A board game is a great way for kids to connect with other people. The best board games for 8-10 year olds allow them to work together toward a common goal, maybe even learn something about the world in the process. It's a win-win situation!
Board games are also fun because they're an escape from all of today's high-tech gadgets. Some of the best board games were popular when your parents were growing up, so they have that retro charm that can make family game night extra special. A good board game will keep everyone engaged and entertained for hours.
We've gathered our favorite picks in this guide, including classic party favorites like Clue as well as newer offerings like Spy Alley? There's something here for every type of kid, whether you're looking for a strategic challenge or just want to roll some dice.
How We Choose
We've reviewed the best board games for 8-10 year olds so that your child can have fun while learning. Whether they're into role playing or classic strategy, we've got something for everyone.
The Clue Game is a great choice if you want to introduce your kid to the classic murder mystery game without all the frills. There's no fancy gadgets or gizmos here, just six suspects and one victim.
The game comes with six character cards that each bear a different suspect, as well as an instruction card and a weapon card. The character cards are double-sided so you can play with three different combinations of suspects if you have more than three players. You'll also find six room cards and one murder scene card, which will help you solve the crime by eliminating possible scenarios until only the right answer remains.
We like that this game is simple enough for younger players to get into but still offers some challenge for older kids who are ready for it. It's not quite as involved as other options on our list, but it does offer clues in advance so players know what they're looking for from the start.
If you love dinosaurs, then this is the game for you. TeeTurtle's Happy Little Dinosaurs features adorable little figurines and a cute theme that will appeal to children, but also packs a decent challenge for adults too. It's not a deep game by any means, but it does have some interesting mechanics that make it well worth trying out if you're looking for something new and different to play with the family or friends.
You start the game by placing your dinosaur figure on the first space of the escape path – which represents time in general rather than any specific moment – and then take turns moving forward along it toward safety. You can use cards representing helpful items to move yourself forward faster, while other cards represent hazards such as ‘Volcanoes', ‘Hurricanes' or even pesky humans who could wreck everything.
The aim is to get your dinosaur safely into one of four caves at the end of the escape path, represented by green spaces on the board marked with the characters. If you make it all the way through without losing all your health from getting hit by an obstacle card, then congratulations! You win!
If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly game that can be played with two to five people, Ticket to Ride is an excellent choice. It's also got a lot of replay value, because the trains and routes are randomly generated each time you play.
This is a strategy game where players build railroads across North America in order to collect point cards. You'll need to carefully manage your collection of train cards in order to get the right colors for your routes and fulfill destination tickets. The card deck contains both trains and route pieces which makes it easy to lay down new track without worrying about running out.
The board itself is made of sturdy cardboard which will stand up well to extensive use over many years - provided it's not left out in the rain or knocked around too much by overly enthusiastic players!
The Tapple Wheel is the best tabletop word game because it's so portable and fun for a group of people. This unique game has 36 categories – from “Things That Make You Go Hmmm” to “Wines Under $10.” Players race to think up words that start with a certain letter before the timer runs out.
The Tapple Wheel comes with 144 cards, which means you never run out of options for new categories or different ways to play. It's easy to travel with and can be played just about anywhere - even on an airplane! The quality of this handheld device is superb.
Overall, we recommend this tabletop word game because it's portable, fun and totally unique!
Spy Alley is a family-friendly board game that will appeal to kids and adults alike thanks to its fun spy theme. The aim of the game is to be the first player to successfully identify all of your opponents while avoiding detection yourself.
The simplicity of this objective may seem a little basic compared with some other games on our list, but it makes for an easy entry point into more complex gaming experiences later down the line. There's also no time limit which means you can take as long as you like plotting your next move.
The fact that there are just six playing pieces in total (four spies and two police) means that each piece has multiple identities which adds another level of intrigue and complexity to the game when you're trying to figure out who your opponent could be.
Best Board Games For 8-10 Year Olds FAQs
There's a ton of different board games out there, and it can be hard to figure out which one is the best fit for your family.
When you're trying to choose the perfect gift for your child, It can be tough to know where to start. There are so many different board games out there that it can feel impossible to figure out which ones are best for your family! We've created this list of Frequently Asked Questions about the best board games for 8-10 year olds and above as a resource for you as you shop. With this information, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which game is the best fit for your family!
What Is The Number 1 Best Board Game?
Choosing the best board game is a subjective experience, so we've compiled a list of our favorite games below. These are the games that consistently earn four or five stars from board game aficionados on Amazon, and many have been tested and approved by real-life families for years.
Carcassonne
A classic in the world of modern hobby gaming, Carcassonne has been delighting players for well over a decade now. It's easy to learn but difficult to master, making it perfect for players of all skill levels. Not only that, but it comes with multiple expansions that add new features and strategies to keep things interesting.
How Do You Entertain An 8-10 Year Old?
This age group can be harder to please because they want more independence, but don't quite have the skills to do everything on their own. If you're looking for a one-day activity, consider checking out a local pizza or doughnut shop and go on a field trip together. Museums are always popular options as well, especially if you can time your visit with an event or holiday so it's extra festive.
If you want something your child will enjoy doing over an entire weekend, look into renting a cabin at a private lake or beach resort. Be sure to include several family members in the planning of activities so everyone feels included. You can also plan day trips that keep kids entertained while giving them new experiences and learning opportunities all at once.
What Things Do 8-10 Year Olds Like?
Eight to ten year olds often get bored easily and need a constant stream of new and exciting things to do. They like games, toys and activities that let them be creative and put their own individual stamp on things.
Toys
This is the
age when children begin to seek out their own separate interests, so it's ideal for parents if they have their own fund of toys and games. But you can still keep them engaged if you're not prepared by finding ways to connect all the different playthings into one imaginative storyline or activity.
Outdoor play
Now that they are getting older, 8-10 year old children really enjoy physical activity. This is also because at this point in development, kids are better able to handle long periods of time spent in moderate intensity exercise (as opposed to high intensity). So make sure you include lots of outdoor play with running around, exploring, climbing trees, etc. You can also branch out from your local playground by attending community events or taking advantage of local nature trails.
Conclusion
The best board games for 8-10 year olds are a great way to introduce your child to the world of tabletop gaming. With plenty of fun options available, it's easy to find the perfect game that will keep them entertained for hours! Whether they're new to board games or have been playing for years, there is an excellent selection of great options out there waiting to be discovered. With so many fantastic board games on the market today, there has never been a better time to explore this wonderful hobby together with your child!
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