The best board games for 7 year olds offer not only an exciting and engaging way to pass the time but also a multifaceted approach to learning.
They strike the perfect balance between fun and education, helping children develop cognitive skills, social interaction, and strategic thinking.
Here’s a list of our top board game picks that make learning an absolute joy for 7 year olds (hint: they’re fun too!).
What are the Best Board Games for 7 Year Olds?
| Game Name | Price | # of Players | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket to Ride: First Journey | $26.99 | 2-4 | 15-30 mins | Easy |
| Catan Junior | $27.99 | 2–4 | 30 mins | Medium |
| Ice Cool | $25.00 | 2-4 | 20 mins | Medium |
| Robot Turtles | $19.99 | 2-5 | 15-30 mins | Medium |
| My First Carcassonne | $23.99 | 2-4 | 20-30 mins | Easy |
| Outfoxed! | $17.99 | 2-4 | 20-30 mins | Easy |
| Forbidden Island | $20.99 | 2-4 | 30 mins | Medium |
| Guess Who? | $14.99 | 2 | 20 mins | Easy |
| The Game of Life: Junior | $13.99 | 2-4 | 30-45 mins | Easy |
| Qwirkle | $18.99 | 2-4 | 45 mins | Medium |
Tips for Picking Board Games for 7 Year Olds
| 1. Consider the Learning Aspect: Choose games that offer educational value, helping in developing skills like critical thinking, strategy, and basic math. |
| 2. Assess the Fun Factor: Opt for games that are engaging and entertaining, keeping the child’s interest alive throughout the game. |
| 3. Check the Game Duration: Select games that are neither too short nor too long, ideally those that fit into a 7-year-old’s attention span. |
| 4. Review the Difficulty Level: Pick games that are challenging yet not too complex, striking a balance between being thought-provoking and accessible. |
| 5. Check out our post: on how to choose the right board game based on age. |
Best Board Games for 7 Year Olds – Our Top Picks
1. Ticket to Ride: First Journey
Price: $26.99
Summary:
This is a personal favourite – our kids ask to play this at least once a week.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a child-friendly adaptation of the popular adult game Ticket to Ride. It takes players on an adventure across the country, connecting cities and building train routes to claim tickets and win.
Key Features:
- Simple and easy-to-understand rules
- Develops strategic thinking and planning
- Encourages geographical knowledge enhancement
- Colorful and engaging design
Bottom Line:
Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a standout choice in the best board games for 7 year olds, combining education with enthralling gameplay, and making geography a thrilling journey.
2. Catan Junior
Price: $27.99
Summary:
Catan Junior transforms the core concept of the timeless Catan board game, molding it for younger explorers. Players become pirates who build hideouts around the island of Catan.
They utilize collected resources to create ships, expand territories, and acquire Coco the Parrot cards for unique perks, all to become the most influential pirate with the most hideouts.
Our kids are obsessed with buying CoCo the Parrot cards above all other options on their turns! Great family fun this one and a gateway to the ever-popular adult version Settlers of Catan.
Key Features of Catan Junior:
- User-friendly Gameplay: Simplified game rules make it a fit for younger participants, aiding them in understanding the game’s strategies and goals quickly.
- Interactive Experience: Promotes trade and negotiation among players, enhancing social interaction and strategic thinking.
- Attractive Theme: The captivating pirate theme and vibrant design are bound to keep players intrigued and entertained.
- Development of Strategy: While designed for the younger audience, it promotes the cultivation of planning and strategic thought.
Bottom Line:
Catan Junior stands out among the best board games for 7 year olds, offering a mix of entertainment, interaction, and strategic play.
It acts as a great gateway to board gaming, delivering an educative and entertaining venture that stimulates young intellects.
3. Ice Cool
Price: $25.00
Summary:
Ice Cool is a dynamic dexterity game where players flick their penguins around a 3D school board, collecting fish while avoiding the hall monitor.
Key Features:
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Offers unlimited replay value
- Encourages creativity with flicking techniques
- Provides interactive and kinetic gameplay
Bottom Line:
For those looking for best board games for 7 year olds that blend action and strategy, Ice Cool makes learning physically interactive and endlessly amusing.
4. Robot Turtles
Price: $19.99
Summary:
Robot Turtles is an inspiring game that introduces the basics of coding. Players instruct their turtles to move through a maze, developing programming logic as they play.
Key Features:
- Introduces programming fundamentals
- Encourages logical thinking and problem-solving
- Offers scalable difficulty levels
- Supports learning through playful interaction
Bottom Line:
Robot Turtles stands out among the best board games for 7 year olds by turning coding into a playful and educational adventure, sparking interest in STEM fields.
5. My First Carcassonne
Price: $23.99
Summary:
My First Carcassonne simplifies the classic game, allowing young players to place tiles and complete roads. It’s all about strategy and spatial reasoning, with easy-to-grasp mechanics.
Key Features:
- Enhances spatial awareness and planning
- Develops tactical thinking
- Offers visually appealing design
- Provides straightforward gameplay for young minds
Bottom Line:
My First Carcassonne, a gem among the best board games for 7 year olds, makes strategy and spatial reasoning accessible and entertaining, paving the way for advanced gameplay.
6. Outfoxed!
Price: $17.99
Summary:
Outfoxed! is a cooperative whodunit game. Players work together to gather clues and deduce which fox stole the pie, honing their memory and deduction skills.
Key Features:
- Enhances memory and deduction skills
- Encourages cooperative play and teamwork
- Features engaging and kid-friendly theme
- Offers varying levels of challenge and intrigue
Bottom Line:
Outfoxed! offers an engaging journey into the world of deduction and cooperation, making it a go-to choice for the best board games for 7 year olds seeking mystery and collaboration.
7. Forbidden Island
Price: $20.99
Summary:
Forbidden Island is a cooperative strategy game where players work together to collect treasures from an sinking island, enhancing their strategic and teamwork skills.
Key Features:
- Promotes cooperative and strategic thinking
- Introduces risk management concepts
- Offers high replay value with variable island layouts
- Features captivating artwork and components
Bottom Line:
In the realm of the best board games for 7 year olds, Forbidden Island stands out by offering a thrilling cooperative experience packed with strategy and excitement.
8. Guess Who?
Price: $14.99
Summary:
Guess Who? is a classic guessing game where players ask yes or no questions to deduce their opponent’s character, sharpening their logical thinking and questioning skills.
Key Features:
- Develops logical thinking and deduction
- Enhances questioning and reasoning skills
- Offers quick and engaging rounds
- Features diverse characters and lively illustrations
Bottom Line:
Guess Who? remains a timeless pick among the best board games for 7 year olds, turning deduction and logic into a lively and thought-provoking game.
9. The Game of Life: Junior
Price: $13.99
Summary:
The Game of Life: Junior offers younger players a glimpse into the adult world, making decisions and earning stars through exciting life paths.
Key Features:
- Introduces life decision-making concepts
- Encourages financial literacy and planning
- Offers varied paths and outcomes
- Features vibrant and relatable themes
Bottom Line:
The Game of Life: Junior is a top choice for the best board games for 7 year olds, turning life’s choices and paths into an engaging and educational experience.
10. Qwirkle
Price: $18.99
Summary:
Qwirkle is a colorful, strategic game of pattern matching. Players create rows and columns of matching colors or shapes, developing strategic thinking and visual perception.
Key Features:
- Enhances color and shape recognition
- Develops strategic planning and foresight
- Encourages pattern recognition and formation
- Offers endless gameplay possibilities
Bottom Line:
Qwirkle stands out by blending simplicity with deep strategy, making it one of the best board games for 7 year olds for developing visual perception and strategic thinking.
Understanding the Benefits of Board Games for 7 Year Olds
Playing board games is not just a source of entertainment, but it can also offer a multitude of benefits for 7 year olds. Engaging in these activities can aid in the development of critical thinking, enhance cognitive skills, and promote emotional intelligence. They can learn to follow rules, wait their turn, and handle wins or losses gracefully.
The Role of Educational Board Games
The best board games for 7 year olds often have an educational twist, integrating learning with play. These games can help in sharpening memory, improving concentration, and acquiring new knowledge, making learning an enjoyable and interactive experience. Look for games that align with your child’s interests and educational needs, whether it’s math, science, vocabulary, or history.
Encouraging Social Interaction and Cooperation
Board games are an excellent way to foster social skills. They require interaction, communication, and sometimes, teamwork. This can be particularly beneficial for 7 year olds, teaching them the importance of cooperation, sharing, and understanding others’ perspectives. Games that encourage conversation and collaboration can help in developing empathy and social understanding.
Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Game Night
When introducing the best board games for 7 year olds, ensure the environment is conducive to focus and enjoyment. Limit distractions, clarify the rules, and be patient. Encourage positive behavior and sportsmanship. Don’t shy away from joining in; playing together can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Keep snacks handy and ensure the gaming area is comfortable and well-lit.
Diversifying the Game Shelf: Mixing Genres and Types
Having a variety of games can keep the excitement alive. Mix genres and include strategy games, word games, and adventure games. Introduce different types, from card games to board games to role-playing games. This diversification not only keeps the interest piqued but also ensures a well-rounded development of various skills and learning areas.
Final Thoughts
The best board games for 7 year olds are those that combine education with entertainment, providing opportunities for learning, development, and fun. These games cover a range of skills and subjects, from STEM to strategy, ensuring that every 7-year-old can find a game that suits their interests and learning needs. Whether it’s uncovering mysteries, building strategies, or learning life skills, these games promise enriching experiences and endless enjoyment.
