Easy Board Games to Create Easy Board Games to Make for School
If you're looking to add to your educational games collection, you definitely need to take a look at these amazing educational board games for K-12.
These games are perfect for all ages, and they're a great way to have some fun while learning at the same time!
If you're like most parents, you're always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to help your kids learn. You know that education doesn't stop when school lets out; it's a lifelong process.
One great way to supplement your child's learning is through educational board games. These games can help reinforce classroom lessons and provide fun, hands-on learning experiences.
Check out this list of 31+ educational board games for K-12 learning fun!
This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.
Educational Board Games and Learning Board Games
I decided to compile a list ofthe very best educational board games, including a short description/review.
For your convenience, I have even separated these games into appropriate age levels. I have also labeled the subjects that can be learned by playing each game.
Please keep in mind, we play most of the games on this list as an entire family, with many many overlapping ages. Don't let the recommended age range lock you into unnecessary boxes.
If you're looking for subject-specific board games, you can navigate to those more targeted articles using the links inside the bulleted list below.
- Reading Board Games – Whether your preschooler is learning to read or your teenager needs some help with spelling or reading comprehension, these reading board games are sure to benefit your child's studies.
- Math Board Games – If your child needs to improve his or her confidence in math, these math board games need to be added to your board game closet! There are ideas for elementary through high school so go take a look.
- STEM Games for High School – These STEM games are specifically designed to give high schoolers a more advanced STEM education. They make great classroom additions or Christmas gifts!
I've also got some affordable educational card games here if you're looking for something compact and frugal.
Or use the master list below (51+ board games!!) as a guide for the next time you are shopping for an educational game. Whether you need a birthday gift, an Easter or a Christmas gift, or just an addition to your next friends and family game night.
Every game idea included in this article would also work well for your next gameschooling adventure! They can also double as the best board games for youth groups since most of these games work for numerous players.
However you choose to use this list, I hope you enjoy!
Happy Learning!
Free Printable Games
Did you know that in addition to the list of amazing games below, I've got a collection of free printable games?
If you like including games in your child's studies, you need to grab this free printable collection of games.
This collection includes 11 printable games (50 pages) for your kid to enjoy, no matter where you are! Enjoy in the car, at the desk, or on the living room floor.
And the best part is these printable games are educational too!
Grab your collection of free printable games now!
Perfect for ages 3-13.
The Best Educational Board Games for Preschoolers (Ages 3, 4, and 5)
Do you have a preschooler? These educational board games are perfect for preschoolers or any child between the ages of 3 and 5. Add them to your preschool days or include them in your child's next playdate.
Monopoly Jr
Ages 5 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Monopoly Jr.
- Math
- Money Management
- Cooperation
- Memory Skills
- Strategy
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
Monopoly Jr is a fun way to work on math skills with younger kids. This is a very simplified, child-friendly version of the many other Monopoly games (and yes, there are A LOT!)
Practice addition, subtraction, and money-handling skills with your preschoolers.
Robot Turtles
Ages 4 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Robot Turtles
- STEAM
- Coding
- Cause and Effect
- Strategy
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
Before kids can learn to code, they must first understand the concept of coding. That is, that every action has a reaction and every robot will follow your commands to a T.
Robot Turtles is a fun and simple learning board game that teaches kids these concepts – and they don't even know it! That's what makes this game such a great educational game for kindergarten and up.
Using the instruction cards, players must guide their turtle step-by-step across the game board. This kids learning game is perfect for young children ages 4 and up (so preschoolers).
Fun Fact – Robot Turtles actually got its start as a Kickstarter! Our friend bought it for us off of Kickstarter years ago. I must say we have nearly loved this game to death! It's probably time for a replacement…
My First Castle Panic
Ages 4 and up – 1-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in My First Castle Panic
- Strategy
- Long-Term Thinking
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Sportsmanship
My First Castle Panic is a preschool-friendly version of Castle Panic (featured below). There is no reading required, making it perfect for littles. This is one of the great children's board games age 4 and up will love!
Similar to the original version of the game, My First Castle Panic encourages teamwork, cooperation, and long-term thinking. Kids must work together to protect their castle from the trolls. This game is lots of fun, and great for the emotional development of young kids.
Camp
Ages 4 and up – 2-8 players
Subjects and Skills Learned from Camp
- Science
- Geography
- STEM
- Outdoors Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Animal Facts
- Animal Recognition
Camp is an educational game that focuses on the great outdoors. In this game, players need to answer some questions. The set includes a decoder that helps you see all the answers and special cards with fun facts that don't require an answer.
In the beginning, everyone gets to choose what level they want to play. The game includes questions for different age groups about nature. This game is a lot of fun and is a good way to teach kids about the great outdoors from the comfort of their home (or campsite).
There are 400 questions and 99 fun facts in this game, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to learn every time you play.
Question examples: What is a group of birds called? Which planet looks red in the night sky?
Hint: there is a separate booster pack with more questions available.
The Best Educational Board Games for Elementary Kids (6, 7, 8, and 9-year-olds)
If you've got a child in elementary school (think ages 6-10) these are the games for you! Take a look at our homeschool's favorite educational board games for elementary kids.
Math Rush
Ages 8 and up – 1-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Math Rush
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Speed Math
- Basic Math Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- STEAM
- Cooperation
- Sequencing
And if you buy versions 2 and 3, you will also learn:
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
- Exponents
- Percentages
- Decimals
Math Rush is a game I recently discovered from Genius Games. This is a fantastic academic game for students!
If your kids enjoy learning through play but struggle with basic math facts, then this is the game for them. With Math Rush, your kids will get better at speed math and elementary-level addition and subtraction skills, all while having fun.
In Math Rush, players must balance speed, strategy, and sequencing skills in a rush to crunch numbers before the timer runs out. Players must work as a team to beat the clock, making this the perfect math-based cooperative game.
There are currently three versions of Math Rush. The first version focuses on addition and subtraction, the second version focuses on multiplication and exponents, and the third version focuses on decimals, percentages, and fractions.
Go to Genius Games to get your copy of Math Rush today! Get 15% off your first order with code 15%OffFirstOrder. Or you can buy your copies on Amazon instead.
Math Rush is perfect for kids (and adults) who are good at math concepts such as addition and subtraction, multiplication, exponents, decimals, fractions, percentages, and more, but need to get better and/or faster.
Math Fluxx
Ages 8 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned from Math Fluxx
- Sequencing
- Critical Thinking
- Attention To Detail
- Fractions
- Working Towards Goals
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Complex Math Rules
Math Fluxx is the perfect game for math lovers of all ages! If your looking for math board games project ideas, this is a great place to start.
Players use positive integers to achieve mathematical Goals, with the added challenge of Special Victory Rules that require even more arithmetical acumen. With Math Fluxx, the fun is exponential!
Covalence
Ages 8 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Covalence
- Science
- Covalent Bonding
- Organic Chemistry
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Logic and Deduction
If your kids are studying science or chemistry, then Covalence is a good board game for them. Covalence is a game that teaches kids about atoms, molecules, bonds, and elements, all through play. It's a pretty complex game but it is a ton of fun and a good way to challenge your brain and do some actual learning. Get your copy of Covalence now! Use code 15%OffFirstOrder to get 15% off your first order.
This game is cooperative so players work together to build the desired compounds. Make sure you go into this game with basic chemistry knowledge. It's more of a review game than a teaching game, but if you are learning these topics in your classroom right now, Covalence is a great way to review and solidify.
Covalence game instructions are a little tricky to understand at first, but thankfully there is a qr code on the box that takes you to a descriptive YouTube video. Watch this video to really learn how to play.
Maestro Mastery
Ages 5 and up – 2 or more players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Maestro Mastery
- Music History
- Composers
- Music Appreciation
- Memory
- Famous Pieces of Music
- Critical Thinking
- Musical Eras
Introducing Maestro Mastery, the perfect game for music lovers of all ages! Test your knowledge of music history and composers with this fun and challenging matching game.
Using the included playing cards, learn about all your favorite composers and their most famous pieces. Whether you're a classical music fan or just getting started, this game is sure to entertain and educate. So gather your friends and family and see who can become the ultimate Maestro Master!
Professor Noggin's President's Trivia Game
Ages 7 and up – 2-8 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Professor Noggin's Presidential Trivia Game
- US History
- American Government
- Critical Thinking
- Memory Skills
I have never personally played this game, but it comes highly recommended by several of my readers.
This game is officially called Professor Noggin's Presidents of the United States Trivia Card Game, however for simplicity's sake, I will shorten it to Professor Noggin's Presidential Trivia.
In this trivia card game, kids will get to learn and study facts related to the past presidents of the United Stats of America. This game comes with 30 cards that combine facts, true and false questions, and multiple choice questions to create a fun yet challenging trivia based history game.
If your kids are currently studying American History or the US Government, consider adding Professor Noggin's Presidential Trivia to your board game collection.
Or consider these other trivia based games from Professor Noggin.
Mobi
Ages 8 and up – 2 or more players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Mobi
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Sequencing
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
If you've ever played Scrabble or Bananagrams, you're going to love Mobi. Mobi is very similar to those word games, only you'll be completing mathematical equations instead! Perfect for kids who need to master their addition and subtraction facts.
Trekking The National Parks
Ages 10 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Trekking The National Parks
- Geography
- Cooperation
- Memory Skills
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
Have you seen this fun learning game, Trekking The National Parks? It's a very popular 4th grade board game.
Trekking The National Parks is a new game that has high reviews and comes highly recommended by homeschoolers all over. Geography becomes a familiar topic as your kids learn about all the country's National Parks.
Kids learn facts about each park such as what kind of plants and animals you will find in each location, and what state (or states) each park is in.
Trekking the National Parksis both fun and educational. Perfect for the family who loves traveling! (Or the family who wishes they could travel more!)
Monopoly National Parks Edition
Ages 8 and up – 6+ players (more if you get creative with the pieces
Subjects and Skills Learned in Monopoly National Parks Edition
- Geography
- Math
- Money Management
- Cooperation
- Life Skills
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
If you're looking for another way to switch up your geography study, did you know there is a fun National Parks Monopoly edition?
Monopoly is a fun game that teaches so many skills. Specifically math skills.
But with this unique edition, as your pieces are going around the game board, you can learn more about the National Parks associated with each square.
Blokus
Ages 5 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Blokus
- Math
- Strategy
- Spatial Relationships
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
Blokus is one of the year's most popular board games.
We finally jumped on the bandwagon a few weeks ago and got our own copy. Even though this is only a 4-player game, it is easy to add more players to teams.
In Blokus, each player starts with a corner of the board and a pile of colored Tetris-like shapes. Each piece you play must touch another piece of the same color.
It's a lot of fun trying to get as many pieces of your own color on the board as you can while blocking the other players!
While Blokus doesn't use math equations or numbers perse, dealing with patterns, shapes, and colors definitely develops the math portion of the brain.
This game has made many best rated family board game lists and for good reason! Your family will love playing this classic board game.
Add Blokus to your fun board game collection today!
Problem Solved!
Ages 5 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Problem Solved!
- Math Skills
- Speed Math
- Math Facts Memorization
- Addition/Subtraction
- Multiplication/Division
- Team Playing
Problem Solved! is a simple yet fun card game that focuses on teaching kids basic math facts in a fun and engaging way. Elementary-aged kids can use this game to learn and practice math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and they can do this either with an adult or with siblings/friends.
I have never played Problem Solved! personally, but I had a reader recommend it to me and now I'm intrigued. I'll probably be adding this to my kid's stocking this Christmas. It seems like a fun and simple educational card game that is inexpensive too! Get your copy of Problem Solved! now!
Skillmatics Guess in 10
Ages 5 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Skillmatics Guess in 10
- World History
- US History
- World Geography
- US Geography
- Science
- Life Skills
- Critical Thinking
There are actually many versions of the Skillmatics game spanning over several topics but they all pretty much play the same way.
One player draws a card. The other players must guess what is on that card in 10 questions or less. Players must ask intelligent questions in order to guess before they are out of turns. Of course there are clue cards to aid you in your quest, which only ups the educational value of this game.
This game is perfect for ages 8 and up and would make a great addition to any homeschool, classroom, or family game night.
Check out all the Skillmatics games now!
Scrambled States of America
Ages 8 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Scrambled States of America
- Geography
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Spelling
- State Facts
- Observation
- Memory
Scrambled States of America is a great game for anybody focusing on United States Geography.
Are you looking for a fun and unique way to learn about all 50 states? This educational board game is perfect for kids and adults alike. Players will test their reflexes and observation skills as they try to quickly match state cards to challenge cards.
The first player to collect the most state cards wins! But don't let the simple rules fool you – this game is surprisingly challenging and addictive! So whether you're a geography buff or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, Scrambled States of America is the game for you!
Proof!
Ages 9 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Proof!
- Math Skills
- Math Facts and Memorization
- Mental math
- Addition/Subtraction
- Multiplication/Division
- Square Roots
Proof takes just 15 minutes to play making it perfect for families who just need a quick break. This fast-paced game challenges your kids to race to create equations that are accurate. This game is good for those who need to practice mental math or put their brains to the test.
Tri-Facta
Ages 6 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Tri-Facta
- Math Skills
- Math Facts and Memorization
- Addition/Subtraction
- Multiplication/Division
My dad bought us the addition and subtraction version of Tri-Facta years and years ago. It wasn't until I was writing this article that I realized there is also a multiplication and division version. Looks like I've got another learning game on my bucket list!
Tri-Facta isn't what I would call an exciting game. It's more of a fun way to practice math than a family game night resource. But if your kids enjoy practicing math facts in a new and interesting way, or if you just need a new way to help them master math, then this might be a good resource for you.
Each player is given a stand for their number tiles. The board includes spots for 3 number tiles. Players need to put their numbers into these spots so that each number works together to create a true equation.
For example – You could use the tiles 4, 5, and 9.
4 + 5 = 9 and 5 +4 = 9. 9 – 5 = 4 and 9 – 4 = 5. So these tiles could be used and gotten rid of. Once you're out of tiles, you win!
Story Cubes
Ages 6 and up – 1 or more players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Story Cubes
- Reading
- Writing
- Story Telling
- Creative Thinking
- Language Arts
Looking for a fun and creative way to get your kids telling stories? Look no further than Story Cubes!
In this unique game, players roll the dice and then make up a story using whatever is on the die face. This game is great for helping kids think creatively and encouraging kids to become storytellers! Plus, it's just plain fun!
So gather your family and friends and get ready to tell some stories with Story Cubes!
Engineering Ants
Ages 5 and up – 2-4 players but we regularly play it with 8 or more
Subjects and Skills Learned in Engineering Ants
- STEAM
- Cooperation
- Memory Skills
- Strategy
- Problem Solving Skills
- Creativity
- Math
- Spatial Relationship
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
My son got Engineering Ants for his birthday a few years ago and let me tell you, he has loved this game.
Unfortunately, we seem to have lost a number of pieces. It's probably time to replace it. But if ever there was a game that you bought again due to lost pieces, it was this game.
In Engineering Ants, you've got a bunch of ants who need to get to the picnic basket (assuming I'm remembering correctly) and there are a bunch of obstacles in their way.
You are given a box of random supplies and building materials and you have to use these materials to build contraptions that will help you get around the obstacles.
There are a lot of creative thinking and problem-solving opportunities in this game which makes it one of the best board games for developing critical thinking skills.
Definitely a win for the STEAM-loving child.
Engineering Ants is another cooperative game which means all my kids can play together without fighting. I like that too! And bonus – cooperative games like this also enhance kids' social skills.
Astronomy Fluxx
Ages 8 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Astronomy Fluxx
- Astronomy
- Space Exploration
- Planets
- Meteors
- Moons
- Galaxies
- History (of space exploration)
- Constellations
Are you studying outer space and astronomy? Astronomy Fluxx is the game for you!
Are you ready to explore the universe? With Astronomy Fluxx, you can! This exciting card game is perfect for anyone interested in learning about space and astronomy. This game includes stunning NASA photography your space lover will appreciate.
Students of astronomy will learn about the planets and other objects within our solar system and beyond, as well as the history of humankind's space exploration. So strap on your space suit and get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!
Horse-Opoly
Ages 6 and up – 2-6 players (more if you get creative with the pieces)
Subjects and Skills Learned in Horse-Opoly
- Math
- Money Management
- Cooperation
- Memory Skills
- Horse Facts
- Strategy
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
I am raising a horse-loving fanatic and she definitely agrees that Horse-Opoly is her very favorite game.
I know you wouldn't normally think of this game as particularly educational (besides math skills) but I was actually surprised at this game's features.
When you land on a space and have the option to buy a horse, each card has a fun fact about that horse species. My daughter has learned so much about horses this way! What a fun way to learn about science and the world around us!
Castle Panic
Ages 6 and up – 2-6 players but we regularly play it with 8
Subjects and Skills Learned in Castle Panic
- Strategy
- Long-Term Thinking
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Sportsmanship
Castle Panic is a beloved game at our house. In fact, it's probably one of our most-requested educational family games. This is one that all seven kids can regularly agree on.
Our very favorite part about Castle Panic is that it's a cooperative game. Meaning all players play on the same team.
Cooperative games are great for instilling social skills, teamwork, and cooperation amongst a group.
When everybody is on the same team, players are encouraged to work together and strategize to come up with a plan of action during gameplay.
In Castle Panic, it's the players against the board. You start with a castle-like structure in the center of the board. Trolls and goblins creep from the outer edges towards the castle. Players must use their fighter cards to knock down the monsters before they reach the castle.
Only certain cards can attack certain monsters. So you must combine forces and see what cards everybody else has and in what order cards need to be played for optimum results.
Castle Panic is a game that really teaches kids (and adults!) how to work together as a team.
Plus it's a lot of fun! Even when you lose (which is often!) you're having a great time.
Or for a simpler version, consider My First Castle Panic for a game that's easier to win, and therefore better for younger kids.
Twister Scrabble
Ages 8 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Twister Scrabble
- Reading
- Spelling
- Critical Thinking
- Physical Fitness
- Coordination
- Patience
- Sportsmanship
Now I have not had a chance to try outTwister Scrabbleyet.
We were at Target doing some shopping and I strolled through the game section. I love taking a look at new fun games!
I happened to notice this gem sitting on the shelf.
Twister Scrabble is a part of a new series of games known as mashup games. There are a few others available (such as Guess Who Clue for example) and they all look really fun. But the Twister Scrabble game would be a great addition to a spelling, reading, or English grammar lesson.
What a great (and sneaky) way to practice some sight words! Perfect for elementary school-aged children.
According to the back of the box, players must spell a word in the typical twister fashion. There are also challenges to use the word in a sentence.
Our house might just be getting a little extra surprise under the Christmas tree this year…
And just so you know, the price on this game at Target was about half the price I was able to find on Amazon. (That might be because I went shopping on Black Friday, but hard to say.) Just so you know. If you're looking for a cheaper price for this particular game, check out Target.
Miss Bernard is a Wild Card
Ages 8 and up – 2-4 players but we regularly play it with 8
Subjects and Skills Learned in Miss Bernard is a Wild Card
- Reading
- Spelling
- Sentence Structure
- Language Skills
- Sportsmanship
Miss Bernard is a Wild Card is a great board game for learning sentence structure. In fact, this is probably one of our family's favorite word games.
In Miss Bernard is a Wild Card, you have to build a complete sentence. Each sentence must include a silly rhyme, a verb, an adjective, and a noun.
My younger kids really enjoyed playing this game. They had a lot of fun coming up with silly sentences. The older kids and adults had fun too.
For a simple, inexpensive card game, this is one of the greats.
Bananagrams
Ages 7 and up – 2-10 players making this the perfect learning game for large families
Subjects and Skills Learned in Bananagrams
- Reading
- Spelling
- Sportsmanship
- Critical Thinking
Bananagrams is a great way for kids to practice their spelling and sight words.
If your family enjoys Scrabble at all, then they will definitely like Bananagrams. Bananagrams is kind of like a junior version of Scrabble, only the rules are less rigid.
You only play off of yourself (all player have their own spot for words) and you race to see how many words you can play before the pile of spare letter tiles runs out.
For larger groups, just buy two sets of this simple and fun game. The number of players could potentially be limitless.
Mad Libs
Ages 10 and up – 3-8 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Mad Libs
- Reading
- Spelling
- Sentence Structure
- English Grammar
- Language Arts
- Creative Thinking
Do you remember playing with those MadLibs notepads as a kid? Well, now there is a MadLibs game!
I know those were one of my favorite things to play with when I was younger. I have some very fond memories of playing with mad libs.
I bought book after book all the time and my friends and I sure had some giggles filling these funny pages out.
In case you are unfamiliar with them, mad libs are a collection of seemingly normal stories, except the player fills in the nouns, adjectives, and verbs before reading the story.
Once everything has been filled out, you can augh and giggle your way through one hilarious story, all while learning basic grammar and parts of speech.
Kids and families alike can have hours of fun playing (and learning) with this fun resource.
I actually have a bunch of printable mad lib knockoff sheets for you (fill in the blank pages). Or in the meantime, you should definitely check out this fun new MadLibs game.
Peptide
Ages 10 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Peptide
- Biology
- Science
- Cells
- Organelles
- DNA
- mRNA
- STEM
- Strategy
- Science Vocabulary
The goal of this fun game is to build peptide chains using amino acids. Peptide is an excellent game for kids and adults alike, whether they're learning about biology or not!
Boggle
Ages 8 and up – 1 or more players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Boggle
- Reading
- Spelling
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Boggle is a classic game that has been around for years.
Why? Because it's a goodie! Boggle is a fun strategy game that incorporates spelling into a fun and exciting challenge.
Players are presented with a bunch of seemingly random letters and must compete against the timer (and other players) to see how many words they can spell without rearranging anything.
Boggle can be played solo or as a group. In fact, you can get as many players are needed into this learning game. Just get more score sheets!
And for young spellers, there is a fun Boggle Jr version that my kids have really enjoyed.
Eye Found It
Officially accommodates 6+ players making this a great game for large family fun
Subjects and Skills Learned in Eye Found It
- Working Under Pressure
- Visual Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Sportsmanship
- Attention to Detail
Eye Found It is one of my kids' go-to games. They love the simplicity of this game. But even though it's simple enough for even the little players to understand and enjoy, it's also challenging enough that the bigger kids and adults tend to enjoy it as well.
In Eye Found It, players work individually as well as on a team. Each player spins to see how far their little person moves. Players draw challenge cards that show what you need to search for on the board – kind of an eye spy or a where's waldo kind of thing. All players get to move a number of spaces equal to the number of items found (balloons or boats for example.)
The team wins if everybody makes it to the castle before the clock strikes midnight. But everybody moves at different paces so it's still fun to see who can get their first.
Now one warning – there are not very many circle counters. We often have to use other markers (or just our fingers) but other than that, the player possibilities are great! (Especially if you get a few little action figures or Lego pieces to stand-in.)
Periodic
Ages 10 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Periodic
- Science
- Chemistry
- Elements
- Periodic Table
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
Periodic is the perfect game for anybody who is studying chemistry or the periodic table.
This game is like no other! With its fantastic and engaging theme, players will have a blast racing around the Periodic Table. They'll learn about all of those elements we know so well in an easy-to-understand way as they play through this educational board game that's sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
Photosynthesis
Ages 8 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Photosynthesis
- Science
- Biology
- Photosynthesis
- Plants
- Botany
- Ecosystems
- Life cycles
Looking for a fun and challenging strategy game? Look no further than Photosynthesis!
In this game, you'll be cultivating your own forest, planting and growing trees to earn points. The twist? The ever-changing sun will cause shadows to fall on different parts of the board, so you'll need to plan carefully in order to maximize your points.
With beautiful graphics and realistic gameplay, Photosynthesis is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So gather your friends and family and get ready to grow your way to victory!
The Best Educational Board Games for Middle Schoolers (Tweens)
Tweens (middle-schoolers between the ages of 10, 11, and 12) will love these educational board games. They're fun, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Scattergories
Ages 12 and up – 2-6 players (although we've played it with 10 or more)
Subjects and Skills Learned in Scattergories
- Reading
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Critical Thinking
- Sportsmanship
- Language Arts
Scattergories is a learning game that I have been playing for almost 30 years. It is another example of an oldie but a goodie.
In Scattergories, you roll a giant die to see what letter of the alphabet you are working with. You then draw a random category card, which features 10 different category ideas.
Categories include food, boys names, insects, metals, body parts, and so on.
Players have a limited amount of time in which to fill out their category cards with as many answers as possible that begin with the letter shown on the die.
Try and get creative so as to avoid duplicate answers with other players!
As far as I know, there is no limit to the number of players, making this game perfect for large families and groups.
Scattergories is a challenging game that really gets your mind working! It is a good way to practice spelling and vocabulary. For a free printable version, check out this free Valentine's Day Scattergories printable download.
Oregon Trail
Ages 13 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in The Oregon Trail
- History
- Critical Thinking
- Planning
- Strategy
- Life Skills
- Geography
Did you know The Oregon Trail, the classic computer game we enjoyed 30+ years ago is now a board game? How coll is that!
Looking for an educational board game that's both fun and informative? Look no further than The Oregon Trail! This classic computer game has been adapted into a board game format, making it the perfect activity for rainy days or family game night.
Pretend to travel the Oregon Trail as you learn about history and geography. Work together with your fellow players to overcome obstacles like river crossings and mountain passes. Along the way, you'll also get to experience what life was like for early settlers in America. The Oregon Trail is more than just a game – it's a learning experience that will stay with you long after you've put the game away.
So round up your friends and family and get ready for some fun with The Oregon
? x ? = ?
Ages 10 and up – 2-22 players (no kidding)
Subjects and Skills Learned in ? x ? = ?
- Math (Multiplication)
- Strategy
- Problem Solving
- Sportsmanship
- Times Table Memorization
I know, I know, the name is goofy. But what can I say? It gets the point across. This fun multiplication card game was actually designed by Benjamin Hess from Hess Un-Academy (my husband!) and we are very proud of it.
Don't let the name fool you, the game itself is pretty great. Maybe I'm biased, but I truly think this card game can be a great tool for learning and practicing multiplication tables. ? x ? = ? plays very similarly to Go Fish in the sense that players must quest for specific cards from their neighbors' hands.
The full version includes all times tables from 1-15, so this game is actually perfect for ages 7 or 8 all the way to adult. You can make it as complicated or as simple as you choose!
You can read more specifics about this fun times table game by going here, or you can buy the game in all its glory by going here. The game is being fulfilled and distributed by The Game Crafter.
Cashflow For Kids
Ages 12 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Cashflow For Kids
- Math Skills
- Money Management
- Financial Literacy
- Life Skills
- Business Minded Principles
- Success Principles
- Correct Mindset
We have never played Cashflow For Kids, but we have played the regular version of Cashflow in our family many times and I figured it was worth mentioning for those of you with younger kids.
The older version or Cashflow teaches teens and adults financial literacy and how to make sound business and financial decisions. I imagine this game does the same thing, only on a younger level.
Reviews say this game is good for ages 8-14 so depending on the maturity of your kids, this game might be a good option in your family.
Settlers Of Catan
Ages 10 and up – 2-4 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Settlers of Catan
- Strategy
- Sportsmanship
- Resource and Money Management
- Planning and Long Term Thinking
Settlers Of Catan is a beloved strategy game at our house.
We regularly enjoy the simpler family edition as well as the regular version.
In Settlers of Catan, players must strategically build their settlements in the ideal spots to gain the most (relevant) resources. Use these resources to build and/or trade your way through the game.
Different actions (such as building, upgrading, or hiring knights) gain you points. Once a player reaches a certain amount of points, the game is over and that player wins!
It is a really fun game.
If you only have young kids in your house and you have a small family, then the family edition will serve you well. However, as your kids (or your family!) grows, you will wish you had bought the regular version.
The regular version of S e ttlers of Catan allows for expansions. This means more players and more scenarios. The family version, while simple and fun, is somewhat limiting.
Or for families that are into card games, there is a card game version of Settlers of Catan that's fun as well (though best for older children).
Ecosystem
Ages 10 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned from Ecosystem
- Science
- Biology
- Ecosystems
- Biodiversity
- STEAM
- Critical Thinking
- Strategy
Ecosystem is a new game from Genius Games that is perfect for teens who are learning about biology. In Ecosystems, players must collect cards that they then use to design and build their very own ecosystems. Biodiversity iss rewarded, so some critical thinking skills are definitely required.
While this game may seem simple, it's more complicated than it appears and older players will definitely have to exercise their brains in order to win. But at the same time, this game is simple enough that younger siblings can play along without feeling excluded.
Get your copy of Ecosystem from Genius Games now! Use code 15%OffFirstOrder to get 15% off your first order. or buy your copy of Ecosystem on Amazon instead.
This is quickly becoming a favorite game in our large family.
Pirate's Cove
Ages 12 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Pirate's Cove
- Strategy
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Sportsmanship
I do not personally own Pirate's Cove. But we hosted a game night a few weeks back and our friend brought this game. It was so fun we played it the entire night!
Pirate's Cove is not educational (at least not in the traditional sense of the word) and does not accommodate a large group (only 5 players). But it's a really fun game that you might want to consider if you're just looking for entertaining ideas.
In Pirate's Cove, players man their own pirate ship. The goal is to sail around the board, upgrading your ship, crew, and cannons, all while avoiding other players (including the black pirate ship).
If you come across another player, you must fight. Die determines the winner, but stronger ships have die advantages.
It's really a fun adventure filled with chance, strategy, and laughter! Plus, who doesn't love pirates?
Pirate's Cove is a game that is a little on the expensive side. I was not impressed with the prices I found online. Feel free to shop around and see if you can find a great deal. Or maybe you'll get lucky and find it on sale!
The Best Educational Board Games for High Schoolers and Adults
High schoolers (teens) and adults will enjoy all of the educational board games in this section. They are interesting, unique, and not even remotely childish! Perfect for anybody looking to learn a little something extra.
Subatomic
Ages 14 and up – 2-5 players
Subjects and Skills Learned from Subatomic
- Science
- Elements
- Periodic Table
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Compounds
- Chemical Bonds
Subatomic is an educational and fun game for kids that teaches them about the building blocks of the universe – subatomic particles! By collecting cards, kids can create and assemble different elements, all while learning about chemistry and physics. It's the perfect way to learn about the world around us, and have a blast doing it!
Nerd Words
Ages 12 and up – 2-12 players
Subjects and Skills Learned from Nerd Words
- Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Space
- Geology
- Laboratory
- Medical
- Anatomy
- STEAM
- Critical Thinking
- Team-building
- Cooperation
Nerd Words is a super fun, if not complex, trivia game that focuses on the sciences. Split into two teams and see which team can best decipher each clue and get the correct answer. This is a fun game for large families or teen parties to test their skills and get in some good, competitive laughs. Get your copy of Nerd Words now. Use code FreeShippingOver$30 to get free shipping on orders of $30 or more.
Note – this game is more for review of concepts you already are familiar with. It is not a good game for teaching new lessons. Make sure your students have a basic knowledge of science terms spanning across physics, chemistry, biology, etc before beginning gameplay. When we played this game, we were surprised at just how much we did not know.
Cashflow
Ages 12 and up – 2-6 players
Subjects and Skills Learned in Cashflow
- Financial Literacy
- Life Skills
- Business Minded Principles
- Success Principles
- Correct Mindset
If you're looking to teach your kids financial literacy, look no farther than Cashflow.
Based upon the best-selling book "The Cashflow Quadrant", Cashflow starts out with all players in what's called 'the rat race' or the job world.
Players start with a job and a finance sheet and they go around the game board.
They are presented with investment opportunities or 'capital gains' cards. The choices players make will determine when (or if!) they are able to get out of the rat race.
Short version – Cashflow walks players through different investment options and opportunities and teaches them how to manage their money to set themselves up for a lifetime of financial success. It's really quite eye-opening!
Ben and I love this game and regularly reference old lessons when making our own financial decisions.
While this game is difficult for young kids to play, Cashflow is a great option for kids and adults ages 12+.
If you're looking for a version that is better suited for young children, the maker of the game (Robert Kiyosaki) has released a kids version, Cashflow For Kids. I have never played the kids version so I can't vouch for it. But if it's anything like the two adult versions, it is definitely top-notch.
Cashflow is a bit pricey, but if you're truly serious about teaching your kids how to get out of 'the rat race', then it's definitely worth the investment.
If you want to give Cashflow a try and teach your kids these great concepts, but you really can't afford the price point right now (been there) there is an online version you can play for free.
Just create a free account and give it a go! It's almost as good as the real thing.
Shadows Over Camelot
Ages 10 and up – 2-7 players making this the perfect large family board game
Subjects and Skills Learned in Shadows Over Camelot
- Language Arts
- Historical Fiction
- Myths and Legends
- Strategy
- Teamwork
- Cooperation
- Sportsmanship
Shadows Over Camelot is one of our very favorite games.
We love this game because it is strategic and requires some real effort to win. But at the same time, it's simple and very straight-forward, making it easy for little ones to follow along (at least to a degree).
Shadows Over Camelot is a cooperative game, which means you all play as a team.
I especially love to play cooperative games because they reinforce familial relationships without making anybody cry because they 'lost'.
In Shadows Over Camelot, each player controls a knight of the round table.
These knights must go out on various quests. Each quest won earns a white sword. Each quest lost earns a black sword.
The game is over when the round table is filled with swords. Your team wins if the majority of the swords are white.
It's a fun game, but let me warn you – it's not as easy as it sounds! Those black swords seem to pop out of nowhere sometimes!
This learning game falls into the Language Arts category because it revolves so heavily around the King Arthur and Camelot legends. This is a great game to reinforce any studies of Round Table legends.
This board game is a lot of fun!
Add Shadows Over Camelot to your game library today! I promise you won't regret it.
Or for a simpler, faster, (and cheaper) version, try the card game!
Pandemic
Ages 10 and up – 2-4 players but we regularly play it with 6+
Subjects and Skills Learned in Pandemic
- Strategy
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Problem Solving
- Sportsmanship
Pandemic is another cooperative game. (Can you tell we like cooperative games at our house?)
In Pandemic, you are all working for the WHO (World Health Organization). There are diseases popping up throughout the world and you must work as a team to treat, cure, and eradicate all these diseases – before pandemic hits!
This is a high-stress game that really keeps players on their toes. Beware, winning is quite difficult. We probably lose more than we win.
But playing is always a lot of fun and we are always up for a good challenge!
We've only ever played the original, but there are plenty of expansions and other versions if you're really into this game.
And there you have it! My complete list of the best educational games for kids in large families.
Which one will you try first?
Why We Love Educational Board Games and Learning Games
Playing board games as a family is one of our favorite pastimes, and educational board games are some of our favorites. In fact, when we are shopping for gifts for homeschoolers, we often buy them an educational game – because board games are awesome!
We love playing board games so much that we have been known to host a monthly game night for local friends and family.
The kids (and the adults!) all look forward to these monthly game nights.
But did you know that board games aren't just for game nights? It's true!
Homeschooling families all over the world regularly take part in what they affectionately call 'gameschooling.' Game schooling is essentially learning through educational board games.
And there are so very many educational games to choose from!
While writing up this guide, I came across SO MANY games that are great for large families that teach school-related subjects and lessons in addition to teamwork, patience, and winning/losing skills, fine motor skills, and so on.
While we do not call ourselves gameschoolers, we have been known to toss aside the regularly scheduled learning activities for an afternoon of learning games.
This method of learning is not limited to fun board games that are educational; not by any means! We use educational video games as well as virtual learning games in our homeschool too.
More Recommended Board Game Resources
If you're still looking for more board game resources, check out these ideas!
![Blokus XL Family Board Game for 7 Year Olds & Up [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619gvou3OuL._SL500_.jpg "51+ Best Educational Board Games for K-12 Learning Fun 159")
- Genius Games
- Puzzle Master
- Puzzles Print
And if you liked these games, be sure to check back soon! We've got plenty of more collection ideas in the works. Including but not limited to:
- Educational games for 5th graders
- Best board games for Kindergartners
- Award winning board games
Free Homeschool Room Checklist
Many people add educational board games such as these to their homeschool learning space, or their homeschool room.
If you're just getting started setting up your homeschool room, you might be interested in my free homeschool room setup checklist. Let this checklist be your guide as you decide on what to stock your homeschool room with. Grab yours for free now!
Free Printable Games
Did you know that in addition to the list of amazing games below, I've got a collection of free printable games?
If you like including games in your child's studies, you need to grab this free printable collection of games.
This collection includes 11 printable games (50 pages) for your kid to enjoy, no matter where you are! Enjoy in the car, at the desk, or on the living room floor.
And the best part is these printable games are educational too!
Grab your collection of free printable games now!
Perfect for ages 3-13.
Source: https://hessunacademy.com/educational-board-games/
0 Response to "Easy Board Games to Create Easy Board Games to Make for School"
Post a Comment