47 Best Educational Board Games for Kids & Families (By Subject)
Educational board games are the best way to combine fun and learning!
In our homeschool journeyboard games have become an essential tool for teaching.
For over seven years nowwe’ve incorporated them into our daily lessonsturning what could be seen as “just playing” into valuable learning moments.
Board games have a special way of engaging kids in critical thinkingproblem-solvingand even social skillsall while they’re having a blast.
That’s why I wanted to share our favorite learning board games.
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Best Educational Board Games
These games are more than just entertaining; they’re designed to develop key academic skills in subjects like mathreadingand sciencewithout kids even realizing they’re learning!
With so many options out thereit can be hard to know where to start. SoI’ve made it easy by organizing the games into different subjects. Whether you’re looking to reinforce math facts or explore the world of sciencethere’s a game on this list that fits the bill.
At last countwe’ve tested over 47 different educational board games! But the list is always growingso if you know of a great game that’s not mentioned herefeel free to drop it in the comments belowI’d love to check it out and add it to the collection.
These games have transformed our homeschool daysand I’m confident they’ll bring the same joy and learning to your home or classroom too.
Sum Swamp Game
A math board game that combines basic arithmetic with an engaging swamp-themed adventure. Players roll dicenavigate through the swampand solve math problems to reach the end. It helps reinforce addition and subtraction skillsnumber recognitionand simple calculations in a fun and interactive way.This is one of our favorite top math board games for 5 year olds.
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Mathemagical World
A math board game that transports players into a whimsical world filled with magical creatures and challenges. It incorporates a range of math conceptssuch as additionsubtractionmultiplicationand divisioninto its gameplay. By completing math problems and solving puzzlesplayers strengthen their math skills while enjoying an enchanting adventure.
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Sums in Space
A game that takes players on an intergalactic journey while reinforcing additionsubtractionmultiplicationand division skills. Players solve math problems to move their spaceships across the game boardcollecting space treasures along the way.Download our free space counting worksheets too!
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Race to Planet X
Is one of our favorite number board games. Specifically designed for kindergarten-level math skillsit centers around addition and subtraction concepts. Players take turns tackling equations and advancing on the game boardoffering a thrilling space-themed adventure that allows kids to refine their fundamental math abilities. This engaging game transforms math learning into an exhilarating race to triumphfostering critical thinkingproblem-solvingand mathematical fluency along the way.
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Prime Climb
A game that combines strategyarithmeticand prime numbers. Players move their pawns along the board by rolling dice and strategically using number cards to reach the center of the board. By incorporating multiplicationdivisionand prime factorizationPrime Climb fosters a deeper understanding of number relationships and primesmaking math engaging and enjoyable.
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Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game
Is one of the best board games about money for young children. Players take turns collecting and exchanging coins to reach a specified target amount. The game helps develop important math skills such as recognizing and adding coin valuesunderstanding place valueand honing mental math abilities. Through hands-on gameplay and interactive money managementthe Money Bags Coin Value Game provides an enjoyable way for children to gain practical knowledge of money concepts.
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Yahtzee
A classic dice game that combines luck and strategic decision-making. Players roll a set of dice to create specific combinations and score points. With a focus on probability and statisticsYahtzee encourages players to analyze possible outcomesmake strategic choicesand calculate the best scoring opportunities. It provides a fun way to strengthen arithmetic skills and develop logical thinking.
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Proof!
A unique board game that challenges players to solve mathematical equations and build mathematical proofs. Players use numbered cards to construct valid equations and build logical arguments to prove their mathematical statements. This game promotes critical thinkinglogical reasoningand mathematical problem-solving skillsproviding an immersive and interactive experience for players of all ages.
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Adsumudi
A math game that focuses on multiplication skills. It is designed to make learning multiplication fun and engaging for children. Players solve multiplication problems and strategically place their number tiles on the game board to maximize their scores. Adsumudi aims to reinforce multiplication facts and improve mathematical fluency while offering an enjoyable gaming experience.Related: Free printable multiplication chart
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Monopoly
A classic board game of buyingsellingand strategic decision-making. Players move around the boardpurchasing propertiescollecting rentand making deals to accumulate wealth and bankrupt opponents. It provides a hands-on experience in money managementnegotiationand risk assessmentwhile also reinforcing basic arithmetic skills through transactions and calculations.
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Word for Word Phonics Game
An exciting board game designed to help kids develop phonics skills and expand their vocabulary. Through fun gameplay and word-building activitieschildren can improve their reading and spelling abilities while having a blast with friends or family.
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Blank Slate
A creative word association game where players strive to match their word choices with others. Each rounda prompt is revealedand players write down a word they associate with it. The catch is that players receive points only if their word matches with at least one other player'smaking this game a clever test of word connection and thinking.
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Dabble Word Game
A fast-paced and engaging family board game that challenges kids to create words using a set of letter tiles. With a limited amount of timeplayers must think quickly and strategically to form words of different lengthsearning points for their creations. It's a fantastic way for kids to enhance their vocabularyspellingand word recognition skills in an entertaining and competitive setting.
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P for Pizza
A fast-paced word-building game that challenges players to create words using letter cards and categories. Each roundplayers have a limited time to come up with a word starting with the designated letter and falling within the given category. With its competitive and time-sensitive gameplayP for Pizza stimulates quick thinkingvocabulary expansionand word recall skills.
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Upwords
A classic word game that adds a vertical dimension to the traditional crossword puzzle. Players strategically place letter tiles on the board to form wordswith the unique twist of being able to stack tiles on top of existing ones to create new words. Upwords encourages linguistic creativitycritical thinkingand spatial awareness as players expand their vocabulary while strategically building words in three dimensions.Related: Body systems crossword puzzle printable
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Boggle
A fast-paced word search game that challenges players to find as many words as possible within a grid of lettered dice. Players connect adjacent letters to form words of three letters or morewith longer words scoring more points. Boggle tests players' vocabularypattern recognitionand speed as they race against the clock to uncover words hidden within the jumble of letters.Related: Words within words worksheet
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Scrabble
A classic word game where players strategically form words on a game board using letter tiles with assigned point values. Players must utilize their vocabulary and strategic skills to maximize their scores by placing tiles on bonus squares and creating intersecting words. Scrabble promotes linguistic prowessstrategic planningand word-building abilities in an engaging and competitive setting.
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Bananagrams
A fast-paced and portable word game that challenges players to create interconnected word grids using letter tiles. Each player simultaneously builds their own crossword grid and continuously rearranges their tiles to accommodate new words. Bananagrams promotes quick thinkingvocabulary expansionand word manipulation skills as players race to be the first to use all their tiles and shout “Bananas!”
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Scattergories
A lively and challenging word game where players must brainstorm words that fit specific categories and start with a given letter within a limited time. Players race against the clock to come up with unique answersscoring points for originality. Scattergories encourages creative thinkingvocabulary recalland quick decision-making skills as players strive to outwit their opponents by generating the most unique and fitting words within the given constraints.
We love it so much we have created some printable Scattergories lists for this game.
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We love it so much we have created some printable Scattergories lists for this game.
Last Word
A dynamic and fast-paced word board game that challenges players to come up with words that fit specific categories and begin with a given letter. Players take turns in a timed fashionproviding words that match the criteria and beat the previous player's word. The objective is to be the last player to successfully come up with a word before time runs out. The Last Word stimulates quick thinkingword association skillsand competitive spiritmaking it an exciting and engaging word game option.
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Periodic
A strategic card game that introduces players to the periodic table of elements in a fun and interactive way. Each player takes on the role of a chemistaiming to collect sets of elements and create compounds. By strategically playing their element cards and utilizing special abilitiesplayers score points and compete to become the most successful chemist. Periodic offers an engaging way to learn about chemical elementstheir propertiesand their interactionswhile also encouraging strategic decision-making and competitive gameplay.
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Robot Turtles
An interactive and educational science board game that introduces kids to basic programming concepts in a fun and accessible way. By using colorful code cardsplayers guide their turtle-shaped robots through a mazeteaching them the fundamental principles of coding while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's a fantastic game that combines STEM learning with imaginative playallowing young minds to explore the exciting world of programming from an early age.
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Wildcraft!
A cooperative science board game that takes players on a herbal adventure through the meadows and forests. It teaches about medicinal plantstheir usesand the importance of cooperation and problem-solving.
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Valence Plus
A chemistry-themed board game that combines strategy and knowledge of chemical elements and compounds. Players take on the roles of atomsaiming to create stable molecules by bonding with other atoms. The game introduces concepts like valence electronsionic and covalent bondingand chemical formulasmaking it an entertaining way to learn about the building blocks of chemistry.
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Ion: A Compound Building Game
A chemistry-based board game where players compete to create compounds by strategically collecting and exchanging ion cards. By combining positive and negative ionsplayers form neutral compounds and score points. Ion provides an interactive and engaging way to learn about ion chargeschemical bondingand the formation of compoundswhile also promoting strategic thinking and decision-making.This is a great addition to your homeschool science curriculum.
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Power Failure
A science-themed card game where players act as energy engineers trying to restore power to a city hit by a blackout. The game challenges players to solve puzzlesanswer energy-related questionsand make strategic decisions to restore power. Through gameplayplayers learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sourcesconservationand the complexities of managing a power gridmaking it an educational and thought-provoking science game.
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Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Game
A fast-paced and hands-on logic game that challenges players to solve scientific experiments by transferring colorful molecules between test tubes. Players must rearrange the molecules in their test tubes to match the given challenge cardall while following specific rules. Dr. Eureka promotes critical thinkingdexterityand spatial reasoning skills as players race against each other to be the first to complete the experiment.
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The Genius Star
A puzzle-solving board game that challenges players to arrange colorful blocks to complete specific patterns shown on the challenge cards. Players must use their spatial reasoningproblem-solvingand logical thinking skills to find the correct combinations of blocks to create the desired patterns. The game offers a range of difficulty levelsmaking it suitable for players of different ages and skill levels. The Genius Star provides an engaging and brain-stimulating experience that encourages creativity and critical thinking.Related: Best puzzle books
Trekking The National Parks
A captivating geography board game that takes players on an adventure across iconic national parks in the United States. Players compete to visit different parkscollect trail stonesand take in the breathtaking beauty of nature. With its educational value and focus on geographyTrekking The National Parks allows players to learn about U.S. geographylandmarksand natural wonders while enjoying a strategic and immersive gameplay experience.Related: Best States of America games
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Guess in 10 Countries of The World
A fun and educational geography game where players ask yes or no questions to guess specific countries. With only 10 questions at their disposalplayers must use their knowledge of world geographylandmarksand cultural clues to deduce the country correctly. This game offers an engaging way to expand geographical knowledge and enhance critical thinking skills while providing an enjoyable guessing game experience.
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Continent Race
A geography board game that challenges players to travel across the continents by answering questions about countriescapitalsflagsand landmarks. Players navigate the game boardcollecting cards and racing to be the first to reach all the continents. Continent Race offers an interactive and educational gameplay experiencetesting players' knowledge of world geography and promoting cultural understanding.Related: Free continent worksheets
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The World Game
A comprehensive geography board game that covers various aspects of global knowledge. Players answer questions about countriescapitalsflagslandmarksand more as they travel around the world. With its diverse range of questions and interactive gameplayThe World Game offers an immersive and educational experience that encourages players to expand their knowledge of world geography and cultures.Related: Best map games
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Flags of The World Travel Game
A geography-based card game where players match flags to the countries they represent. Players race against each other to collect sets of flag cards while learning about different countries and their national symbols. The game promotes flag recognitiongeographical awarenessand cultural knowledgemaking it an engaging and informative game for geography enthusiasts.
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The Scrambled States of America Game
A delightful geography board game that brings the United States to life in a playful and educational way. Players race to match states' shapescapitalsand facts in a fast-paced and entertaining format. Through this gamekids learn about the 50 statestheir locationsand key informationwhile also enhancing their memory and cognitive skills. It's a fantastic game for fostering geographical knowledge and sparking curiosity about the vast and diverse United States.
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Camp Board Game
An adventure-filled geography game that takes kids on a virtual camping trip across different landscapes and habitats. As players navigate their way through forestsdesertsmountainsand morethey learn about various ecosystemslandmarksand geography facts. This engaging game not only teaches kids about different regions of the world but also promotes teamworkstrategic thinkingand an appreciation for the diversity of our planet.
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Ticket to Ride Board Game
While not solely focused on geographyTicket to Ride is a popular board game that involves building railway routes across different continents. Players collect train cards and strategically connect cities to earn points. Along the wayplayers learn about various citieslandmarksand geographical connections. Ticket to Ride combines strategyresource managementand geographymaking it a well-rounded game that sparks interest in global travel and exploration.Related: Ticket to Ride review
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Trekking Through History
An engaging history board game that takes players on a journey through timeexploring significant eventscivilizationsand historical landmarks. Players compete to visit different historical sites and collect artifacts while learning fascinating facts along the way. With its educational value and immersive gameplayTrekking Through History combines fun and learningallowing players to discover and appreciate the richness of world history.This is one of our favorite board gamesyou can read our Trekking through History review for more details.
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Chronology
A history-themed card game that challenges players to correctly place historical events in chronological order. Players must use their knowledge of history and critical thinking skills to determine the correct sequence of events. Chronology offers an entertaining and educational experience that deepens historical knowledgepromotes analytical thinkingand encourages players to make connections between different periods in history.
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Catan Histories: Settlers of America
A historical adaptation of the popular board game Catan. Players take on the roles of settlers in early Americaworking to build settlementstrade resourcesand expand their influence. The game incorporates historical elements and events from the development of the United Statesmaking it an engaging and educational experience that combines strategyresource managementand historical context.
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History of the World
An epic board game that spans the rise and fall of civilizations throughout history. Players take on the roles of different empires and guide them through different epochsmaking strategic decisions to expand their territories and compete for dominance. With its grand scale and historical depthHistory of the World offers an immersive and educational experience that allows players to relive and shape the course of human history.
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Carcassonne Board Game
A strategy board game where players take turns placing tiles to build a medieval landscape. They strategically deploy their followers (known as “meeples”) to claim citiesroadsmonasteriesand farms to score points. With its simple yet strategic gameplayCarcassonne offers a blend of tile-layingarea controland tactical decision-makingmaking it a beloved classic for strategy game enthusiasts.For more detailsyou can read our Carcassonne review.
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Pandemic Board Game
A cooperative strategy board game where players work together to stop the spread of deadly diseases around the world. Each player assumes a different role with unique abilities to treat infectionsshare knowledgeand discover cures. With its intense gameplay and emphasis on teamworkPandemic challenges players to strategizeprioritizeand coordinate actions to prevent a global catastropheproviding a thrilling and immersive strategic experience.You can read our Pandemic board game review for more info.
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Chess
A classic strategy board game that has been played for centuries. It involves two players maneuvering their pieces across a checkered board with the goal of capturing the opponent's king. Chess demands strategic thinkingplanningand foresight as players make calculated moves and anticipate their opponent's strategies. Known for its depth and complexityChess remains a timeless game that sharpens strategic skills and fosters a competitive spirit.
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Monopoly House Divided
A unique variation of the classic Monopoly game that puts a political twist on gameplay. Set in a politically divided countryplayers navigate the board by buying properties and making political choices that shape the nation's future. By incorporating political events and policiesMonopoly House Divided introduces players to civics concepts and encourages critical thinking about the impact of political decisions on society.
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Spin Doctor – The Card Game of Dirty Politics
Spin Doctor is a civics board game that delves into the world of political strategy and spin. Players take on the role of campaign managersmanipulating public opinionplaying dirty tricksand making strategic moves to win elections. With its focus on the complexities of political messaging and maneuveringSpin Doctor offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience that explores the dynamics of modern-day politics.
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Election Night!
A civics board game that simulates the excitement and strategy of a political campaign. Players compete to win electoral votes by strategizing campaign eventsdelivering speechesand earning the support of voters. With its focus on the electoral process and decision-makingElection Night! offers an engaging and educational experience that allows players to explore the intricacies of running a political campaign.Related: Free Election Day coloring pages.
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Trivial Pursuit Game
A classic trivia board game that covers various categories of general knowledgeincluding civics and politics. Players answer questions to progress across the game boardaiming to collect wedges in different categories. With its wide range of questionsTrivial Pursuit offers an opportunity to test and expand one's knowledge of civicsmaking it an enjoyable and educational game for those interested in politics and government.
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What are your favorite educational board games? Please let me know in the comments below.
Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown
Heya.
Board games are perfect in order to teach math skills. We love to play a fast paced timed game of Rummikub. Best wishes to you. I love your blog. We also try Monopoly Deal from time to time.
We start off typically with a untimed yet still rather quick practice round. This is done in addition to build up slowly. The kids do really have to think fast to win. So do us adults. I love it.
Every single winter I pull it out of a downstairs cupboard for us to play. Each player gets thirteen tiles to place slowly on a rack. I start off the game by placing one set on the table. We take it in turns to play each round as it happens.
This is the game for boosting their limited counting skills for sure. It is also a decent game overall. And I have found that it works to control the degree of boredom. Nothing else could be more ideal. Seriously. Recommended.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the blog and finding educational board games to be a great way to teach math skills. Rummikub and Monopoly Deal are excellent choices! Your approach of starting with an untimed practice round and gradually increasing the pace is a fantastic way to make the learning process enjoyable for both kids and adults. It sounds like a fun and engaging way to boost counting skills and keep boredom at bay during the winter months. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendations – they’re sure to be helpful for others looking to incorporate education into their family game nights. Keep having fun and learning through play!