11 Best Board Games For 10 Year Olds
If you want to limit your kids’ tablet and mobile time, then you have to look for new ways to keep them busy while they are at home.
The problem with modern life is that children are too busy scrolling through their phones to even talk anymore. Kids spend most of their time indoors on digital devices or playing video games. They forget how good it feels to go out and play with friends.
Wouldn’t it be better if they were instead bonding with family and friends through traditional means like board games? Board games are great alternatives to screen time and are fun for everyone.
With so many great various options out there, kids can interact with each other without relying on technology like smartphones or computers.
Also, they will use their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. With the chance to develop their interpersonal and communication skills, they will become able to engage with others better.
In this guide, we will mention the 11 Best Board Games For 10 Year Olds to help you choose the game that is best for your kids.
Ticket to Ride Board Game
Players : 2-5
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30-60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2007
Ticket to Ride is an engaging board game that can be played with friends or family. This is one of the most popular games out there. This exciting game is the perfect addition to any child’s board games collection.
The theme of this game is traveling and geography. There’s so much to learn from the strategy, planning skills as well as decision-making involved in playing.
The game goal is to match train cards, claim railway routes and connect the cities. Also, there are tons of missions to accomplish, so you can earn extra points.
Once the game is over, it’s determined who won by determining which player has the longest route and accumulated the higher points.
Finally, Ticket to Ride is designed for players 8 years old and up, so it is perfect for tweens. The game can take up to five players, So the whole family can play it together.
Pros
Players can learn about geography and maps
A perfect choice for kids and adults
Family fun game
Improve strategic and critical thinking skills
Cons
It can be a little difficult for very young kids.
Final Thoughts
Ticket to Ride Board Game is a great choice for kids. They can learn about geography and maps while having fun together. This game is not just for children; adults can have a part in the fun too. You can gather your family and have an entertaining family game night.
Codenames: Pictures
Players: 2-8
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 15 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2018
The Codenames game is a fun way to develop your deduction skills and show that you can work with each other as part of an effective team.
It is a fast-paced, competitive board game for two teams who must identify one another by uncovering their secret agents. The first team to find all of their agents is the winner.
The game has two spymasters, one from each team. Those spymasters know the agents in all locations and use codes to send messages to their teammates to help them identify the other agents. The operatives have to be clever enough to decode the messages correctly if they want to win.
The Codenames game has simple and easy-to-learn gameplay, with the same rules no matter which version you play. However, in the Codenames: pictures instead of just words, It has images that represent the agents, which makes it more engaging and exciting.
However, the pictures contain multiple elements that must be noted in order for the operatives to win. It is a great team-building game for up to eight players. You can also play it with more players if you want.
Pros
Game mechanics and rules are easy to understand.
A fast-paced game
Replayability
Cooperation and competitive game
Encourage strategic thinking
Cons
The possibility of feeling utterly lost.
When you don’t get it, you’re helpless.
Final Thoughts
The Codenames game is a fun way to develop teamwork and strategic thinking skills while having some laughs along the way. It’s also a great party game. You can get your friends together on busy game nights because it can accommodate anything from two to eight players and even more if you want.
Pandemic Board Game: Base Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2017
This awesome board game is perfect for families with only a few members. In the Pandemic Board Game, you take the role of a scientist, researcher, medic, and more.
Players who enjoy strategy and planning will find this game very fulfilling. It needs up to 45 minutes to play the game, but the process of thinking and planning through your moves ahead is worth every second.
In this game, you’re on a mission to make the world safe from the deadly diseases that are ravaging it. Through the game, you have to find a cure for those viruses while completing other missions like treating infected civilians and attaining clues.
You have to work with your team if you want to win the game. Each player has his own capability that will qualify him for a specific task. During the game, players are required to contribute their thoughts and insights.
While it’s a great game for older kids, this game can still be played with younger ones as well. Pandemic Board Game is a new way to teach players about communication and cooperation while also encouraging critical thinking skills.
Pros
The game may have a complex concept, but the rules are easy to learn.
There are expansion packs for those who want more
The team has various ways to strategize
High replayability.
Cons
Children may need the guidance of adults to play the game.
Final Thoughts
If you ever had a secret desire to become a scientist or researcher, then Pandemic Board Game is your best choice. It’s the perfect one for players who love tactical thinking and strategy. The Pandemic game can be played with up to four players making it a great game for small friends or family gatherings.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 3-10
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 10 Minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2014
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is an engaging game that has a number of players of 3-10 people. It’s perfect for any occasion, and the game is set up in minutes and takes only 10 minutes to play, so it’s an excellent choice if you want something quick.
With the short length of time you spend playing each round; there’s plenty of opportunity for replay. When you first start playing, the game rules might seem tricky. But once you get used to it and understand what is happening in every turn of play, the rules become easy.
The game will start with every player drawing one card, which indicates his rule of the game. You can take the role of a werewolf, a seer, a troublemaker, or any number of other characters. Some of those characters will help the village people, while others will help the werewolves.
This game’s goal is to discover who the werewolves are. One Night Ultimate Werewolf is designed to be played in two phases, a night phase, and a day phase.
The night phase is a time for werewolves to act, and the day phase is when villagers, tanners, and hunters are supposed to move.
The gamers can guess who they think the werewolves are only during the day phase. What you have to do is to discover who the Werewolves are. If you do, then you win; if not, you lose.
Pros
A fast-paced game
Improves deductive and observational skills.
Flexible gameplay time.
Great concept, fun to act in various roles.
Hours of fun never get old.
Cons
Some might get bored when playing as a villager.
Takes a while to absorb rules and roles.
Final Thoughts
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a great party game that can be played with up to 10 players. This short-duration game is the perfect choice when having a lot of friends that are coming on different schedules. So they do not need to wait a long time for the game to end and start a new round.
Dixit Board Game
Players: 23-6
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
Dixit is one of the best games to play when you want something more than just a guessing game. In the Dixit game, You have to bluff your opponents and use strategy in order for you to become the winner.
During the game, you are not just analyzing clues to figure out answers but also deceive your opponents, so they don’t guess what cards you’re holding. To win the game, you need exceptional deception and crafting skills.
To playgame, you need three types of players which are a guesser, an active player, and another player. However, since this game can accommodate up to 6 players, there will always be more than one who takes the other player role.
These other players will do everything they can to stop the active player and guesser from winning.
Dixit is an excellent board game for players with different levels of experience. It is a simple and fun way to get the kids involved in playing games, with a playtime of 30 minutes, and is suited for kids ages 8 years old and up.
If you are searching for a fun board game that will keep the kids entertained, then this is one of your best choices.
Pros
Suitable for beginner board game players and 8 years old kids
Has high replayability
Rules are simple and straightforward, making them friendly for everyone.
Nice art style.
Cons
Cards may be too big and hard to hold for some kids.
Expert board game players might find it too easy to play.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun game that can be played with kids, then the Dixit Board Game is an excellent choice. It is a simple game for families to play and have some quality time together.
Ravensburger Labyrinth Family Board
Players: 2-4
Ages: 7+
Game Time: 20-30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2007
If your child loves solving complex problems and finding his way through maps or mazes, then the Ravensburger Labyrinth board game is your best choice.
The game goal is to find your way out of the Labyrinth. There will be many obstacles on your journey that you have to overcome. However, you have to do this while gathering all the treasures, be careful not to miss any of them.
The game is designed for 7 years and up. This is a great game for families where older children want to play with the younger ones.
It’s not only about playing a game but also exploring their creativity in an imaginative setting. The game has high replayability because of the many potential endings and strategies you can use in order to get out of the Labyrinth.
Ravensburger Labyrinth board game is designed for up to four players, So the whole family can get a share of the fun, making it the ideal choice if you are a parent who wants some quality time with his kids.
It’s also great when friends come over because everyone can have fun together. If you want an engaging game to teach your child about strategic thinking and planning, Ravensburger Labyrinth is what you are looking for.
Pros
Engaging enough for adults
Appropriate game for children and teens.
The game’s rules and mechanics are simple and easy to understand.
Fast-paced game.
High replay value
Cons
The game might not be challenging enough for older players who want more complex games.
Final Thoughts
Ravensburger Labyrinth is the perfect way to teach your little kids about shapes, colors, and more. It can be challenging enough that they won’t get bored easily while learning new things in an engaging environment with a maze and maps.
King of Tokyo: New Edition Board Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2016
King of Tokyo is a perfect board game for those looking to get together and have some good fun time. It needs around 30 minutes of playing time, and the age range goes from eight years old and up.
Although two to six players can play this game, the best way to enjoy the game is with six people, as it provides the perfect balance of players.
To playgame, you take on the role of a giant robot or monster who tries to become the king of Tokyo. The moves of each player involve a dice combination that can help in healing from wounds, gather energy, and take down other monsters.
You can also use your gathered energy to activate your special abilities. The best way to enhance your moves is by thinking wisely and coming up with the perfect dice combinations.
Building a great strategy is absolutely essential to winning this game. After fighting against all other monsters, the last standing monster who does not take too much of a beating will win the game. To reach your goal, besides your dice combinations, you can use your special cards as well.
Pros
Easy to teach to beginner players
Rules are simple and easy to understand
Rolling many dice
Short gameplay
The game characters are fun, and the artwork is colorful.
strategic games
Cons
Once your monster is killed, you are out of the game and have to wait for others to complete it.
Final thoughts
With its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, King of Tokyo is a perfect game for playing with friends and family alike. Whether you are a beginner with no gaming experience or an expert player, there is no doubt that you will enjoy this game.
SEQUENCE
Players: 2-12
Ages: 7+
Game Time: 30-45 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
The sequence is a classic family favorite for an enjoyable game night. The game is more than just fun and entertaining; it also helps to stimulate your brain. It will develop your skills in strategic planning and critical thinking.
To playgame, you can create two teams and compete with each other. In this game, you need to create a sequence by placing chips on the board. To do this, you get to choose a card from your hand to play, then put a chip on the corresponding area on the board.
You have to choose your space wisely and put chips in a way that they will be able to help you win. Every card is pictured two times on the game board; you have to pay attention.
To win this game, you have to be the first person who scores five cards in a sequence. To do so is not easy since your opponents will also try their best.
There are wild jacks in the game; those are the jacks with two eyes. They can be used to place a chip anywhere on the board.
However, You can use a Jack that only has one eye to remove your opponent’s chips. But you can not use it to remove a chip from a completed sequence.
Pros
Adult, teen, and kids games
Strategy board game
Has a good mixture of card and board play
Game instructions are easy to learn and understand
Family-friendly
Cons
Based on a little luck
Final thoughts
It is not only an entertaining game but also a great way to keep your brain active. The sequence can be played with up to 12 players making it a perfect party game. And it is ideal for players from ages seven and up, making it a great family game, especially if they have children of different ages.
MONOPOLY Classic Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 45-60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2017
The family game of Monopoly brings fun and excitement to your next gathering. You start the game with only a few dollars to spend and buy, sell, or trade properties like houses, hotels, and parks; in this game, players start from scratch.
You also try different ways to bankrupt your opponents and take all their money. The goal in the game of Monopoly is to eventually own everything. The player who takes over all of the properties on the board will be the winner.
Monopoly is a fast-dealing, property-trading game. The game package comes with a board, deed cards, chance cards, hotels, money packs, community chest cards, tokens, title houses, and dice.
The game has an interesting and complex strategy, which will take you about 60 minutes to complete. This is a great and creative way for you to improve your financial and problem-solving skills.
The Monopoly game is from Hasbro gaming; this company is best known for its board games such as Trivial Pursuits and Scrabble.
Pros
A classic board game
Great for improving business and entrepreneurial skills.
Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills in both kids and adults.
Family board game
Cons
Some elements of the game, like jail and bankruptcy, might be too much for younger kids.
Final Thoughts
The game of Monopoly is an old favorite for family nights. It brings back memories and creates new ones as friends compete to see who can collect the most properties on their board, all while trying not to get jail time.
If you want to introduce your child to the world of business and economics, this game is your best option.
Forbidden Desert
Players: 2-5
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2013
The Forbidden Desert is part of game sets from Gamewright called Forbidden. The goal was to create quality games that are enjoyable for kids and families alike.
The game goal is about finding a legendary flying machine buried deep in the ruins of an ancient desert city.
In this game, you need to work with your teammates in order for everyone on the team to survive until the end of the game.
Heat and sandstorms are just two obstacles that you’ll face in this desert setting. You must plan with your team carefully, or else they might get lost amidst all these obstacles.
This game is a sequel to the Forbidden Island board game. The stories in this series are all related.
This does not mean Just because you haven’t played the Forbidden Island; you can not play the Forbidden Desert game. The game is fun to play with friends and family, no matter whether or not you have played its predecessors.
Pros
Challenging enough for experienced players.
Game design and artwork provide a wonderful vibe.
Needs a great deal of teamwork and cooperation.
Cons
It can be tough for just two players.
Final Thoughts
If you want your new adventure to be in the ancient desert city, then the Forbidden Desert is your best game. You have to cooperate with your team and try to survive in severe conditions. Tactical skills, cooperation, and problem-solving skills are the key to winning this game.
Mysterium Board Game: Base Game
Players: 2-7
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2015
Mysterium is a thought-provoking board game where players collaborate to solve mysteries. This mystery game will require you to tap into your mind.
In this game, you have been sent to the Warwick Manor to search for the truth behind one death. You will explore every room and unlock hidden objects that may help you solve this mystery.
In order to solve this murder, you must discover three things which are the culprit, the specific location where the murder happened, and What weapon was used. Try to find the answers to these questions, and you will win.
There must always be one player who takes on the role of a ghost. This ghost is a great source of information for the Psychic Investigators, often providing insights and clues that help them to reach their goal.
The rules of the game are so easy to understand. The whole team will communicate with the ghost only through cards.
This awesome card game is great for anyone who wants to try out new board games. It doesn’t require any expertise, so even kids and teens can enjoy it. They will have an opportunity to enhance their interpersonal and communication skills while also learning how they can improve critical thinking.
Pros
Great storyline
Provides various ways to strategize and play.
Amazing high quality artwork.
Doesn’t feel repetitive.
Engaging.
Cons
Not for a small group of players.
Game pieces might need a long set-up time.
Final Thoughts
If you want to play as a Psychic Investigator and try to know what is inside the head of others, the Mysterium board game is for you. Gamers who love playing cooperative board games and solving mysteries will enjoy this game.
