Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase the chances of conceiving. Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    6 Easter Egg Science Experiments for Kids

    Smarten up your annual Easter tradition with these easy, educational egg dyeing ideas.
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Fun
  3. Toys
  4. FamilyFun Picks: Top 10 Board Games

FamilyFun Picks: Top 10 Board Games

By Krista Hojnowski, Beth Honeyman, and Ellen Harter Wall
December 30, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna
Our tester families played dozens of entries, evaluating them on clarity of rules, design, value, and, of course, fun. And the winners are ...
Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pyramix

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

Good visual skills are key in this strategy game. After the cubes are randomly placed in the base, players take turns pulling out those with at least two sides showing, with the goal of collecting the most matching pieces. As the players pull, the stacks can slide, freeing up or blocking other cubes. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up, $23.99, gamewright.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Noodle Speedoodle

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

Players get 30 seconds to draw a picture and have the others guess what it is. The catch? At least one plastic noodle has to be included in the doodle. The game spinner adds other challenges, such as drawing with your nondominant hand. 3 to 6 players. Ages 8 and up, $24.99, peaceablekingdom.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fire Dragons

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

With a little luck from the dice -- and some savvy strategy -- you'll emerge victorious in this magical world. Players move their dragons around the board, amassing rubies from the central volcano. The eruptions (when you lift a piece, the rubies and carbon chunks spill across the board) were a tester highlight. 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up, $39.99, habausa.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Battle Sheep

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

While families were initially drawn to this entry for its cheeky name, its quick, strategic game play was what kept them enthralled. Players move their flocks across the board in an attempt to claim the most pasture -- and block their opponents from doing the same. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up, $24.99, store.blueorangegames.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Press Here: The Game

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

In this creative challenge based on Hervé Tullet's best-selling book, players take turns placing red, yellow, or blue circles atop empty spots on cards to create color sequences. While obvious options abound (such as setting a red circle inside a matching shape), testers loved creating unique patterns to fill and win the cards. 2 to 6 players. Ages 3 and up, $19.99, chroniclebooks.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bounce-Off

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

Its simplicity and lots of bouncing balls made this carnival-inspired entry a winner with our testers. Players bounce Ping Pong-like balls off the table and into the tray, aiming to match the pattern on a specific card. Whoever wins three rounds claims victory. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up, $17.99, walmart.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Leaps and Ledges

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

Contenders race to the top of the tower, playing cards and facing perils that can send them back to the base: having an opponent land on the same ledge (bye-bye!) or getting hit with a rampage card, which knocks off everyone on the way up. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up, $29.95, mindware.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Traffic Jam Matching Game

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

Testers loved the beautiful graphic design of this new take on the classic memory game. Players flip the 36 heavy-duty cards, seeking pairs of road signs, scooters, fire trucks, and the like. Bonus: It comes in a sturdy storage box. 2 or more players. Ages 3 and up, $14.99, chroniclebooks.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kitten Caboodle

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

The cats in this sweet pet adoption-themed game need various items before they can go home with you. To collect what they require, players draw and trade cards "go fish" style: "Do you have any cans of food?" Play is done when all the pets are adopted. (Prefer pooches? Diggity Dogs is also available.) 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up, $14.99, educationalinsights.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Robot Face Race

Credit: Photograph by Mark Mantegna

After a quick shake of the Robot Randomizer, players scan the board of 120 robot heads, racing to be the first to spot an exact matchup (say, a green head, red nose, yellow eyes, and purple smile). 2 to 4 players. Ages 4 and up, $19.99, educationalinsights.com

Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 10 Pyramix
2 of 10 Noodle Speedoodle
3 of 10 Fire Dragons
4 of 10 Battle Sheep
5 of 10 Press Here: The Game
6 of 10 Bounce-Off
7 of 10 Leaps and Ledges
8 of 10 Traffic Jam Matching Game
9 of 10 Kitten Caboodle
10 of 10 Robot Face Race

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

FamilyFun Picks: Top 10 Board Games
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.