Best Board Games to Play With Grandkids: Top 10 Picks for Family Fun Time

Playing board games is a wonderful way to bond with family members, especially when it comes to spending time with our grandkids. Not only do board games provide hours of entertainment, but they also offer opportunities for teaching valuable life skills like teamwork, strategy, and patience. With the right selection, a simple game night can create memorable experiences and strengthen the connection between grandparents and grandchildren.

When choosing the best board games to play with grandkids, it’s important to consider factors such as age-appropriateness, complexity, and the interests of the players involved. Think about the time commitment required for each game, as well as the educational and emotional benefits it may provide. Ultimately, the key is to select a game that bridges generational gaps, promotes engagement, and fosters communication and cooperation.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 picks by Devoted Grandma.

Best Board Games to Play with Grandkids

We’ve gathered a list of the best board games for you to enjoy with your grandkids. These games foster fun, connection, and hours of entertainment, making them perfect gifts for both the young and the young at heart.

CATAN Junior Board Game

CATAN Junior is a fantastic board game for grandparents and grandkids to bond over while building strategic skills.

Pros

• Easy to learn and suitable for ages 6 and up
• Engaging adventure theme with pirates and islands
• Promotes strategic thinking and family bonding

Cons

• May be too simple for older or more experienced players
• Luck plays a significant role in outcomes
• Suitable for only 2-4 players, limiting larger family gatherings

CATAN Junior transports players to a realm of tropical islands and pirate adventures, making it an exciting and engaging board game for kids and adults alike. The game is designed for players as young as six, making it an excellent choice for families with young children, and a wonderful way to introduce them to the art of strategic board games.

The game mechanics are simplified compared to the original CATAN, allowing younger players to grasp the rules more easily. Players start with two pirate lairs and have to build ships and expand their network to gather resources from the different islands. This not only provides an exciting gameplay atmosphere but also encourages strategic thinking, making it both educational and fun for the little ones.

Although CATAN Junior offers plenty of excitement, it does have its drawbacks. It may be too simplistic for older children or adults who are seasoned board game enthusiasts. The simplicity can limit the challenge and replay value for more experienced players. Moreover, the game is designed for 2-4 players, which could be limiting for larger family gatherings.

In conclusion, CATAN Junior is a fantastic choice for grandparents looking to bond with their grandkids over a fun and immersive strategy game. Its easy rules, engaging theme, and focus on strategic thinking make it an enjoyable experience for both the young ones and the adults in the family.

Ticket to Ride First Journey Board Game

Ticket to Ride First Journey is perfect for playing with grandkids, offering fun and engaging gameplay suitable for ages 6 and up.

Pros

• Easy to learn and quick to play
• Engaging and age-appropriate strategy game
• Perfect for family game night

Cons

• Contains limited number of trains
• Instructions lack clarity on game setup
• Mainly suitable for younger players

Ticket to Ride First Journey brings the excitement and charm of the original Ticket to Ride to a younger audience, making it an ideal board game for grandkids. With a simplified map and rules, it allows children as young as six to easily learn and engage in strategic gameplay, connecting cities on a beautiful North American railway map.

This board game is an excellent choice for family game nights, as it encourages bonding through a shared adventure. Collecting train cards, claiming routes, and connecting cities not only brings fun and excitement but also helps promote critical thinking and decision-making skills. The game ends when one player completes six tickets, winning the coveted Golden Ticket as their prize.

Though the game is delightful for younger players, adults looking for more complexity may find it less challenging. Additionally, the supplied instructions could be clearer, particularly regarding game setup, and there may not be enough train pieces to complete the suggested number of rounds. Despite these minor drawbacks, Ticket to Ride First Journey remains a fantastic choice for a memorable gaming experience with your grandkids.

Trekking The National Parks Board Game

Embark on a thrilling adventure with your grandkids by playing the wildly popular Trekking The National Parks board game that’s both fun and educational.

Pros

• Award-winning, combining entertainment and education
• Created by national parks enthusiasts and suitable for all ages
• Supports small businesses and contributes to park-related nonprofits

Cons

• Might lack complexity for hardcore strategy game lovers
• Missed opportunity for including state names on the board
• Minor misspellings on the cards

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Trekking The National Parks. This board game not only entertains, but it also educates players on the beauty and wonder of our beloved national parks. Created by passionate park enthusiasts who traveled to every single park, this game is designed to engage players in memorable and fun gameplay while also providing an opportunity for the whole family to spend quality time together.

The Trekking The National Parks game stands out because it supports a small independent business that shares its love for the national parks with customers. Additionally, they donate a portion of their proceeds to nonprofits that positively impact parks worldwide. This game is suitable for ages 10 and up, making it a fantastic option for family nights and gifting to your adventure-loving grandkids.

Despite its many fantastic qualities, the game is not without its downsides. For serious strategy game aficionados, the gameplay may not be as complex as desired. Additionally, there were some opportunities missed in the design, such as including the state names on the board and fixing minor spelling errors on the cards. However, these drawbacks should not significantly detract from the overall enjoyable and educational experience this game provides.

In conclusion, Trekking The National Parks is a delightful and engaging board game that’s perfect for bonding with your grandkids and creating lasting memories. The game is not only beautifully crafted, but it also combines adventure, entertainment, and education into a single, enjoyable experience. Give the gift of this fantastic board game to your grandkids and embark on exciting adventures together!

Trekking Through History – Time Travel Board Game

Trekking Through History is an engaging and educational board game for a delightful bonding experience with grandkids.

Pros

• Family-friendly gameplay with an educational twist
• Features beautiful artwork and high-quality components
• Optional Time-Warp mini expansion adds strategy and variety

Cons

• Might not appeal to those seeking a more complex board game
• Some players may find the learning curve on rules and strategies challenging
• Thematic gameplay may not interest everyone

Trekking Through History offers an adventure through remarkable historical events, with each oversized card featuring original art and educational stories. This makes it a perfect choice for a game night with grandkids, as it entertains and educates simultaneously. As players journey through various eras, they are bound to be drawn by the visually appealing artwork and high-quality production.

The gameplay is designed to accommodate family members of all ages and incorporates various strategies, keeping everyone engaged. Additionally, the optional Time-Warp mini expansion adds extra layers of tactics and strategy, allowing for a unique experience every time it’s played.

However, some players looking for more complex board games may not find Trekking Through History as appealing. Some individuals might find the initial learning curve on rules and strategies slightly challenging for younger grandkids. And, it is also important to note that the historical theme may not resonate with everyone.

Overall, Trekking Through History is a fantastic choice for grandkids and can make for a memorable gift. With captivating artwork, engaging gameplay, and educational elements, this board game creates an enjoyable and enriching experience to treasure with your loved ones.

Taco vs Burrito Card Game

We highly recommend Taco vs Burrito for families seeking a fun and strategic card game to play with their grandkids, making it a delightful gift.

Pros

• Created by a 7-year-old, great for all ages
• Surprisingly strategic gameplay
• Easy to learn and quick to play

Cons

• Might be slightly competitive
• Takes a few rounds to fully understand rules
• Some kids could struggle with the action cards

Taco vs Burrito is a wildly popular family card game that captures the interest of both kids and adults. Designed by a 7-year-old, it features a deceptively simple concept, with the perfect mix of luck and strategy. The game’s easy-to-learn mechanics and quick round times make it perfect for playing with grandkids of various ages.

The game encourages players to build their taco or their burrito using different ingredients cards, while action cards throw unpredictable twists and turns that can change the game’s outcome. This strategic element keeps players engaged and ensures that no two games are ever the same.

Although some kids might require a few rounds to understand and remember the action cards, this learning curve is part of what makes Taco vs Burrito an enjoyable challenge. As a gift, it promotes bonding moments, laughter, and cherished memories, making it an excellent choice for grandkids and their grandparents to play together.

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game

Candy Land is a delightful board game for grandkids (ages 3 & up) and their grandparents to share special bonding moments.

Pros

• Classic beginner game, perfect for young children
• No reading required, ideal for pre-readers
• Engaging and colorful game board with fun illustrations

Cons

• Simplicity may not hold older kids’ interest
• Limited strategic play opportunities
• Repetition might lead to boredom after a few rounds

Candy Land is a nostalgic classic board game that takes us back in time as we introduce our grandkids to this sweet adventure. This easy-to-play board game invites little ones and their grandparents to travel through the delightful kingdom, encountering all sorts of “delicious” surprises along the way, helping create lasting memories.

Designed specifically for children ages 3 and up, Candy Land is a fantastic game for kids who haven’t learned to read yet, making it an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. The colorful cards and sweet destinations make the game all the more enticing, sparking children’s imaginations as they move their gingerbread man pawns around the path in a race to the castle.

Although specifically catered to the youngest gamers, some older kids may find the simplicity lacking challenges and strategic gameplay. As a result, it’s essential to tailor game selection to the age group and preferences of your grandkids. Nonetheless, Candy Land remains a great game for little ones, providing an engaging and fun-filled activity for those special moments between grandparents and their grandchildren.

Do You Really Know Your Family? Game

This entertaining and conversation-provoking game is perfect for bringing families closer together, making it a fantastic gift for grandkids and their parents.

Pros

• Engaging and entertaining family game night option
• Promotes laughter and bonding among family members
• Suitable for a wide range of ages (8 and up)

Cons

• Some may find the game less enjoyable than expected
• Limited replay value as cards could be used up quickly
• Certain challenges may not suit everyone’s preferences

Do You Really Know Your Family? is a fun and interactive card game designed to spark conversation and challenge family members to discover more about each other. The game is full of intriguing questions that encourage players to dive deeper into their family members’ personalities, opinions, and tastes. We love how this game brings siblings, parents, and grandparents together to share laughter and create unforgettable memories.

While some families adore the game, others may not find it as exciting or engaging as they hoped. This could be due to personal preferences or the limited number of cards included in the game, which might diminish the game’s replay value. However, it’s crucial to consider that each family dynamic is different, and what works for one group may not work for another.

Overall, the Do You Really Know Your Family? Game offers a light-hearted and enjoyable activity for families with a wide range of ages. The game encourages quality bonding time and can create lasting memories for grandparents and their grandkids. If the idea of exploring family personalities and sharing silly challenges sounds appealing, this game could be an excellent addition to your next family game night.

Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found It Board Game

A delightful and engaging family board game that immerses grandkids and grandparents in the world of Disney for some quality bonding time.

Pros

• Features various beloved Disney characters
• Encourages teamwork and cooperation
• Quick and easy to learn

Cons

• Requires a large playing area
• Might become repetitive over time
• Not ideal for very young children

The Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found It Board Game is an enchantingly entertaining game that brings together both grandparents and grandkids for some enjoyable family game nights. With its colorful and intricate design, this board game captivates all ages and encourages teamwork and cooperation.

Easy to learn and fast-paced, this game caters to a wide variety of age groups, making it appealing to both young children and adults. Featuring fan-favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell, Elsa, and many more, this game will surely spark excitement and nostalgia among players.

Despite its many advantages, it’s worth noting that the six-foot game board requires a sufficient playing area. Very young children might also find it challenging to participate fully. However, with its engaging nature, diverse Disney theme, and focus on teamwork, the Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found It Board Game will undoubtedly make a delightful gift for any grandchild and provide hours of fun for the entire family.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo is an engaging, award-winning board game that grandparents and grandkids will enjoy while learning.

Pros

• Builds language and matching skills
• Suitable for ages 4 and up, including pre-readers
• Amazon exclusive version supports up to 7 players

Cons

• Not suitable for children under 4 years
• May not appeal to older kids due to simplicity
• Can become repetitive after a while

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo is a popular choice for families and classrooms with its unique blend of education and entertainment. This board game is designed for young kids, specifically pre-readers and early readers, to help develop language and matching skills through fast-paced gameplay. The Amazon exclusive version of Zingo Bingo includes an extra card that allows up to 7 players, making it perfect for larger families and gatherings.

The easy-to-understand rules and clear, high-quality instruction manual mean that grandparents and grandchildren can start playing right away, without any steep learning curves. The game includes a unique Zinger device that adds a delightful twist to the traditional Bingo game, captivating players of all ages. With ThinkFun’s track record of over 50 million games sold worldwide, Zingo Bingo promises a fun, challenging experience for the whole family.

However, it is essential to note the game may not be suitable for children under 4 years, given its small parts and the level of skill required to play. Moreover, older kids may find the simplicity of the game less appealing, as the gameplay might not challenge them enough. Finally, after multiple game sessions, some players might find the game a bit repetitive.

Nevertheless, ThinkFun Zingo Bingo is an excellent choice for grandparents looking to spend quality time with their grandkids while helping them cultivate essential skills. As an award-winning board game with universal appeal, it makes a wonderful gift for young boys and girls alike.

Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Families

This game is a must-have for bringing fun and laughter to family game nights with grandkids.

Pros

• Hilarious content for all ages
• Easy to learn and play
• Portable and convenient for various occasions

Cons

• Might require parental guidance for content
• Best played with 4 players or more
• Some American-centric references

As grandparents seeking a fun and engaging game to play with grandkids, we discovered the Kids Against Maturity card game. This game became an instant classic in our household and quickly replaced some of the older, less exciting games that we used to play during family gatherings.

When we opened the box, we found 600 question and answer cards neatly packed together, making it easy to store and carry around. This portability allowed us to take the game on vacations, play during sleepovers, and even on plane trips.

The game is simple to play – each player gets 10 white answer cards and takes turns asking questions using the blue cards. The funniest answer wins the round, and the player with the most amusing responses wins the game. This format is very engaging, and playing together brought out our creativity and ensured lots of shared laughter!

However, we did have to review the content before playing with our grandkids. Some of the cards have age-appropriate toilet humor and may need to be removed based on each family’s preferences. Additionally, the game is best played with four or more players, which may be limiting in some instances. Lastly, certain cards may contain American-specific references that could pose a challenge for non-American players.

Overall, we believe that the Kids Against Maturity card game is an excellent choice for grandparents seeking to create memorable moments with their grandkids. The game provides a perfect blend of humor, creativity, and engaging gameplay that will make every family game night unforgettable.

Buying Guide

As we look for the perfect board game to play with our grandkids, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we’ll help you identify the key features to look for when choosing the best board game for your family.

Age Appropriate

First, make sure the game is age-appropriate for your grandkids. Board games usually have a recommended age range, so check that the game is suitable for the youngest child in the group. Adjust your choice accordingly to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy.

Number of Players

Consider the number of players required for the game. If you have a large family or want to include friends, opt for games that accommodate more players. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more intimate and personal, choose a game that caters to a smaller number of participants.

Educational Value

As grandparents, we often look for ways to incorporate learning into our interactions with our grandkids. Board games can provide intellectual stimulation and teach valuable life skills. Pay attention to the educational aspects of the game, such as problem-solving, strategy, or working as a team.

Duration and Complexity

Take into account the length of time it takes to play and the complexity of the game. Younger grandkids may lose interest if a game takes too long or is too difficult to understand. Choose games with simple rules and shorter playtimes to keep their attention.

Feature	Description
Age Appropriate	Check the recommended age range
Number of Players	Consider the size of your group
Educational Value	Look for games with learning aspects
Duration and Complexity	Make sure the game is not too long or difficult

Finding a board game that checks all these features will create fun and memorable experiences with our grandkids. Plus, it’s a great gift idea that encourages quality time together and strengthens the bond between us. Happy gaming!