Board games have always been a great, inexpensive way for families to spend some quality time together, especially on those days when you’re all cooped up inside, whether it’s on a rainy day, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or you know, a global pandemic! Nevertheless, board games offer you and your kids a great way to have fun away from digital screens. Of all the different ones out there, there are a few that remain a staple in every home to this day.
The following are some of our favorite classic board games that you and your entire family can enjoy together.
Scrabble
Maybe it’s the nostalgia for simpler times, or perhaps it’s the satisfying feeling of seeing your opponent struggle to unscramble the letters they have at hand, whatever it is, there’s no denying that Scrabble is one of those games that stood the test of time. Whether it’s the board game version or one of its digital counterparts, your little ones will probably have a difficult time coming up with high-scoring words at some point during the game. By downloading an anagram-solver app on their phones, they can effectively unscramble the tiles they have at hand when playing these games and come up with long, sophisticated words that hit the jackpot! Not only will this keep the game going, but it will also help them expand their vocabulary in the process.
Clue
Solving murder mysteries never gets old. Your little ones will love playing detective with this suspense-filled board game where each player goes from room to room inside a mansion, trying to come up with convincing theories on who the murderer is and what weapon they used, while the others attempt to disprove their theory until someone finally solves the mystery. It’s the perfect game when you’re in the mood for a head-scratcher that keeps everybody on their toes.
Chutes and Ladders
In this game, kids who break the rules have to slide down long chutes while those who behave get to climb up the ladder of success. In that sense, Chutes and Ladders teach the youngsters about right and wrong, as well as rewards and consequences. This gives you a great opportunity to impart a little wisdom on your little ones without coming off as “too preachy.” Since they will only advance in the game based on good deeds, you can use this as a chance to engage in friendly conversation about how doing good things can help them and others in real life, but also how misbehaving can cause collective harm.
Connect Four
If your kids have a short attention span or they tend to get bored easily, then Connect Four might just be the game for you. It is short enough that you can play round after round without even realizing it, making it a great way to pass the time. Although it may look quite simple at first, the game is actually more challenging than it seems. A player has to observe their opponent’s moves and figure out how to block them to gain a competitive edge while studying the board to find the best winning tactics, all at the same time. Despite the short gameplay, Connect Four can keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
Chess
Chess requires a lot of logical thinking and strategizing. Even though it is the most challenging game on this list, chess will effectively teach your kids some crucial skills that go far beyond the board. From reinforcing their mathematical abilities and enhancing their problem-solving skills to improving their concentration and even raising their IQ, this is a game that will definitely make your little ones forget about their phones and video games as they’ll be too busy trying to figure out their next move.
Monopoly
Surely we can’t talk about classic board games and not mention the infamous Monopoly! Between today’s capitalist societies and complicated economies, no board game is better suited for us in this day and age than Monopoly. It helps the youngsters understand the basic concept of cash, forces them to do quick math, teaches them about property ownership, and illustrates economic inequality. Plus, Monopoly is known for bringing out everyone’s competitive spirit, which means that you won’t have to worry about your little ones getting bored anytime soon.
Finding non digital yet fun ways to keep your kids entertained can be challenging. If it’s been forever since you’ve gone out, then your kids are probably climbing the walls by now! Fortunately, there are plenty of classic board games that can engage both grownups and children alike. The list above includes some of the most popular board games that integrate various skills such as vocabulary and strategic thinking, and they cater to a wide age range. So order your favorites or dig them up from the back of that closet if you already have them, gather the whole family, and get ready to have some fun!
Speak Your Mind