Playing board games is our great passion. We started playing games with our children at an early age. My parents are also enthusiastic board game players and have always brought back new treasures. I would like to continue this tradition and have compiled a list of our favorite games for children aged 8 and up here:
Board games for children aged 8 and up
Carcassonne
This strategy game was Game of the Year in 2001 and is a really good game for children and adults. Furthermore, it is finally a game that you can also play very well with two people. Of course, it is much more fun with more players because there is much more interaction.
Sequence of play
With every turn, the medieval map grows and you have to decide again and again whether you want to place your followers in a lucrative area. Because caution is advised here; it can happen that the painstakingly built city is suddenly merged with the neighbor's small city and you receive no points for it. The winner is the one who was able to snatch the most points.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-5
Buying tip
This game is available in toy stores or on Amazon: Carcassonne
Extra tip: I can highly recommend the following expansions:
1st expansion "Inns & Cathedrals"
2nd expansion "Traders & Builders"
The Game of Life
Just like in real life, you have to make decisions here and some things just happen. A really fun game where you drive your car along the road of life, choose a career, start a family, and have to juggle unforeseen events.
Sequence of play
Everyone gets a car, a peg that serves as a figure, and starting capital in money. By rolling the dice, you drive along the road and have to carry out the respective events on the field. Just like in real life, you receive your regular salary and have to decide whether to take out insurance or choose stocks.
Age
Ages 8 and up
Players
2-6
Buying tip
I would definitely recommend the original, which unfortunately is only available second-hand: Ebay or willhaben.at or possibly also on Amazon: The Game of Life
Inkognito – Agent Meeting in Venice
This is my absolute favorite game. Admittedly, the instructions are not that easy at first, but believe me, it pays off. Here, the partner must be found and a mission fulfilled, all without presenting yourself too openly. Brilliant!
Sequence of play
In this game, it's about finding your partner first and fulfilling a mission together with them. Everyone gets their own cards where they learn their identity and part of their mission. During the game, you have to keep trying to meet other players in Venice to exchange cards. Always note these exchanged cards well; perhaps the other person will make a mistake and you will recognize which identity is hidden behind the other. Wonderful for all secret agents and logicians.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-4
Buying tip
Unfortunately, this game is no longer available new. Here I recommend looking out for flea markets or online on platforms for second-hand items. On Amazon, there are also always used versions available: Inkognito – Agent Meeting in Venice
Heimlich & Co.
The 1986 Game of the Year is a nice game for the whole family. Agents hunt through the city here, but who is who? Who camouflages themselves best and can win?
Sequence of play
Each player draws an agent card and thus has their ‘own’ agent on the board, but shh, that must not be revealed, otherwise the other agents will move you onto houses with no points or even with negative points. When an agent stops on the house with the safe, the points are awarded. Tactics are required here: how do you win without attracting attention?
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-7
Buying tip
This game is hardly available in toy stores anymore, or perhaps still on Amazon
Mankomania
Spending as much money as possible once in a lifetime – a dream? Not in this game; here the goal is to squander all the money, but it is made as difficult as possible for you.
Sequence of play
Every player is a bottle – that had to be! – and gets a lot of money. Now you roll the dice and move from field to field and try to spend the money as quickly as possible: lottery, casino, horse racing – everything is allowed.
Age
Age 10 and up
Players
2-4
Buying tip
The game is available on Amazon
The Settlers of Catan
This game is rightly the 1995 Game of the Year and also won the German Game Prize in 1995. Here, skill and strategic thinking are required.
Sequence of play
This game is about harvesting as many resources as possible, because this allows small villages to be converted into large cities. At the beginning, you can place your house on the resources of your choice and must hope that the point number is rolled as often as possible, because only then are there resources that you can in turn use for building. The winner is the one who can accumulate the most points.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-4
Buying tip
You can buy The Settlers of Catan in any toy store or on Amazon: The Settlers of Catan
Extra tip: I can also recommend the expansion 'The Settlers of Catan – Seafarers' to you. In my opinion, the best expansion.
Crazy Race
A friend recommended this animal race to me and I have to say, it is really well done. In this game, it depends on the right tactics, but be careful, you think you are the winner because you have already run far ahead, well, that can go wrong if the other animals then unpack their victory points. Really brilliant, we really like playing it.
Sequence of play
The goal is to get your animal to the finish line first, but that is not so easy; you have to skillfully choose cards that either bring advantages when drawing or promise valuable victory points. You also have to be careful when rolling the dice; the sum that is on the current card must not be exceeded. And does it really make sense to be the first to cross the stage finish line? A lot has to be considered here and tactics sometimes have to be changed.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-5
Buying tip
You can buy Crazy Race in every toy store or on Amazon: Crazy Race
Adel verpflichtet (Hoity Toity)
Very funny game, which often proceeds unexpectedly. You are unsuspectingly holding an exhibition when a thief comes and steals your most precious collectible.
Sequence of play
The players receive hand cards with which they must interact, as well as collectibles. In each round, everyone plays simultaneously and you have to decide WHERE you play and WHAT you do. The WHERE options are: castle or auction house, and the WHAT options are: buy an object, put on an exhibition, play a thief or a detective. The winner is the one who sits furthest forward at the dinner table.
Age
Ages 12 and up
Players
2-5
Buying tip
The game is available in toy stores or on Amazon
Bohnanza
Brilliant game and one of our favorite games. Here, skill and well-planned tactics are required. Even more fun with more players!
Sequence of play
Everyone gets different bean fields in their hand, which they are allowed to plant on their 2 fields. But be careful, only the beans that you are also planting on your field may be laid out. So it can happen that you really want to get rid of one bean or another because your bean field is currently blooming magnificently with other beans. A lot of trading and discussion is allowed here. Wonderfully communicative and funny game, which promotes combining and planning.
Age
ages 12 and up
Players
3-5
Buying tip
You can buy Bohnanza or the expansions in all toy stores, or on Amazon: Bohnanza – Card Game
Skyjo
Funny game where you have to do a little math. There are simple rules and it can be played very quickly.
Sequence of play
Each player gets 12 cards, which they place face down in front of them. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table as a draw pile, the first card is turned over. Each player may turn over 2 cards in a pool. Then it starts, either you take the one card from the discard pile and swap it with one of your cards (regardless of whether it is already turned over or still face down) or you draw a card from the pile and also swap this with one of your cards. The goal is to make as few points as possible, so you have to remove your high cards from your deck as quickly as possible. When all cards of a player have been turned over, it's time to count. The sum of each player is noted. The player who first reached a total of 100 points has lost.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-8
Buying tip
You can buy Skyjo in toy stores and on Amazon: Skyjo on Amazon
The Labyrinth (Das verrückte Labyrinth)
A very nice search game for children and also adults. Here, treasures must be found and the best paths created.
Sequence of play
Everyone receives cards on which the sought-after treasures are recorded. Now the players must reach these treasures with their pieces. Only the paths are constantly changing.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
1-4
Buying tip
This game is available in toy stores or on Amazon
Scotland Yard
Where is Mister X? Just seen, he has escaped again. Wonderful game for detectives who like to solve cases. Was rightly Game of the Year in 1983.
Sequence of play
The detectives and Mister X receive their positions, now it's time to find out where Mister X is. The only clues are his tickets.
Age
Age 10 and up
Players
3-6
Buying tip
The game is available in toy stores or on Amazon
Verflixxt (That's Life!)
This game impresses with its movable playing field and requires tactical and strategic thinking. The goal, which looks simple at first, of bringing your 3 game pieces from the start to the finish, turns out to be not so simple at second glance. Because the playing field gets smaller and smaller over time.
Sequence of play
You have to lead your 3 game pieces from the start to the finish. The card you land on must be taken; this can be a plus, minus, or even a lucky board. Anyone who does not want to move can also move a guardian instead. But be careful, if a guardian is on a card, it may not be taken, highly annoying with good cards. At the end, the points are added up, and the one who has accumulated the most wins.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-6
Buying tip
You can buy this game in toy stores or on Amazon: Verflixxt (That's Life!)
Imhotep
This game was nominated for Game of the Year 2016, but didn't make it, which is a shame because it is a nice game. Here, structures must be built, but be careful, depending on the situation, it is important WHERE you build, or WHEN. Sometimes it is important that your own game piece is visible, or the building is the highest. Imhotep can be expanded with "A New Dynasty".
Sequence of play
Everyone gets wooden cubes in their color and a supply tile. The game board is set up, the round cards are laid out, and the matching boats are made available depending on the round card. Now it's about thinking carefully about what you do. The goal is to make the most points. You can accomplish this by placing your wooden cubes in a harbor of the laid-out location boards. But be careful, here it often depends on WHERE you place yourself. So you should think about where you place yourself in a boat and which harbor you are heading for. But perhaps a player snatches the boat or the harbor from under your nose? Funny game, which is also easily explained.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
2-4
Buying tip
You can buy Imhotep in every toy store or on Amazon: Imhotep on Amazon
Isola
Strategic skill is required here; how do you manage to trap the opponent? Varied game for 2 players.
Sequence of play
The players must always move one field and press one down, which makes the path narrower and narrower. The goal is to narrow down the opponent so that they can no longer make a move.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2
Buying tip
Unfortunately, this game is hardly available anymore, perhaps still on Amazon
Slotter
A really great game for 2 players! Who manages to get all the coins through all the little wheels first?
Sequence of play
The players are only allowed to turn one wheel at a time, specifically the one that the opponent did not just turn. The goal is to get all the coins out first. Who can do it?
Age
ages 7 and up
Players
2
Buying tip
Unfortunately, this game is hardly available anymore, perhaps still on Amazon
Career Poker
From dishwasher to boss is not possible? In this game, everything is possible; with skill and tactics, career jumps can be made here. Wonderful with several players – and important: preferably a game table with chairs, as the seats have to be swapped again and again here.
Sequence of play
Everyone gets cards (the dishwasher always 2 more) and these must be discarded in the course of the game, individually or as a pair. Whoever is the first to discard all their cards is the boss, the last one unfortunately the dishwasher. The game is funny because you also always have to give up your seat here, as everyone always has to sit in the correct order.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
4-8
Buying tip
This game is available in toy stores or on Amazon: Career Poker
Ligretto
Ligretto is a very fast game where reaction speed and combination skills are required.
Sequence of play
Here, the cards must be discarded as quickly as possible in the correct order. Everyone plays at the same time, so you always have to look around again to see where you can discard your numbers.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-4
Buying tip
You can buy this card game in toy stores or on Amazon: Ligretto
Rage
In this card game, skill and tactics are required. Also very funny, the more players who play along.
Sequence of play
In the first round, all players get 10 cards, one color is laid out as a trump, and each player must announce their planned tricks based on their cards. Sounds simple, but since there are also action cards here where the trump can sometimes simply change during the game, it can happen that things turn out quite differently than you planned. After 10 rounds, the game is over and the points are added up.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-8
Buying tip
Available in toy stores or on Amazon: Rage
Card Game Set
Exciting and brain-challenging game with high addiction potential. Especially my daughter loves it.
Sequence of play
At Set, all players play at the same time and have to find a set. What is a set? These are 3 cards where the symbols have the correct color, shape, filling, and number. Whoever finds one calls "Set" and can keep the set. Empty spaces are filled up again with cards. The winner is the one who has snatched the most cards.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
1-8
Buying tip
Available in toy stores or on Amazon
Boggle
At Boggle, the goal is to quickly find many long, meaningful words. Incidentally, the children (and perhaps also adults) learn something in the process. This game is great because you can also play it alone.
Sequence of play
For this game, you also need a pen and paper. First, the letters are mixed, the hourglass is turned over, and then the hunt for long, meaningful words begins. The winner is the one who gets the most points.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
from 1
Buying tip
This game is available in toy stores or on Amazon: Boggle
Junta: Viva el Presidente
Strategic skill is required here, or do you keep your president or do you even want to be president yourself? You can also be really mean here!
Sequence of play
After a president has been appointed, they distribute their promises. The players must now decide whether they are satisfied with them or take to the barricades to perhaps become president themselves. The winner is the one who first reaches the most game points.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-5
Buying tip
Viva el Presidente is available in toy stores or on Amazon: Junta – Viva el Presidente
Uno
In this card game, logical thinking is required. Due to the short duration, it is a wonderful game for in-between.
Sequence of play
Each player receives 7 cards, which they must discard onto the pile in the middle of the table. Sounds simple, but various action cards or color changes can really throw you off track. The winner is the one who first discarded their cards – and don't forget, if you only have one card – say 'UNO', otherwise you immediately have two more penalty cards in your hand.
Age
ages 7 and up
Players
2-10
Buying tip
You can buy this funny card game in toy stores or on Amazon: Uno
Ubongo
Ubongo is a skill game that can be compared a little to Tetris, as you have to fill your puzzle boards like in Tetris here. However, much funnier because you can play it with up to 4 players and also collect gemstones.
Sequence of play
At the beginning of the round, each player receives a puzzle board and their 12 puzzle pieces. Now the symbol die is rolled, and this indicates which pieces should be used to complete the board. The puzzle boards resemble the computer game Tetris and must be filled while the sand trickles down. Whoever has completely filled their puzzle board first calls out 'Ubongo' loudly. The order of the finished players then determines how many fields the figures on the tracks may move and how many gemstones are captured.
Age
ages 8 and up
Players
2-4
Buying tip
Available in toy stores or on Amazon: Ubongo
Taboo, Edition 4
This game requires wit and imagination and good communication, because terms have to be explained here, but not with the obvious terms.
Sequence of play
The players are divided into 2 teams and a card must be drawn where the specified term must be described. However, the common words for this term are excluded and so you have to come up with something to explain the term to your team within the prescribed time.
Age
ages 12 and up
Players
from 4
Buying tip
You can buy this game in toy stores or on Amazon: Taboo
Citadels (Ohne Furcht und Adel)
Wonderful game for tacticians and those who like it action-packed.
Sequence of play
Here you can quickly slip from the role of the king into that of the thief. Each character has their good and bad qualities, which can be played in each round. The goal is to build the most cities, only they can also be destroyed again by some characters. Poker faces are required here.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-7
Buying tip
The game is available in every toy store or on Amazon: Citadels (Ohne Furcht und Adel)
Anno Domini – Austria
In this game, you either have a lot of know-how or a very good poker face. This game promotes social behavior and logical thinking, and is very communicative.
Sequence of play
Here, each player gets cards with historical events in Austria. Now the players must discard the cards in the middle of the table in exact chronological order. If a player becomes skeptical, they can check the chain; if the last event was wrong, the person gets penalty cards from the pile. The winner is the one who has no more cards.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
2-8
Buying tip
This game is available in toy stores or on Amazon: Anno Domini
Make 'n' Break
In this game, 2-5 players build the building card while the timer is running.
Sequence of play
Here, as many cards as possible must be rebuilt in a certain time. The points on the cards are added up, and the winner is of course the builder with the most points.
Learning objective
- Skill
- Fine motor skills
- Memory
Age
- ages 8 and up
Players
- 2-5 players
Buying tip
This game can be bought in toy stores or on Amazon
Activity
This game promotes team spirit, creativity, and reaction. Boredom never arises with this game.
Sequence of play
In teams, different terms must be guessed, which are sometimes represented by pantomime, drawing, or explanation. The winner is the one who has successfully completed the course first.
Age
ages 12 and up
Players
3-16
Buying tip
Available in toy stores or on Amazon: Activity
Telestrations (Stille Post extrem)
Draw, write, guess, and laugh yourself to death. 1200 common terms must be alternately drawn and guessed. At the end, the resolution, is it what the first one meant? It is often screamingly funny what comes out at the end. Definitely try it out.
Sequence of play
All players receive a pad, a pen, and draw a card. The term on the card must be alternately drawn or written. Each player gets a turn once, at the end comes the (often totally funny) resolution.
Age
Ages 8 and up
Players
4-8
Buying tip
The game is available in toy stores or on Amazon
Wie ich die Welt sehe (How I see the world)
This game promotes creativity and logical thinking and is a very communicative game.
Sequence of play
One player starts and reads out a 'My-World-Card', where there are always gaps that are to be filled by the other players with 'It-Cards'. The players add their suggestions face down and then the best 'It-Card' is selected. The person who suggested the 'It-Card' gets a point in this case. The winner is the player who has collected the most points in the game. Really good combinations come about here.
Age
ages 10 and up
Players
3-5
Buying tip
You can buy this card game in toy stores or on Amazon: Wie ich die Welt sehe (How I see the world)
Extra buying tip:
Many games can be purchased cheaply at flea markets or online on platforms for used items (e.g. willhaben.at or ebay.at). On Amazon there are also used versions available again and again.
I liked it at flea markets when parents or even the children themselves sold their games and gave many tips and information about them. That's how I got some really great games that we really play or have played often.
Game festivals or game fairs, where you can try out new games, are also great. In Gänserndorf, a game festival takes place regularly.
We have played and tested all these listed games and I can highly recommend them.
Do you also have games that should be mentioned here? Then I would be very happy about an email or a comment.
Read also: The 20 best board games for adults
Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
