Beyond Monopoly: Why Modern Board Games Are Better for Your Kids
Once upon a time, the phrase “family board game night” conjured up images of squabbling over Monopoly money or accusing Aunt Darlene of…
Once upon a time, the phrase “family board game night” conjured up images of squabbling over Monopoly money or accusing Aunt Darlene of being the murderer in Clue. While there’s something to be said for nostalgia, let’s be real: The Colonel Mustard jokes are getting stale, Monopoly is just mean, and the only thing Risk teaches us is that world domination is, well, risky.
The New Wave of Board Games
Enter the modern board games from publishers like HABA, Asmodee, and others. These aren’t your grandpa’s board games. They offer rich, interactive experiences that teach kids more than just how to wait their turn without fidgeting. So, the next time you’re tempted to purchase ‘Uncle Wiggily’ or ‘Mouse Trap,’ consider one of these 10 modern masterpieces instead.
If you want to buy games and support a great small online business, I recommend Game Nerdz, but you can also find many of these board games on Amazon or on the shelves at Target, Barnes and Nobles, and sometimes even Wal-mart. Better yet, find a Friendly Local Game Store in your area and support them. Okay, let’s look at some winners to add to your kids’ collection.
1. Catan Junior
Catan Junior takes resource management to the kiddie pool. It teaches bartering, strategy, and how to be a tiny capitalist without putting anyone in board game jail.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
2. Ticket to Ride: First Journey
For a fun lesson in geography and planning, this game has it going on. Route-building and the thrill of trains will work for plenty of kids.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
3. Sushi Go!
A quick and delicious way to teach decision-making and probability in a 20 minute game. Plus, who doesn’t love sushi with cute faces on them?
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
4. Dixit
A game that rewards creative storytelling and abstract thinking. Perfect for the tiny Tim Burton in your family. There is also a new Disney Edition that might appeal to your group more.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
5. My First Stone Age
This game teaches resource allocation and basic economics, all while staying historically dubious.
6. Splendor
For the young ones with an affinity for shiny things, Splendor teaches set collection and economic strategy. It’s Wall Street for kids, minus the hostile takeovers. If you want to plus up the game with some Marvel superheroes, get the Marvel Edition, which plays similarly.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
7. Hoot Owl Hoot!
Promoting cooperation over competition, this game teaches teamwork and strategy. A win-win, minus the cutthroat betrayals. Really great for neurodiverse kids who will enjoy the chance to play cooperatively.
8. My First Carcassonne
Puzzle-like play, interesting decision making, and a chance to learn a bit about the history of France, all in 30 minutes before bedtime.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
9. Love Letter
Perfect for teaching deductive reasoning and risk. It’s also a hit among kids who think romance is yucky. If it’s just TOO yucky, you can always pick up the Star Wars or Marvel version, both of which play similarly with a theme that might be more immediate for some players.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
10. Rhino Hero Jr.
Rhino Hero is basically Jenga with superpowers, teaching dexterity and spatial awareness. And it’s much more portable than that tumbling tower. The Junior version is ready to play with kids as young as 2.
Buy on Gamenerdz or Buy on Amazon
Bringing Families Together, One Turn at a Time
The beauty of these modern board games lies in their ability to foster various cognitive and social skills, from decision-making and problem-solving to negotiation and cooperation. And let’s not forget the pure joy of Rhino Hero saving the day!
Board games have come a long way since the days when the most interactive thing on the table was your big sister Eileen’s insistence on being the Monopoly banker. Modern games offer a fantastic blend of education and entertainment, a combo parents can appreciate. Most importantly, they allow families to bond, laugh, and create memories, all without the flickering glow of a screen.
Now, go forth and conquer — these board games, not the world. We all know how well that worked out in Risk.