Are you looking for interesting digital activities to engage and educate your kids? If yes, then you are lucky to be here. This blog will give you a detailed guide to 18 fun board games for kids. These games are a blend of both fun and learning, thus helping kids to acquire essential skills. Let’s see how these games may turn hours spent on mobile devices into something educational.
Best fun board games for kids online (Toddlers, ages 2-4)
Fun board games for kids on the internet are a good idea. Because they enable them to count, learn colours and solve puzzles while having fun. Here, we’ll discuss some of them for kids aged 2-4. So, keep reading!
i) First Orchard
First Orchard is a cooperative game where players work together as a team. They have to pick fruits before a raven reaches the orchard. Thus, it promotes the development of fine motor skills and teamwork among toddlers. Moreover, it also enhances counting skills among children at an early stage.
ii) Peek-a-Doodle Doo!
Peak-a-Doodle Doo! virtual game is known for being a brain teaser. Because this game allows players to open chicken coops which house hidden eggs. But the twist is that they have to remember which nests do not have eggs in them. Thus, it helps in building their memory ability as well as enhancing the fine motor skills of young ones. Its colourful design makes it appealing and gives children an exciting educational experience.
iii) Animal Upon Animal
As the name indicates, it’s a stacking-type game. Players have to put animals above each other without falling them off. Moreover, it is a great choice for kids aged below 4. Because this game will not only improve their fine motor skills. But also helps to boost eye-hand coordination and strategizing abilities.
Best fun board games for kids online (Preschoolers, ages 4-6)
Now, let’s move on to some of the best board games for kids that are available online for kids aged 4-6. These fascinating games will keep them engrossed and have educational value.
Preschoolers are at a stage where they want to explore things and learn new concepts. That’s why board games are the best choice for parents. As they include strategic elements, memory challenges, and physical coordination tasks. Thus, helping kids to make learning more enjoyable.
iv) Zingo!
Another example of fun and the best board game is Zingo! This game is designed to enhance communication skills for kids. Because kids have to match their cards with images and words that are revealed on Zingo! Zinger’s tiles. Thus, It’s an interesting way for kids to learn the language and concentrate in play mode.
v) Candy Land
It is a classic board game that allows the players to move their pieces along a multi-coloured path. This is done by drawing cards that determine the next colour they should move on. The aim of it is to get to King Kandy’s Castle at the end of this passage. Moreover, it can easily be played by preschoolers. Because it does not require reading but only luck to win.
vi) Hoot Owl Hoot!
It’s also a cooperative board game. Because players of this game strategize as well as plan moves as a team to beat Sunrise. Otherwise, if any of them comes in first, they will lose. Thus, it arouses teamwork among players along with teaching them basic strategy techniques.
vii) The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
It’s a competitive game where players assist squirrels in gathering oak tree nuts. They remove acorns from the tree with tweezers (squirrels) and put them into their piles. Thus, it serves as another way of enjoying while enhancing strategic thinking ability.
Best fun board games for kids online (Children, ages 6-12)
These are perfect for a healthy online gaming experience. Since they also offer educational values. Some fun board games for kids to play are suggested below. Let’s break them down!
viii) Blokus
Blokus is a colorful strategic board game. It requires players to place differently shaped pieces perfectly on the grid. Moreover, there are unique pieces for each player. They can only touch at corners. Thus, making it an interesting spatial reasoning puzzle.
ix) Qwirkle
Qwirkle makes users think critically about how they can use their 6 tiles. Because players have to place rows and columns of similar colour shapes. Additionally, this brain teaser game is quite easy to learn. Because it involves a little bit of planning as well as perception. That’s why It’s great for children aged between six and twelve. As it can increase logical thinking as well as spatial abilities among them.
x) Labyrinth
Labyrinth game requires players to pick up some important items hidden in every room. Moreover, the game aims to master the path plotting while collecting treasures. Also preventing others from reaching any further position. Thus, it’s best for 6+ kids who would like to play with their family or friends. Since Labyrinth remains interesting even if replayed by others later on multiple occasions.
xi) Catan Junior
Catan Junior is a fun game for players aged 6+ and it’s a simplified version of the classic Catan. Players’ tasks are exploring an exciting island, getting resources, and constructing pirate hideouts. Furthermore, it has simple rules that allow young people to grasp different concepts. For example, trade and construction via fun activities.
xii) Ticket to Ride: First Journey
In this game, train cards are collected by players. They eventually establish routes that connect different cities on an uncomplicated map. Thus, it offers a fun and educational experience. Since it introduces strategy and geography to children.
Best fun board games for kids online (Adolescents, ages 12+)
Internet board games have many thrilling options for children aged 12 and above. These games help kids connect with friends in spite of the geographical divide. If you are also in search of board games for kids near me. Then you have come to the right place, here we’ll discuss them one by one, so stay tuned!
xiii) Dixit
Dixit is played with cards that help players tell stories using abstract signals. During each round, one player hints about his/her card. And others submit different cards that can match the hint. After this, players are supposed to identify the original card. It is perfect for teenagers as it sharpens their advanced cognitive skills.
xiv) Pandemic
A virtual pandemic board game is also a cooperative board game. Players take on the role of disease-fighting experts to stop worldwide outbreaks. Moreover, it helps kids think ahead, passion for serving humanity and problem-solving skills.
xv) Splendour
Splendour is about purchasing gems so that they can be changed into cards. It helps to attract more points for each player acting as a merchant. Careful planning and judicious choice-making are employed here. It, ‘s fascinating for teenagers due to its simple rules combined with complex tactics.
xvi) 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a card drafting game where you act as a leader of an ancient civilization. In this game, players draft and play cards to build structures. Players advance in science and develop military strength. Each card comes with its own cost and benefit. Hence, it needs appropriate resource allocation and a master plan.
Additionally, it is played by seven players. And takes about thirty to forty-five minutes making it a quick-moving game.
xvii) Codenames
Codenames is a word-based contest where two teams compete against each other. They have to locate their agents on a grid of words. Team leaders gave clues in the from of hints in this game. Therefore, this is the best time for children above 12 years old. Because at that age they can learn problem-solving skills.
xviii) Carcassonne
Participants of this game construct a medieval landscape with cities, roads, and monasteries. On every single person’s turn, he or she may put out a follower while adding another tile. So, as to earn points based on scored features. It is a fun strategy as well as spatial reasoning mixed. It becomes more intricate with every placement, thus suitable for teenagers.
Is playing online board games harmful for kids?
The impact of playing online board games on kids can either be positive or negative. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children should play digital games. But sparingly and under the guidance of their parents. Since it helps them to improve their intellectual capacity and hand-eye coordination. As well as helps to develop problem-solving capabilities accompanied by strategic thinking.
However, there are some potential downsides. For instance, kids stay in the same position for long periods while playing games. Thus, it may result in physical ( eye problems ) and mental health concerns.
American Psychological Association survey indicated that excess gaming causes many mental problems. For example, it may cause anxiety, insomnia, and depression among kids. Moreover, some board games have various advertisements containing explicit content. Thus, spoiling younger mids at early developmental stages.
To counter these issues, the Mayo Clinic advises parents to ensure control over their child’s internet usage. Parents must also openly discuss online hazards.
What makes kids addicted to games?
Below are some reasons why kids can get addicted to games:
- Children play more hours and often when they want to win and be number one.
- Beautiful colors and perfect soundtracks make the games even more appealing.
- Computer games provide instant gratification. For example, scores or new levels are attained immediately after succeeding in a particular task.
- Addiction’s root cause in video games is socializing. Because it offers a chance for children to play together or meet other people online. Hence, making them feel part of a certain group.
- Kids play computer gaming whenever they face difficult moments at home or elsewhere. if they find comfort and excitement here. Then prefer it over other daily life activities and become addicted.
How to prevent the negative effects of online board games for kids?
Balanced awareness practices are needed to prevent the negative effects of games. For instance, parents can manage screen-time, and encourage other activities away from technology. It helps to minimize some possible problems. Like, as limited physical exercise, sleep deprivation and lessened social interaction among others.
FlashGet Kids: A hot pick
FlashGet Kids is a third-party software that acts as a virtual assistant for parents. It helps to monitor the kids’ mobile 24/7 and even allows parents to set limits on kids’ phones.
Features
To do this, let us delve into the key elements of FlashGet Kids which help in mitigating the adverse effects of online board games for kids!
- App Blocker: With this feature, a parent can list apps or games they deem unfit for children. For example, those having some explicit content and block them easily as a result.
- Screen Mirroring: Parents can monitor their children’s screens while sitting on one couch. And can observe what they are doing on their mobile phones. For example, see them watching videos, playing games or using apps in real-time.
- Limiting Screen Time: Excessive screen time may divert kids from studies and may cause different problems. But with FlashGet Kid, you can put time limits during study or sleep hours. Therefore, it ensures that the children maintain a good routine. By reducing chances of screen addiction, poor sleeping habits, and less exercising.
Conclusion
In summary, integrating online board games into your child’s daily schedule will give different benefits. For example, interactive learning experience. intellectual development and fun at the same time. But you should watch what kids do digitally because too much screen time is harmful to them. This is why, you should think about having a FlashGet Kids app. So, as to give your child a healthier digital gaming experience.
