I come from a board game family. Friday nights were for board games and lots of laughs, but it wasn’t really until the age of four that my son started having an interest in them. Naturally we started with Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders. But, soon, I realized that these games required a lot more attention to detail and while it was educational to count the colored spaces to the right square, he didn’t really love it. And neither did I. Maybe we will try again at age five.

Board Games for the Family

SOGGY DOG

We’ve probably seen the TV ad for this board game about 20 times. To me, it looked like one word: MESSY. Finally, one hot summer day, we decided to purchase it. We laughed and laughed as we each took a turn spinning the bathtub knob until the dog shook and shook. It was easy enough for my 2 year old to understand and silly enough to keep their attention and interest for a good 45 minutes. 

Set up time: Two minutes, bring a beach towel

Durations: 30 minutes-1 hour

Objective: You roll the dice and set your player token on whatever color that was rolled. You can either land on a bone or a paw. With the “paw,” you pump water and with the “bone,” you turn the knob. Each time the knob is turned is a chance to have the dog start to shake! It takes anywhere from five to seven turns.

TOILET TROUBLE

Whoever thought of this game is seriously twisted; however it was worth every penny (about $14) for how it makes my kids giggle and light up.

Set up time: One minute; again, get a beach towel.

Durations: 15-30 minutes

Objective: Spin the wheel (toilet paper roll) to see how many flushes your turn receives; certain flushes will spray you in the face with toilet water. Ew! 

BARREL OF MONKEYS

This is the best game to have at restaurants and on the go because it keeps them busy and it’s easy to pick up. 

Set up time: None really.Pick-up time takes longer, especially if pieces get lost!

Duration: 20-30 minutes or less 

Objective: Connect monkeys!

MOUSETRAP

We haven’t played this one yet, but my girlfriend who is a mother of three says it’s a hit in her home! She also said this was a game that has brought up issues of sensitivity about losing. Of course, board games also provide a safe space to learn about what it means to lose, what feelings we have when we lose (and win), and how to cope with and through them. Check out her article here on how to be a “gracious loser.”

Set up time: Five minutes or less. Just have to put lots of things together, which kids are semi-helpful with!

Objective: To collect six pieces of cheese and make a full wheel of cheese. 

FLOOR PUZZLES

Best quality brand: Crocodile Creek 

These be found at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. We have three, and although they are getting a tad bit “easy” for my 4-year-old, they still challenge him. Although we’ve had them for over a year, they look brand new and continue to be an activity we do weekly, both independently and as a family. They also come in sturdy cardboard boxes which make them the perfect puzzle.