Watching the rain fall outside makes me want to get cozy. My kiddos, however, don’t view rainy days quite like I do and need a little guidance to keep the boredom bug at bay. My attempt at limiting screen time during these dark and cloudy days has brought me full circle to my own childhood. Where games and family time went hand in hand.
The classic Candyland and Chutes and Ladders definitely has a nostalgic feel, but I like to keep the mix fresh. Here is my list of the latest top 10 boredom-busting kid games. From humor to strategy, these games will surely keep the fun going for hours.
Here’s the list:
1. Slapzi
Slapzi is a fast action card slapping picture game that is easy to play and sure to get the giggles going. The object of the game is to try to be the first one that gets rid of all your cards and is fun for the whole family. It is great for even kids that are learning to read. Most of the clue cards are pretty easy to read so even first and second graders can join in on the fun. I like this game because it is easy to pack away on a trip. Ages 8 and up.
2. Exploding Kittens
My daughter loves this game. This humorous card game uses curious kittens with serious bad luck. The object of the game is to avoid these kittens and use your diffuser cards to keep away from their catastrophes. In addition to exploding felines, you can steal, stop plays and diffuse disaster with your collection of cards. The number of the cards left in your hands doesn’t matter in this game- just don’t blow up! The last one standing is the winner. The pictures are hilarious and its compact size also makes it easy for travel. Ages 7 and up.
3. Code Names
Code Names reminds me of Battleship I used to play as a kid, but with words. Four players plus are best for this game. Spymasters communicate with their partners with clever word clues. You pick out 25-word cards and place them in a grid. Then you give single word clues to your partner that match a word on the board to guess where the secret agents are hidden.
The object is to guess all your secret agent’s locations first. It can be tricky if you guess the wrong location which can lead the other team getting a point or even worse you find the assassin which ends the game. The competition and strategy are great for older kids and keeps them playing for hours. Ages 10 and up.
4. Clack!
Clack is a fast action game that is fun for most ages. Matching colors and shapes is the name of this game with fun magnetic tiles. With a roll of the dice, you race to collect as many matching shape and color disks off the table. Collect a wrong tile and you get a penalty disk. Whoever collects the most that match with the tallest tower wins — ages 5 and up.
5. The Floor is Lava
As a child jumping from one object to another to keep away from pretend dangers was a daily activity for me. And I know I wasn’t alone in making up these imagined adventures. Unfortunately, someone beat me to inventing this game. None the less, The Floor is Lava is super fun to play with your own children. With a spin on the dial, you race to get on the correct color before your friend. If you land on one with a question mark, you add to the fun by doing a challenge without touching the floor. The last one standing wins. Ages 5 and up.
6.Utter Nonsense
If you are looking for a game with humor look no further. This family version of Utter Nonsense will surely get everyone rolling when you try out your Batman voice or English accent to say silly phrases and sayings. I get a smile just thinking of the accents we’ve done in the past. The nonsense judge picks the winner and becomes the next nonsense judge. Whoever collects the first five accent cards wins. It says 8 plus for ages, but anyone who can read will enjoy this game.
7. Brain Fart
My son loves the name of this game because, well, he’s 7. Brain Fart is another word game that has takes on some humor. Roll the dice and press down on the brain for a letter. Let the words roll off your tongue that matches the letter and one of the dice before the brain “farts”. Pretty much a guaranteed crack up every time because who knows what you might say to stay in the game. Because as the game states- “Silence is deadly.” This game is super easy to play and fun for large or small groups. Ages 14 and up, but my 10-year-old has played it too.
8. Monopoly Fortnite
If your child is getting cross-eyed with screen time, here is a way to let them have their Fortnite fix. It plays with hit points instead of money. You can still collect “properties” and trade with other players. You build walls and can destroy them, set traps and build storms with storm cards. If you run out of HP you’re out of a game. It’s a great way for your children to build strategy both on and off the screen.
9.Tenzi
This fast-paced dice game can literally go anywhere with you and there are countless ways to play. One of the easiest ways is to roll your color dice and call out a number. Whoever rolls all 10 of that number wins. Great for waiting areas or places when you know your children will want some entertainment. For 2 to 4 players ages 5 and up.
10. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to ride was the top game of 2004 in Germany and has taken off in the states as well. This is an excellent game for the nostalgics that love games like Monopoly. In this game you use and trade cards to build routes to different destinations. In addition to building routes, you trade out destination cards to get points. The first one to get to all their cities or run out of building trains stops the game. Add up the points between, routes, route lengths and building trains used to see who wins. Younger children love this game as well as adults, and it brings the family together for well-spent family time.
To me, a moment to spend time as a family combined with a lot of laughs and memories make the perfect recipe for a well-spent evening. For more a bonding time ideas check out my 25 Ways to Connect with your Child.
What is your favorite game? We’d love to find out!
