ChrisAnto

Pandemic

Accommodates 4 players but we regularly play it with 6+



Subjects and Skills Learned in Pandemic

Strategy
Critical Thinking
Teamwork and Cooperation Problem Solving
Sportsmanship

Pandemic is another cooperative game. (Can you tell we like cooperative games at our house?)

In Pandemic, you are all working for the WHO (World Health Organization). There are diseases popping up throughout the world and you must work as a team to treat, cure, and eradicate all these diseases – before pandemic hits!

This is a high-stress game that really keeps players on their toes. Beware, winning is quite difficult. We probably lose more than we win.

But playing is always a lot of fun and we are always up for a good challenge!

We’ve only ever played the original, but there are plenty of expansions and other versions if you’re really into this game.

And there you have it! My complete list of the best educational games for kids in large families.

Which one will you try first?

Eye Found It

Officially accommodates 6+ players making this a great game for large family fun



Subjects and Skills Learned in Eye Found It

Working Under Pressure
Visual Skills
Critical Thinking
Teamwork and Cooperation
Sportsmanship
Attention to Detail

Eye Found It is one of my kids’ go-to games. They love the simplicity of this game. But even though it’s simple enough for even the little players to understand and enjoy, it’s also challenging enough that the bigger kids and adults tend to enjoy it as well.

In Eye Found It, players work individually as well as on a team. Each player spins to see how far their little person moves. Players draw challenge cards that show what you need to search for on the board – kind of an eye spy or a where’s waldo kind of thing. All players get to move a number of spaces equal to the number of items found (balloons or boats for example.)

The team wins if everybody makes it to the castle before the clock strikes midnight. But everybody moves at different paces so it’s still fun to see who can get their first.

Now one warning – there are not very many circle counters. We often have to use other markers (or just our fingers) but other than that, the player possibilities are great! (Especially if you get a few little action figures or Lego pieces to stand-in.)

ANTS

Engineering Ants

Officially accommodates 4 players but we regularly play it with 8 or more



Subjects and Skills Learned in Engineering Ants

STEAM Cooperation
Memory Skills
Strategy Problem Solving Skills
Creativity
Math
Spatial
Relationship
Team work
Patience
Sportsmanship

My son got Engineering Ants for his birthday a few years ago and let me tell you, he has loved this game.

Unfortunately, we seem to have lost a number of pieces. It’s probably time to replace it. But if ever there was a game that you bought again due to lost pieces, it was this game.

In Engineering Ants, you’ve got a bunch of ants who need to get to the picnic basket (assuming I’m remembering correctly) and there are a bunch of obstacles in their way.

You are given a box of random supplies and building materials and you have to use these materials to build contraptions that will help you get around the obstacles.

There are a lot of creative thinking and problem-solving opportunities in this game which makes it one of the best board games for developing critical thinking skills.

Definitely a win for the STEAM-loving child.

Tri-Facta

Accommodates 4 players





Subjects and Skills Learned in Tri-Facta

Math Skills
Math Facts and Memorization Addition/Subtraction
Multiplication/Division

My dad bought us the addition and subtraction version of Tri-Facta years and years ago. It wasn’t until I was writing this article that I realized there is also a multiplication and division version. Looks like I’ve got another learning game on my bucket list!

Tri-Facta isn’t what I would call an exciting game. It’s more of a fun way to practice math than a family game night resource. But if your kids enjoy practicing math facts in a new and interesting way, or if you just need a new way to help them master math, then this might be a good resource for you.

Each player is given a stand for their number tiles. The board includes spots for 3 number tiles. Players need to put their numbers into these spots so that each number works together to create a true equation.

For example – You could use the tiles 4, 5, and 9.

4 + 5 = 9 and 5 +4 = 9. 9 – 5 = 4 and 9 – 4 = 5. So these tiles could be used and gotten rid of. Once you’re out of tiles, you win!

Camp



Accommodates 2-8 players

Subjects and Skills Learned from Camp

Science
Geography
STEM
Outdoors Skills
Critical Thinking
Animal Facts
Animal Recognition

Camp is an educational game that focuses on the great outdoors. In this game, players need to answer some questions. The set includes a decoder that helps you see all the answers and special cards with fun facts that don’t require an answer.

In the beginning, everyone gets to choose what level they want to play. The game includes questions for different age groups about nature. This game is a lot of fun and is a good way to teach kids about the great outdoors from the comfort of their home (or campsite).

There are 400 questions and 99 fun facts in this game, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to learn every time you play.

Question examples: What is a group of birds called? Which planet looks red in the night sky?

Hint: there is a separate booster pack with more questions available.

Monopoly Jr

Accommodates 4 players



Subjects and Skills Learned in Monopoly Jr.

Math
Money Management
Cooperation
Memory Skills
Strategy
Patience
Sportsmanship

Monopoly Jr is a fun way to work on math skills with younger kids. This is a very simplified, child-friendly version of the many other Monopoly games (and yes, there are A LOT!)

Practice addition, subtraction, and money-handling skills with your preschoolers.

COMPUTER BUILDING KIT

Kano Computer Kit



KANO

Age Group: 6+

This Kano Computer Kit will appeal to kids who have graduated from LEGOs, and are looking for new challenges. The kit allows kids to build their very own computer with a step-by-step guide.

The Kano operating system includes 100-plus coding challenges. Once built, this plugs into any HDMI screen, allowing kids to browse the internet, watch YouTube, write stories, and access more than 100 apps.

Users say kids should be able to build the kit if they “can read well.” Others say it’s “great for learning,” but add that Kano is barebones in terms of support.

BEST PROGRAMMING BOARD GAME

ThinkFun Robot Turtles Coding Game



THINK FUN

Age Group: 4 to 13

This board game was designed with the goal of developing critical skills. Players will learn key programming principles, through a card and board game that teaches kids how to write programs through play.

Programming expert Dan Shapiro designed the game, and the easy-to-follow instructions are a boon for those who don’t speak in code.

Reviewers love “the concept and learning objectives,” but some note it is “best for young kids” as it is very “simple.”