With the school holidays going on forever, keeping your kid’s brain interactive and sharp is still important. One way to do that is with some good old board games. It makes those hard hitting Winter days less drab and serves as great way to bond as a family.
Here Are The Best Board Games For Kids 2017
1. Chutes/Snakes and Ladders
Yes, the classic Chutes/Snakes and Ladders kicks off the rank. The aim of the game is to get to the top but it is not that easy. There are chutes ready to sink you way to the bottom – which means you have to work your back up again (kind of symbolic for life).
Studies also reveal the game improves the counting skills of children. Try the newer versions such as Angry Birds or Peppa Pig.
Available for R736 Available for R400
2. Sorry
Another classic board game on the list is Sorry – The Game of Sweet Revenge. This game cultivates strategy and determination. And with loads of luck, you could be the winner. It’s not too difficult to understand and whether young or old, it’s fun all around. Plus, there’s Star Wars version!
Available for R560 Available for R1, 834
3. Candy Land
Candy Land is simple, fun and suitable for all ages. It is basically a racing game but with a magical twist requiring minimal counting skills and reading. Whoever gets to King Kandy’s Castle wins! This is perfect as a first board game for children 3 and up. There is also the Candy Land Princess edition if the original is not bright enough.
Available for R445 Available for R445
4. Melissa and Doug’s Suspend
If you are looking to increase your child’s focus and creativity then Melissa & Doug Suspend is what you need. With tricky hooks, hangs and attempting to balance 24 rubber-tipped wires, you better have steady hands to win. The first player to get rid of their wires wins.
Suitable for children 8 years and older. There is also a junior edition for kids aged 4 years and up.
Available for R265 Available for R265
5. Hoot Owl Hoot
Hoot Owl Hoot is as simple as it gets. It is a colour matching game requiring no reading skills. If anything, it encourages co-operation and social development as you help the owls fly home before the sun rises. In this game, everyone wins and everyone loses – great concept. Suggested for ages 4 and upward.
6. Settlers of Catan
The Settlers of Catan is a network building game involving hand management and trading. It is a bit more serious than the other boardgames on the list but it cultivates awareness and group consciousness. The players take on the role of developing the Island of Catan. The goal of the game is to score 10 victory points, which is done by leveraging the resources of Catan to build roads, settlements, cities and purchase development cards. This game is best suited for children 10 years and up, otherwise, you can simply opt for the Junior version.
Available for R735 Available for R509
7. Race To The Treasure
Another cooperative board game, encouraging kids to help each other, build and strategise in order to win. All you need to do is beat the Ogre to the treasure by creating a path from START to END. Along the way, you need to collect 3 keys to open the treasure. All for one and one for all.
Do you know of any more good games that develop good thinking and behaviours?
