This is part of our series on board games by age. For more check out our comprehensive guide to picking board games for kids.
We love playing games with kids of all ages, but picking board games for 8 year olds is particularly exciting, because our picks for 8 year olds start to include some of our all time favorite board games and some of the best games you’ll ever play.
We believe that board games provide opportunities for kids of all ages to have fun and practice skills, like critical thinking, deductive reasoning, fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, pattern recognition and decision making. Picking that right board games for kids, based on their age is important to make sure they are having the best possible experience that is challenging, interactive, and engaging.
And although none of us like to see our kids getting older, one of the perks to them aging is that you can start to introduce kids to slightly higher complexity, longer length, and different tones of board games – making it possible to start playing games that are just as fun for you as they are for them and might even stay in your rotation for the rest of your life.
This is because, when kids get closer to double figures, they’re capable of a lot more than in previous years. They’re able to multitask better, understand strategy games more, be capable of making wise choices and understand the reasoning behind them. They’re still kids and won’t necessarily be able to keep up with you in Twilight Imperium, of course, but any of the the tabletop games on our list below aren’t just great board games for 8 year olds, but can be excellent board games for anyone.
Top Board Games For 8 Year Olds
Below is a mixture of the family board games that we recommend for kids ages eight and up. There is a wide variety included so there should hopefully be something for everyone!
Sushi Go!
By: Gamewright Players: 2-5 Time: 15 Minutes
Become the ultimate sushi master! Create the best dishes possible as the ingredients whiz by in this fast-paced pick-and-pass game that will leave you hungry for more!
Sushi Go! Is a play-and-pass game where players must use the highest-scoring cards in an ever-changing hand to gain the most points each turn. Playtime isn’t long at all and the game is only played over three rounds, so it’s great if you’re short on time but need something to do. Players start with a train and track card which is used to keep score, then shuffle the sushi cards and place them face down.
At the start of each round, the sushi cards are dealt evenly to each player. In games with more players, they’ll receive fewer cards each but the same works the other way round. Everyone takes their turn simultaneously and must lay a card from their hand face down.
Once everyone has done this the cards are revealed, and players pass their remaining cards to the player to their left. Players will continue to lay cards and pass hands until nobody has any cards left. After this, the scoring is calculated. Laying multiple sets of the same card will gain a player more points and, in some cases, is crucial to score any points at all.
Players then announce their scores, adjust their track, discard all cards used in that round, and start again with cards left in the sushi deck. After three rounds, the player with the most points overall is the winner.
Easy to get to grips with, Sushi Go! is fun and frantic with a small learning curve and relies on a mixture of luck, strategic thinking, and probability. You’ll certainly get your fill with this food-based game!
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Unstable Unicorns
By: Breaking Games Players: 2-8 Time: 30-45 minutes
Who needs friends when you can have unicorns? But these aren’t just your typical unicorns! With over twenty different kinds, all with special powers, use them to help build an army and become the ruler of all things magical!
Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game about two things: Unicorns and Destruction! The aim of the game is to get seven unicorns into your stable. Players start the game with five cards and place the deck face down in the middle of everyone. They then choose and place a Baby Unicorn in front of them in their “Stable” and place the rest in a stack, known as the Nursery, next to the main deck.
Each turn players will draw and play cards, trying their best to accumulate the seven Unicorns they need in their stable to win the game. There are many different kinds of cards, most of which have an effect that can impact gameplay and other players’ Unicorns. There are Upgrade cards, for example, which grant positive effects and can be played in anyone’s stable, whilst Downgrade cards can be played in another player’s stable and have a negative effect on that player.
Instant cards can be played at any time and can disrupt a Magic card or Downgrade card from impacting that player. Knowing when and how to play the various types of cards and utilising the Unicorn’s special magical abilities will make all the difference between winning and losing.
Unstable Unicorns is a fun, fast paced game with creative and sometimes hilarious artwork. It can work as a party game since you can play with up to eight players. The board game relies on strategy and luck in equal measure and the more players the better. With all the expansions available you’ll be battling it out with dozens of crazy “Unicorns” for some time!
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Pebble Rock Delivery Service
By: Stone Valley Games Players: 2-4 Time: 20-40 minutes
Adventure awaits with the Pebble Rock Delivery Service, where you and your fellow players are the captains of delivery boats, tasked with the mission of transporting goods across the perilous Pebble Rock Sea. Navigate your way through treacherous waters, avoid sea creatures, and deliver your cargo to the eager island inhabitants.
This family-friendly board game combines strategy with a dash of luck, as players plot their courses on the high seas, aiming to be the most efficient and savvy captain. Each turn, players will choose between drawing cards for navigation, moving their boat, or completing deliveries, each action presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. The game board is beautifully illustrated, depicting the diverse islands and various sea creatures that might either help or hinder your voyage.
Pebble Rock Delivery Service stands out with its simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics, making it an excellent choice for younger players while still providing enough depth to keep adults entertained. With quick setup times and dynamic playthroughs, it’s a game that can easily become a go-to for game nights and family gatherings. Be prepared to set sail, outwit your opponents, and become the most renowned captain on the Pebble Rock Sea!
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Draftosaurus
By: Ankama Players: 2-5 Time: 15-20 minutes
Draftosaurus is a fast-paced, dinosaur-themed drafting game that brings fun and strategy together for the whole family. In Draftosaurus, your goal is to create the most appealing dinosaur park to attract guests. Each player starts with a park board and a set of dinosaur meeples are placed in the middle. Players then select a dinosaur from their hand to place in their park, trying to fulfill the placement requirements that vary in each area of the park to score maximum points.
The game is played over two rounds, with players passing their remaining dinosaurs to the left in the first round and to the right in the second round, adding a strategic layer to which dinosaurs you choose to keep and pass. Adding to the challenge, a die is rolled at the start of each turn that restricts which area of your park you can place your dinosaurs in, making every turn a thoughtful decision between optimizing your current selection or planning ahead for future rounds.
Draftosaurus is wonderfully illustrated and its quick gameplay makes it highly replayable, appealing to both younger kids, and adults alike. The simple mechanics hide a deep strategic layer, making each game a new challenge. Whether you’re aiming to create a ferocious carnivore section or a gentle herbivore haven, Draftosaurus will bring roaring fun to your family game night!
Read our full Draftosaurus Game Review here.
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Kingdomino
By: Blue Orange Players: 2-4 Time: 15 minutes
Dominoes with a regal twist! Take up the role of a lord looking to claim new lands and expand their kingdom. Whoever gains the most points and rules over the most prosperous kingdom will be declared the winner!
Kingdomino is a great game for kids who aren’t big on games with lots of rules and don’t want to sit for too long. Most people have played dominoes so the rules should be familiar, but there’s obviously a bit of a twist to this game! The tiles are split down the middle like regular dominoes but rather than matching numbers, players connect matching types of terrain like wheat fields, lakes, and mountains.
The first tile laid down needs to connect around the 3-d castle for the player and each subsequent tile needs to either connect to the castle or another tile with a matching landscape. The objective of the game is to create a 5×5 grid and score the most points from the tiles that have been laid down. Scoring is simple, the longer the connection the better as this will result in more points…if those tiles also have crowns on them.
Some tiles will have crowns on them and when adding up scores, you multiply the number of crowns by the number of connecting tiles. If the connection has no crowns on them, regardless of length the player will receive no points for that tile set. This creates an element of light strategy when laying tiles and deciding how to place them. There is also a healthy amount of luck in the game too!
Players will be drafting tiles each turn to make up their kingdom and depending on the order in which the tiles were selected, it could impact the turn order for everyone. With new tiles being selected from the shuffled stack, it’s random which tiles will be available for the next turn so players will need to be adaptable with their approach and have a plan B set aside!
An easy game to get into that players can enjoy for it’s simplicity, but older players can enjoy it for the strategic elements. A great pick-up and put-down game if you have a short amount of time to kill this is perfect.
Check out our full review here
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Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
By: USAopoly (The Op) Players: 2-4 Time: 30-60 minutes
Immerse yourself in the world of wizardry and magic with Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle, a cooperative deck-building game that allows up to four players to become their favorite characters from the Harry Potter series. Step into the shoes of Harry, Hermione, Ron, or Neville as you work together to protect Hogwarts from dark forces, including He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his relentless Death Eaters. Throughout the game, players will build a more powerful deck of cards, representing iconic spells, magical items, and influential characters that will aid in quests to secure locations and defeat villains.
The game is played across seven adventures, mirroring the seven books in the series, each increasing in difficulty and complexity as you move forward. This structure offers a progressive challenge that also narratively unfolds the story of Harry Potter in a unique interactive experience. With each adventure, new cards are introduced, simulating the characters’ growth and the escalating challenges they face.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle is celebrated for its engaging mechanics, faithful adherence to the source material, and its appeal to both seasoned gamers and newcomers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or simply enjoy a solid cooperative game, Hogwarts Battle offers a magical experience filled with strategy, suspense, and the unmistakable charm of the wizarding world.
Check out our full review here
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Ticket To Ride
By: Days of Wonder Players: 2-5 Time: up to 30-60 minutes
Lay down tracks across the US and connect North American cities across a map representing the continent in the 20th century. The longest routes earn players the most points in this elegantly stylish game.
In this cross-country train adventure, players compete to connect different cities by laying claim to railway routes across North America. The game is played on a board representing the continent, with train lines connecting various destinations. Players will start the game with three destination cards and a hand of four train cards. The rest are placed face down, with five face-up next to the deck.
On a players turn they have several actions they can choose to perform, but can only carry out one. If a player has train cards that match a route on the map, they can lay these down to claim it and place their miniature trains on the spaces on the board.
The longer the route is, the more points a player scores. If a route can’t be claimed then a player can draw train cards. They can take two of the cards from the deck or the face-up cards to add to their hand. If it’s the latter, this is done one at a time as any face-up card claimed must be replaced by one from the deck.
Players may also draw destination cards. These represent long-spanning routes which, if completed, will net the player more points than completing a regular route. These are kept secret from the rest of the players until the game ends.
Once a player is down to two or less mini-trains, this signifies the game is ending and everyone gets one final turn. Points are then calculated and destination tokens will either bolster a player’s score or detract from it if they couldn’t complete the route in time. The player with the highest score wins.
An aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-learn game: Ticket to Ride has seen great acclaim and many different variations over the years. It’s highly enjoyable for all ages, and helps players learn a bit of geography along the way too!
Check out our full review here
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Zombie Teenz Evolution
By: Scorpion Masqué Players: 2-4 Time: 20-30 minutes
Amid the chaos of a world under siege by zombies, Zombie Teenz Evolution transforms the zombie apocalypse into a fun, fast-paced game that’s perfect for families and younger players. In this cooperative game, players work together as teen heroes defending their town from waves of zombies, striving to collect the necessary ingredients for an antidote that will save the world.
Unlike many other traditional board games, and card games, Zombie Teenz Evolution incorporates elements of progressive gameplay akin to a video game. The game evolves and grows as you play, with new rules and components introduced in sealed envelopes as you achieve specific objectives. This not only adds an element of surprise but encourages continuous play and engagement as players are eager to see what twists and challenges await them.
The importance of teamwork shines brightly in Zombie Teenz Evolution, as players must strategize and communicate effectively to fend off the zombie horde and secure the ingredients they need. Its engaging mechanics, ease of learning, and dynamic game play make Zombie Teenz Evolution a standout game for engaging young players in strategic thinking and cooperation, all while having a blast doing it.
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King of Tokyo
By: Iello Players: 2-6 Time: 30 minutes
Mutant monsters, gigantic robots, and strange aliens – all out to take over Tokyo. Become victorious by destroying the city or survive long enough against the vicious foes battling for dominance.
In King of Tokyo, players take on the role of a Kaiju trying to take over the titular city and claim dominance amongst the others trying to do the same. Players choose their favorite monster from an assortment of six (with more purchasable in expansions) and take a cardboard figure and monster board, which is where health and victory points are tracked.
The game board is very simple: it consists of Tokyo, and Tokyo Bay. A player must always be in Tokyo whilst the rest are off the board. On a players turn, they roll several dice and use the results to determine their possible actions. Players will be able to attack others if they roll claw marks, but only if they are in different locations.
The player in Tokyo for example, will be able to attack those off the board and vice versa. If the player in Tokyo is hurt and wants to retreat they can do so, but the next player must then occupy the city. If a player is off-board and rolls hearts, they will then be able to heal that many health points, but unfortunately those in Tokyo can’t heal at all.
Energy cubes work as currency and allow players to buy upgrade cards for their monster. This is one of my favourite aspects of the game as there are tons of uniquely illustrated cards that grant players buffs or bonuses to gameplay. This adds a lot of replayability as it’s rare that you’ll get the same card in two different playthroughs. If a player rolls at least three of one number, they will gain that many victory points and an extra point for any extra dice over three.
The winner is the first player to accumulate twenty victory points, or be the last monster standing. It’s a very straightforward game and doesn’t take long to learn, but understanding the subtle strategic elements are important to securing victory. When your Kaiju is low on health, for example, it’s important to know when to flee Tokyo and lick your wounds and when to stand your ground.
With it’s simple rules, relatively short playtime, entertaining aesthetics, and the promise of controlling a giant space penguin or royalty-free King Kong, this is the perfect game to keep kids entertained and have them coming back for more!
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Wandering Towers
By: Capstone Games Players: 1-6 Time: 30 minutes
In this great game for kids and tweens, tactics and whimsy combine to keep the whole family entertained. Players take on the role of wizards and move around a world filled with magic potions and towers that move, interacting and thinking strategically all while having fun. The theme centers around students at a wizard school who have procrastinated and are late for their final exam. Players will need to race to get all their wizards to Ravenskeep and to refill all their empty potion bottle on the way – first one to complete these tasks wins!
Great for family game night or as a filler between heavier games. The box also comes with a variety of magic powers that can be shuffled up to add variety to your games. The game rules also include instructions for solo and cooperative modes, so you can dial in whatever experience works best for your child and family – but we like racing against each other best – trapping each others wizards and trying to get ours into the keep first.
In addition to the great gameplay the game has great theme and components – sturdy towers and colorful wizard figures that add to the visual experience. It’s the kind of game that, when it’s set up on the table, everyone that passes will be drawn in, asking to jump in and play the next round. Only downside is the size of the box, compared to the complexity of the game, but that is not a deal breaker for me and you shouldn’t sweat it. This is a great way to expand your collection for this age group, or anyone who plays with a variety of different skill levels.
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Conclusion: Spend More Time Playing Board Games
From cooperative gameplay to strategic monsters and sleeping royalty, these family board games offer a variety of options for engaging young players in fun, educational experiences. Whether it’s working together to save the world from zombies or using strategy and luck to awaken enchanted queens, these games are sure to entertain and ignite the imagination of children and adults alike. So gather your family and friends, roll the dice, and embark on an adventure that will keep you coming back for more. So go ahead and add these fun board games to your collection – you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What ages are these board games suitable for?
A: These games are primarily designed for children aged ages 8 and up. However, with parental guidance, younger children might also enjoy them, particularly Sleeping Queens due to its simple math and engaging fairy tale theme.
Q: Can these family board games be played in a competitive adult setting?
A: Absolutely! While these games are designed with younger players in mind, their strategic elements, particularly in King of Tokyo, can provide a fun and competitive experience for adults as well.
Q: How long does it take to learn these board games?
A: Each board game has a relatively short learning curve. Zombie Teenz Evolution and Sleeping Queens can be learned in about 10 minutes, while King of Tokyo might take a bit longer due to its strategic depth, but generally no more than 15 minutes.
Q: Are expansions available for these board games?
A: Yes, King of Tokyo has several expansions that add new monsters and powers, enhancing the game’s replayability. Currently, there are no expansions for Zombie Teenz Evolution and Sleeping Queens, but the base games themselves offer significant replay value.
Q: Where can I purchase these board games?
A: These family board games can be found at most board game retailers, both physical and online. They are also available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
Q: Do these family board games support educational and language development?
A: Yes, all three games encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving, spatial awareness, motor skills and in the case of Sleeping Queens, basic arithmetic. They are designed to challenge the mind in a playful and engaging manner.