10 Best Board Games For 11 Year Olds
In our modern world, there is an increasing number of children who have become hooked on digital devices to the point where they forget to go outside and have fun with their friends. It is essential to remember that the past generations survived without constant access to the Internet, so there’s no reason for today’s youth not to do the same.
As a parent, it is only natural to want the best for your children. In our modern era, it is important to help kids find alternatives to digital devices. These take up so much time these days. Fortunately, You have come to the right place if you want an alternative gadget that’s more durable, interactive, and engaging.
In our guide, we will mention the Best Board Games For 11 Year Olds that you can introduce to them to slowly ease their dependence on technology.
Ticket to Ride Board Game
Players : 2-5
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30-60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2007
Ticket to Ride is a fast-paced and strategic board game. It would be a perfect choice as your kid starts playing board games.
The theme of this game is traveling and geography. There’s so much to learn from the play; besides strategizing or decision-making, your child will learn about geography and maps.
In this game, the player needs to match train cards and connect cities. The primary objective in the process is to claim railway routes, but remember that the longest is better.
Also, there are missions that you have to complete to earn you extra points. At the end of this game, the players are ranked based on the longest route and number of points. The player with the highest score will win the game.
It’s never too early to get your kids into gaming. This fun and engaging game is great for kids in the age range of 8 and up. It is also perfect for family game night as it can accommodate up to five players. This game takes around 30-60 minutes playing time, but you can always take your time if you want to move more slowly.
Pros
Suitable for all types of players, regardless of age and gaming expertise.
Fun game and family-friendly
One of the best games that strengthen players’ critical thinking skills.
It can serve as a good way to learn more about the cities of North America.
Cons
Not as good with two players
Final Thoughts
What’s more fun than playing a board game with your kids? The Ticket to Ride board game is an entertaining game that will keep your children busy for hours. It is also an ideal game for adults; you can play it to add lots of fun during friend gatherings.
Ravensburger Labyrinth Family Board Game
Players: 3-4
Ages: 7+
Game Time: 20-30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2007
Ravensburger’s Labyrinth is a great game for kids who like solving complex problems and finding their way through maps or mazes. In this game, you are in a maze, and you have to find your way out before time runs out. However, when you do this, you must pick up all of the treasures and overcome every obstacle on your way.
The replayable potential of this game makes it a favorite among gamers. It’s not too long, but there are many different endings that offer something new every time you play it.
Ravensburger’s Labyrinth is the perfect game for children who are seven years old and above, making it a great choice if you have an eleven-year olds kid.
This game is for up to four players. It can be played with parents and older siblings so the whole family will have some fun. Also, It is a great choice when your children have friends over.
If you want your child to develop their strategic and planning skills while learning the concepts of recognition, turn-taking, or cause & effect, then you should try out the Ravensburger’s Labyrinth board game.
Pros
The rules and mechanics of the game are simple and easy to understand.
Engaging enough for adults but also appropriate for young children and older kids.
High replayability
Cons
Little kids may need adults’ help to understand the game.
Final Thoughts
If your child is a fan of solving complex problems and finding his way through the maps, they will love this maze game. There are a lot of challenges in this game that will keep your child interested.
This game is for both kids and adults, so If you enjoy games that have an interesting story with multiple endings, Ravensburger Labyrinth is for you. You can play as much or little as you want. But be prepared because once you start, you’ll want to see all those possibilities through.
Catan Board Game: Base Game
Players: 3-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2015
Catan is a classic game that has been around for many years. The expert gamers say that it’s a must-have for any younger player or beginner who wants an edge in their game.
In this game, the players are a group of settlers on the island of Catan, and you’re competing against each other to see who can build their civilization faster.
You are tasked with building a settlement and trading goods with other players, and during that, you will unlock new achievements and earn more victory points. The first player who reaches 10 victory points wins.
Leadership and business skills can be learned through this innovative way of learning. If you want to give your child an early start in entrepreneurship, then this game might be just what they need.
Catan is a game that can be played by up to four people at the same time. It is great for kids who are looking to have some lighthearted fun. The rules can be learned quickly; it’s not too difficult or complicated.
Pros
It can help children learn the concepts of trading and doing business.
Big family of expansions
It can be a good way to improve children’s strategic and critical thinking skills.
Cons
Dependant on dice
It can’t be played with 2
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an interactive way to teach planning and strategizing skills, the Catan board game will be your best choice. The game will help your children to learn how they can use their imagination in creative ways while having so much fun.
Photosynthesis Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30-45 Minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2017
For parents who want to teach their children about plants and nature, Photosynthesis is a good starting point. This game is for children to help them learn about the science of Photosynthesis while still having loads of fun.
Photosynthesis plays a big role in the life cycle of trees. It provides all that is needed for new plant growth and development.
In order for trees to grow and become bigger, it needs a lot of sunlight. In this game, you’ll strategically place your seeds on the board so they can get just enough sun for their growth, and you will get light points.
The more light points you have, the better off your score will be. You can use them to purchase things like new trees and tools for acquiring even greater amounts of them.
When the game ends, the closer you are to the center of the board, the more chances at winning the game. Photosynthesis is so easy to process and follow that even small kids can play, and the parents won’t find it difficult to explain. However, in order to win, you need careful planning. Parents have to teach their children how to strategize as well as make wise decisions.
Pros
Simple rules and instructions make it easy for kids to understand.
The artwork and design are exceptional.
improve strategic thinking and decision making skills
Cons
Not recommended for two players, as there would be limited interaction.
Final Thoughts
What’s more fun than playing a board game to learn about the science of Photosynthesis? The Photosynthesis board game is a great choice for your kids because, with this little gem, your child can have both learning and laughter on their hands.
Splendor Board Game: Base Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2019
In Splendor, players take on the role of a trader and buy items from other players with gold coins. It’s great for kids who enjoy buying things or trading their own goods.
The game is set during the time of the European Renaissance when gem trading had never been more lucrative. In this game, players are competing to gain control over the mines and trading routes. If they’re successful in doing so, then eventually, patrons will come along as partners for business.
Your kids can learn how trading was conducted in times past, and they will also be able to apply the techniques of today. It is like The Monopoly game, except that it’s set in an era long gone by.
Splendor’s elegantly simple gameplay is supported by plentiful historical detail and beautiful components. With simple rules and streamlined set collection mechanics, Splendor is an excellent game for younger or less experienced gamers.
Pros
The game is very thematic and enriches your historical knowledge.
The board game’s components are nicely made.
Rules and instructions are easy to learn and understand.
The board game is easy to set up and organize.
Cons
Veteran players might get bored because it is rather easy.
Final Thoughts
If you want your children to learn about business and economics, Then the Splendor board game is an excellent choice. It’s also a good fit if you want to improve their skills in strategizing or planning.
Ravensburger Disney Villainous Strategy Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 45-60 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
Ravensburger Disney Villainous Board Game has a different twist than other games. In this game, the players are Disney villains (Jafar, Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, Maleficent, Prince John, and Ursula). The six main villains in this story all have different goals, objectives, and strategies.
Each player begins by selecting their character and collecting various pieces to start out with. The villains have to plan their route and are also up against Disney protagonists like Peter Pan and Ariel.
The guidebook is a great way to learn about the game and its rules. It also includes tips on how you can win, as well as any special powers that might be available for each villain.
When one of the characters achieves their victory condition, the game will end. for example, the Queen of Hearts making her croquet shot, Prince John gaining 20 power, or Jafar capturing the lamp and the genie
Pros
Highly thematic game
High replayability value
Different characters to choose from
Easy to learn rules
Cons
A little hard for very little kids
Final Thoughts
Ravensburger Disney Villainous Strategy Game has a high replayability value. It includes 6 different villain characters. Your 11 year old kid will play this board game again and again and choose a different villainous character each time, strategizing again each time to win.
Loaded Questions
Players: 4-6
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2015
Loaded Questions is one of the popular family games available. This classic board game is both creative and personal.
The gameplay involves answering questions that can be asked in an interesting way, making it fun for everyone. There’s no right or wrong answer here, so it’s basically just for entertainment and to get acquainted with each other better.
The original version is perfect for kids ages 10 years and up, but if you have little kids, you can check out the Junior edition as it is a bit easier than its original counterpart. It only has 200 questions, but it is still plenty to keep your kids busy for hours. In contrast, the original one comes with 880 questions. Either way, both versions are super fun.
It was first introduced to the world in 1997; today, it is one of those family-oriented games that you can play with your loved ones and have fun at night.
Pros
Fun and entertaining
Good game that allows you to learn more about each other.
A Party game can be played during reunions and gatherings.
Cons
The original version has cards that may be too much for tweens to handle.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Questions is a fun card game that is perfect for friends and family gatherings or parties. This game is easy to learn but challenging enough that you’ll be looking forward to playing again after your first time.
King of Tokyo: New Edition Board Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2016
King of Tokyo is a game for 2 to 6 players where players take the role of mutant monsters, abominable aliens, or even rampaging robots battling in a fun, chaotic atmosphere. And all of them will fight to become king in Tokyo.
Each player will roll the dice to choose his strategy: Will you attack your enemies, heal your wounds, or Improve your Monster. So winning the game depends on a little luck.
You have to be smart about how you use your energy. In addition to your passive abilities, you have a special ability that can be activated by expending energy.
The key to victory is having the best dice combinations and coming up with the best strategy. Getting to the last round of the game without losing too much energy is your primary objective. If you fail to do so, then there won’t be enough strength left over for finishing the game.
Gather your strength and fight to the death for victory. To win the game, you have to gain 20 points or get your claws out and eliminate enemies. The last one standing will be the King of Tokyo.
Pros
Rules and mechanics are kid-friendly, as they are very easy to understand.
Perfect for younger kids, even those younger than 10-year-old
The artwork and design are colorful, making the game more interesting.
Cons
Based on a little luck
Not for children who have a lot of experience with board gaming.
Final Thoughts
King of Tokyo is a fun, competitive game that is based on both wise decision-making and little luck. In this game, each player has to fight the others wisely without losing his energy to be the King of Tokyo.
Apples to Apples Junior
Players: 4-8
Ages: 9+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2000
Apples to Apples Junior is the kid-friendly version of the Apples to Apples board game. Kids get to enjoy playing a fun, new game with simplified rules and mechanics that are more suitable for their age group. The manufacturer reports that this game is meant for children who are nine years or older.
The goal of this game is to collect the greatest number of description cards by coming up with combinations that are hilariously and surprisingly valid. You will get this description card when you please the judge and convince him to select your entry.
To playgame, one person will be the judge, while the others are the players. The judge lays down the playing card. The others lay down one card of their seven that they believe best matches the judge’s card. The player who the judge proclaims his card will win and get the card. The player who wins four-round wins the game. Each player takes turns being the judge.
While playing, children can learn a lot of things like how to think critically and make good decisions, which will help them throughout life. Also, the social skills of kids can improve with time as it can teach them how to interact with other children.
Pros
The rules and mechanics of the game are easy and simple to understand.
The kiddie version is as fun and entertaining as the original version.
Develops children’s vocabulary and analysis skills.
Cons
The game could use a little update.
Somewhat based on luck.
Final Thoughts
The Apples to Apples Junior will teach your 11-year old kid new information and concepts without realizing it. Your child will learn comparison and team spirit debate skills that are necessary for life in today’s competitive world. Also, it can help them build their vocabulary and strengthen critical thinking and problem solving skills.
MONOPOLY Family Board Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 45-60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2021
Monopoly is one of the most popular board games out there, but it doesn’t have to be only for adults. Teens can enjoy playing this classic game too.
Monopoly is a game of buying and selling properties. Your 11 year olds kids will love the original Monopoly because it offers more challenges than its junior counterpart.
This game is all about trading, economics, and business. This process is all about acquiring property like land, money, and buildings. Bankrupt players must retire from the game, and the last player left in the game is the winner.
However, some of the game’s elements may be difficult to understand for young players, so it is better if they have parental guidance during gameplay.
The game of Monopoly is manufactured by Hasbro gaming, the world-renowned gaming company that is best known for its board games like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuits.
This game is definitely worth a try if you are thinking that Introducing your child to the world of business and economics is an excellent idea.
Pros
Kids can learn about business, Monopoly, and economics.
Parents and tweens can use the game as a chance to bond.
Fun family game
Produced by one of the most trusted companies in the game-manufacturing industry.
Cons
Some of the game pieces may not be appropriate for children, so parental guidance is suggested.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an authentic board game that will teach your kids about strategy and risk-taking, then try out the original Monopoly. It is an engaging way to teach your children about business and economics; this game is your best choice.
