also knowledge of colors, fine motor skills.

Minuses:

• limited scope - not suitable for playing with a family or with older children.

Tables for children 4-5 years old

From 4 years old, the baby begins to develop in a creative way, but physical activity is most pronounced during this period. For this reason, children try to learn as many different sports as possible, as well as other active activities. At this time, it is best to use Turtle Race boards for playing leisure hours. These are games for attention, speed and agility. They completely attract the attention of the future genius, while actively developing fine motor skills and even some features of logical thinking. Many games from the 4-5 age category are perfect for spending time with the whole family.

Klask

Price: 3500 rubles

This variation of table football has a Greek style and minimalist design. The box, as well as the board game itself, takes up very little space, so it can be used while traveling. The figures are attached to the board with magnets. The only drawback is that the ball can jump off the surface and get lost - which is why it is recommended to carefully monitor its location while riding.

You can play "Klask" without knowing the rules at all. There are none at all: the players, who should be two, simply move the ball across the field using magnetic washers and must score a goal into the opponent's goal. The magnetic washers are controlled from under the board with another magnet. In order not to get boring to play, three additional obstacles in the form of small magnetic posts are installed in the middle of the field. They will hinder the movement of the washers and, as a result, control. Children will be happy to use this board that develops reaction, dexterity and attentiveness.

Pros:

• compact size;
• dynamic game that will never get bored;
• suitable for older players;
• magnetic washers will not be lost;
• good color design that does not overload vision;
• safe assembly: no small falling out parts and sharp corners;
• silent, unlike the classic so football.

Minuses:

• you can lose the ball that comes in the kit;
• only two people can play;
• high price, other variations of table football can be found online at a much lower cost.

UNO

Price: from 350 rubles

This game has already conquered hundreds of thousands of users around the world. The game mechanism is very simple: you need to get rid of all cards, except one, as soon as possible, before the enemy does it. At the beginning of the round, all users are given 7 playing cards. Each card has its own color, as well as a numerical designation. There are 4 numbers and 4 colors in total, so it will be very easy to navigate the game even for children under 4 years old. The game goes in a circle. The first player lay out a card, and all subsequent ones must lay out the one that matches the previous one in color or number. Of course, special cards have been introduced for variety. Some of them have all 4 colors at once, that is, they can be put on any type of card. Others force the next player to take a few more cards or let them skip a turn. The winner is the player who is the first to get rid of all but one of the cards and shout "Uno!" If he does not have time to do this within 10 seconds after getting rid of 6 of 7 cards, he will have to take 4 penalty cards from the deck.

The advantage of the game is that it develops knowledge of colors and numbers, but at the same time it is very addicting. It can be played by 2 to 10 people, which allows you to use the cards in a large company. This is a gambling board game that requires speed and attention; active children will really like it. An additional plus is that there are always several UNO variations in stores. Limited collections are produced for various cartoons, which allows you to more attract the attention of the child.

Pros:

• low price;
• a large number of different design options;
• suitable for a large company;
• teaches by numbers;
• dynamic and fun.

Minuses:

• not the most interesting mechanic.

Top games 6+

At this age, it is useful to move on to logic and strategy games, as well as educational board publications. Mathematical and verbal games are best suited.

Erudite

Price: 1000 rubles

A simple game for knowing different words. The winner is the one who puts the longest word on the field or the maximum number of words. This game tests the stock of vocabulary, allows you to develop logical thinking by predicting the opponent's moves. It will appeal to young people in the humanities, as well as those who love a competitive spirit. Before starting the game, you should make sure that a preschooler or schoolchild at 6 years old already knows enough words so as not to feel the bitter taste of defeat. A great game to expand his vocabulary with new terms.

Pros:

• simple and recognizable design;
• simple rules;
• you can play together or in a large company;
• develops logic and vocabulary.

Minuses:

• not suitable for frequent use, can quickly get bored.

Delissimo

Price: 800 rubles.

This game will teach your child fractions. The point is to fulfill customer orders by imagining yourself as a pizzeria employee. It is important that all orders are based on the principle of mathematical problems: in order to "serve the dish", it is necessary to add the ingredients in certain proportions. Buyers note that after Delissimo, even children who could not learn the basics of mathematics for a long time are rapidly advancing in this discipline. The colorful details also attract attention. Try this board game before dinner and order a pizza afterward - perhaps it will become a pleasant family tradition as your child learns fractions.

Pros:

• low price;
• learning math operations;
• colorful design.

Minuses:

• will not be of interest to older students;
• additional skills practically do not develop - communication, dexterity.

Augustus

Price: 1650 rubles.

The publication is intended for children from 8 years old. With its help, you can keep your family busy for at least half an hour.Can play from 2 to 6 players. The main objective of the campaign is to win the favor of Gaius Julius Caesar and become his main assistant. To do this, it is necessary to manage legionnaires and solve political problems. The figures are made of high quality, and for the correct moves, users are awarded tokens.

Pros:

• develops logic, strategy, mathematical skills;
• exciting plot;
• excellent build quality.

Minuses:

• rather high price for a domestic publication;
• Not all children will sit at the game.

The best family board games

When buying board games for children, one must not forget that any family member can join the game. Perhaps you should immediately purchase a universal version of the board - one that adults will also like, but will be within the power of the younger generation. The following are 6-8+ games that all family members will not get tired of playing.

CLuedo

Price: 1300 rubles

A detective game in which players need to find a criminal. Interestingly, the investigation can take place in different locations - it all depends on the edition that you buy. Some boxes contain two playing fields at once, which allows you to investigate in several locations, just like in exciting detective stories. The plot is not predefined, there can be more than 300 combinations of different events. For this reason, the edition can be played over and over again. This is the work that is suitable for children aged 10 or 15, regardless of hobbies.

Pros:

• develops imagination, logic;
• Will appeal to strategists;
• can carry away for several hours;
• quality execution with colorful cards and fields.

Minuses:

• it will take a long time to complete the game.

Activity

Price: 1990 rubles

Closes the rating of the best game, which has been popular for 25 years. The players' task is to explain the words using gestures, words or pictures. A huge company can play, up to 16 people. Since all the tasks are funny, this board will captivate players for at least 2 hours. Even the smallest can take part.

Pros:

• you can play with a large company;
• various mechanics: physical activity, creativity, erudition testing.

Minuses:

• high price;
• a minimum of 3 people is required.

Which board game should you buy?

It is impossible to name the best among the 10 best board games for children. It is important to understand that games are divided by age categories, type of activity (imagination, dexterity, logic), and the number of players. The easiest way to identify a winner in each age category is:

1. For children under 3 years old - Jungle puzzle. This game is completely safe, does not pose a risk of swallowing, and allows the child to play independently. Ideal for those who would like to relax and at the same time ensure the development of the baby.
2. For kids 4-5 years old - "Klask". This compact version of table football is useful both at home and on the road. Develops dexterity and attention. However, buyers may be put off by the high price. If so, consider the classic foosball option.
3. Age category 8+ - Delissimo. It helps to develop division skills without the involvement of tutors, in a simple and engaging playful way. Of course, it will not be interesting for teenagers to play it, but then you should pay attention to games for the whole family.
4. In the category of family-type board games, Activity won. Play with friends, classmates, colleagues or relatives.

Based on the presented TOP, you can form your own lists of winners. When choosing a board, the main thing is to take into account the level of development of the child, as well as his preferences. In this case, the child will definitely like the purchase and make him develop.