· dedicated deck card games · 13 min read
Best Board Games for 8 Year Olds to Play and Learn
Looking for the best board games for 8 year olds? Look no further! We review the top 10 board games that are perfect for kids this age.
Board games are a great way for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. They can help kids develop their social skills, problem-solving skills, and imagination. If you're looking for a fun and educational activity for your 8 year old, check out these top 10 board games that are perfect for their age group.
Overview
PROS
- Easy to learn and play, perfect for young children.
- Engaging and entertaining gameplay that encourages laughter and interaction.
CONS
- May be too simple for older children or adults.
- Can get repetitive after multiple rounds.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a delightful card game that's perfect for families with 8-year-olds. The rules are simple: players take turns drawing cards and trying to match them with the cards in their hands. If they can't make a match, they have to add a card to their collection. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.
What makes Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza so special is its charming theme. The cards are adorned with adorable cats, tacos, goats, and cheese pizzas. This whimsical artwork makes the game even more enjoyable for kids. The gameplay is also very engaging and interactive. Players have to pay attention to what cards other players are drawing and discarding, and they have to be quick to react when they see a match. This makes for a lot of laughter and excitement.
PROS
- Easy-to-understand gameplay designed specifically for younger players
- Encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning
- Bright and engaging artwork that captivates young minds
- Compact size and short playtime make it perfect for family game nights
- Educational value as it teaches geography and train routes
CONS
- May be too simple for older children or experienced gamers
- Replayability may be limited for children who quickly grasp the gameplay
Ticket to Ride First Journey is an exceptional board game tailored specifically for children aged 8 and up. With its clear rules, vibrant visuals, and engaging gameplay, it has become a favorite among young explorers. The compact size and relatively short playtime make it an ideal choice for family game nights, fostering laughter, competition, and quality time together.
The game mechanics are simple yet strategic, encouraging young players to think critically and solve problems. Players collect train cards, claim routes on a map of the United States, and earn points. The gameplay promotes spatial reasoning as kids visualize train routes and plan their next moves. The beautifully illustrated map and colorful train cards capture young imaginations, making the game not just educational but also visually stimulating.
PROS
- Easy to learn and play
- Great for kids ages 5 and up
- Comes in a compact box that's perfect for travel
- Comes with 16 colorful pawns
CONS
- Can be a bit noisy
- Can take a while to play
Trouble is a classic board game that's been around for decades. It's a simple game to learn, but it's always a lot of fun to play. The object of the game is to be the first player to get all four of your pawns home. To move your pawns, you roll a die and move your pawns clockwise around the board. If you land on a space that's already occupied by one of your opponent's pawns, you can bump them back to their starting space.
Trouble is a great game for kids ages 5 and up. It's easy to learn and play, and it's always a lot of fun. The game comes in a compact box that's perfect for travel, and it comes with 16 colorful pawns. If you're looking for a fun and easy-to-learn board game for your kids, Trouble is a great option.
PROS
- Engaging board game experience with a thrilling drone flying element
- Educational value as kids learn about drone navigation and basic aerodynamics
- Promotes family bonding and interactive gameplay
CONS
- May require some initial guidance for younger players to get comfortable with drone controls
- Might not be suitable for very young children due to the potential complexity of drone operation
Drone Home is a novel and captivating game that blends the excitement of drone flying with the strategic challenges of a board game. Designed for kids aged 8 and up, this game introduces the fundamentals of drone navigation in a fun and engaging way. Players take turns navigating their drones around a game board representing a house, navigating obstacles and completing missions.
One of the standout features of Drone Home is its educational value. As kids play, they develop an understanding of drone controls, basic aerodynamics, and problem-solving skills. The game also encourages spatial awareness and decision-making as players strategically plan their drone's flight path. Additionally, Drone Home promotes family bonding and interactive gameplay, fostering communication and cooperation among players.
PROS
- Features genuine hardwood blocks for durability and a natural feel
- Classic gameplay that's perfect for family game nights or parties
CONS
- Tower can be unstable at times, especially as it gets taller
The Hasbro Gaming Jenga Classic Game is a timeless classic that's perfect for kids and adults alike. With its simple rules and easy-to-learn gameplay, Jenga is a game that the whole family can enjoy. The game comes with 54 genuine hardwood blocks, which are stacked into a tower. Players take turns removing one block at a time, trying not to knock the tower over. The last player to successfully remove a block without knocking the tower over wins the game.
Jenga is a great game for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It's also a great way to learn about physics and gravity. The game can be played with 1 or more players, making it a great option for family game nights or parties. Overall, the Hasbro Gaming Jenga Classic Game is a great value and a game that will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
PROS
- Promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Includes 31 high-quality wire pieces and a sturdy metal base.
CONS
- May be too challenging for younger children.
- Small pieces could pose a choking hazard.
Calling all aspiring architects and engineers! The Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Wire Balance Game is a captivating game for kids ages 8 and up that combines creativity, balance, and a touch of suspense. With 31 durable wire pieces and a sturdy metal base, this game challenges players to build delicate structures without letting them collapse. It's a fantastic way to hone hand-eye coordination, develop fine motor skills, and spark imaginative play.
The game's simple yet engaging gameplay makes it perfect for family game nights or solo play. Players take turns placing wire pieces onto the metal base, creating increasingly complex structures that test their patience and precision. The tension builds with each piece added, as the slightest misstep could send the entire construction toppling down. This not only amps up the excitement but also encourages players to carefully plan their moves and think strategically.
PROS
- Fun and engaging way for kids to learn and bond with their parents
- Challenging questions that are perfect for 8-year-olds
- Comes with bonus challenge cards to keep the game fresh
- Can be played by multiple people, making it a great family game night activity
CONS
- Some of the questions may be too difficult for younger children
- The game can be a bit short, especially if you have a lot of players
Beat The Parents is a fun and educational trivia game that is perfect for kids and adults alike. The questions are challenging enough to be engaging, but not so difficult that kids will get frustrated. The game comes with 25 bonus challenge cards, which adds an extra level of excitement.
We played Beat The Parents with our 8-year-old son and had a blast. He was able to answer most of the questions, and even stumped us a few times! The game is a great way to learn and bond with your kids, and it's sure to be a hit at your next family game night.
PROS
- Suitable for solo play or with multiple players, making it a versatile choice.
- Features four game modes, including One-on-One Mode, offering variety and excitement.
- Interactive and engaging gameplay keeps kids entertained and on their toes.
CONS
- May require some practice to master the commands, especially for younger players.
- Batteries are not included, so you'll need to purchase them separately.
Calling all energetic kids! Get ready for an extreme game of Bop It! Designed for players aged 8 and up, this electronic game is perfect for parties or family game nights. With its four exciting game modes, including the thrilling One-on-One Mode, this game is sure to get everyone bopping to the beat.
The game is easy to learn but challenging to master. Players must follow the commands shouted by the Bop It! unit, which can range from 'bop it' to 'spin it' or 'pull it.' The interactive gameplay keeps players engaged and on their toes, making it a great way to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Bop It! Extreme is also a fantastic game for practicing quick decision-making and following instructions.
PROS
- Engaging gameplay that teaches financial literacy and life skills.
- Vibrant game board and colorful pegs that capture the imagination of young players.
CONS
- May be too complex for children under the recommended age range.
- Long playtime may require multiple sessions to complete.
The Game of Life is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This particular version is designed for kids ages 8 and up, and it features a vibrant game board and colorful pegs that are sure to capture their imagination. The gameplay is engaging and teaches financial literacy and life skills, making it both educational and fun. However, it's important to note that the game may be too complex for children under the recommended age range, and the long playtime may require multiple sessions to complete.
Overall, The Game of Life is a great choice for families looking for a fun and educational board game. It's a classic game that will provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.
PROS
- Fast-paced and exciting gameplay that keeps kids engaged and entertained
- Encourages critical thinking and strategic planning skills
- Includes fun and challenging obstacles like the Rube Goldberg-inspired Mouse Trap
CONS
- Requires some assembly before play
- Small game pieces may be a choking hazard for younger children
- Can be difficult for younger kids to understand all the rules at first
Prepare your 8-year-old for a thrilling board game adventure with Hasbro Gaming's Mouse Trap! This classic game combines strategy, amusement, and a touch of chaos, making it an ideal choice for family game nights. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, Mouse Trap can be enjoyed by kids as young as 6, offering a fun and educational experience.
As players navigate the game board, they must outsmart the notorious Mouse Trap to save the delicious cheese. Along the way, they'll encounter a series of hilarious challenges and obstacles, including a spinning cheese wedge, swinging hammers, and more. Mouse Trap fosters critical thinking and strategic planning skills as kids try to anticipate the trap's next move and plan their escape route accordingly. Whether they're playing solo or with up to 3 opponents, Mouse Trap guarantees hours of laughter and excitement.
These are just a few of the best board games for 8 year olds on the market. With so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect game for your child. So next time you're looking for a fun and educational activity, reach for one of these board games and let the good times roll!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of playing board games with children?
Playing board games with children offers numerous benefits, including enhancing social skills, fostering problem-solving abilities, stimulating imagination, and creating family bonding moments.
What factors should be considered when selecting board games for 8 year olds?
When choosing board games for 8 year olds, consider factors such as age appropriateness, skill level, interests, and the number of players.
Are there any specific board games recommended for 8 year olds?
Highly recommended board games for 8 year olds include Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Ticket to Ride First Journey, and Hasbro Gaming Trouble Board Game.
How can board games support children's learning and development?
Board games provide opportunities for children to practice counting, reading, strategy, and social skills, contributing to their cognitive and social-emotional development.
What are some tips for making board game time more enjoyable for children?
To enhance the enjoyment of board games, encourage children to choose games they like, set a time limit, and provide positive reinforcement for participation and good sportsmanship.