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In a world of electronics and endless TikToks (Not sure what a Tik-Tok is? Don’t worry, me either), board games give kids space to stretch their imaginations beyond the screens. They can immerse themselves in worlds of glory, and danger or even scheme their way to landlord riches.
Kids are sponges and soak up everything around them. What’s better than fostering a lifelong love of board games? An added bonus being they develop some important cognitive skills all while having fun.
We’ve scoured the shelves and playtested our favorites with friends and family, and have come up with the best board games for 10-year-olds that we could find.
Get ready! Let’s dive into the best board games for 10-year-olds.
Our Top Picks for Best Board Games for 10-Year-Olds
In a hurry? Check out our favorite games for 10 year old’s before you dash off.
- Forbidden Island
- Tokaido
- King of Tokyo
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY (BEST GAMES BY AGE GROUP): Toddler & Preschool | Kindergarten | 2-Year-Old | 3-Year-Old | 4-Year-Old | 5-Year-Old | 5-6-Year-Old | 7-Year-Old | 8-Year-Old | 9-Year-Old | 10-Year-Old | 11-12-Year-Old | Teens & Teenagers
Games for 10 Year Old’s
1. King of Tokyo
Monsters are rampaging through the city! Which giant Kaiju monster will claim dominion over Tokyo? Maybe it’ll be you.
King of Tokyo is a 2 to 6 player dice game where you press your luck to be crowned the King of Tokyo! Players take turns rolling dice to score points, attack, gain energy (money), or heal.
What we liked
Players battle it out with various monsters, aliens, and robots. With brilliant graphics and fast-moving game time, King of Tokyo is a great choice for all ages. But, with its artwork, and fast-paced action it makes it a perfect choice for 10-year-olds.
What could be better
With low (or incidental) player interaction, this game is not for everyone.
Number of Players: 2-6 people | Playing Time: 30 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
2. Splendor
Splendor is a board game all about increasing your wealth. It’s a simple game in which players build up trade routes to try to become titans of the gem industry. Nobles, kings, and queens all appear as you collect more gem tokens and secure your trading strategy.
What we liked
Splendor is a quick game that’s super simple to learn and perfect for those less experienced players! You can also get your gem game on with the popular Marvel expansion pack too.
What could be better
The theme is pretty irrelevant in this game and it can suffer from too much luck and limited resources.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 30 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
3. Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is a cooperative board game in which everyone needs to work together to gain the treasures from the Archean’s ancient mystical empire.
All players must team up to complete this do-or-die mission. The aim of the game is to collect the sacred treasures before the island sinks beneath you. Players have to think fast using problem-solving and strategic skills.
What we liked
Forbidden Island is a good game for siblings to work together and get along, all in the name of victory and treasure! For more cooperative adventures, try Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Sky!
What could be better
The mission is not terribly challenging and can be dull for super-invested players. You can, however, increase the difficulty as you improve your cooperative skills!
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 30 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
4. Catan
A giant in the board game world, Catan is a fantastic addition to your board game collection. It’s a multi-award-winning game that’s been in print for two decades straight with lots of expansions to explore even more of the world of Catan.
So what’s all the hype about?
Catan is beloved by all ages and has a very high replay value, meaning more bang for your bucks. In Catan, 3 to 4 players will spend time building up their settlements and cities to be the dominant force on the board.
Players trade, build and settle to compete for victory points. But beware! Robbers can give a player the chance to steal a card when a 7 is rolled. No two games are alike in Catan and it’s a great game for 10-year-olds to learn basic board game strategy.
What we liked
Catan can teach players to use foresight and develop long-term strategy skills. This game is an absolute must for family game nights.
What could be better
This game can get a bit frustrating if the luck of the dice is against you… when your numbers are never rolled, it may turn some players off.
Number of Players: 3-4 people | Playing Time: 60-120 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
5. Santorini
Santorini is a strategy-based game that’s still easy enough to use for 10-year-olds. The main objective of this game is to ‘build like a mortal and win like a god’, meaning the first player to build up to three stories, wins.
Players can play one-on-one or use some teamwork and play two against two. There are Greek God cards that can completely change the direction of the game and keep players on their toes. Also, the game has some beautiful set pieces that make you feel like you are building ancient Greece itself.
What we liked
The great thing about Santorini is each game’s difficulty level can be altered to suit the level of players. A perfect game for 10-year-olds to play while growing and moving up difficulty levels.
What could be better
The game is definitely best with 2 players and really doesn’t scale well up to 4.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 20 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
6. Azul
Azul is for the decorators and pattern-makers among us. Players take turns drafting beautifully-colored tiles and placing them on the board. Once tiles are on the board, players try to create particular patterns for extra points. The player with the most points wins. Super easy, right?
What we liked
Azul is great for kids as the rules are easy to understand but it still requires strategy and thinking ahead to plan your patterns. Give Azul a try and mosaic your way to victory.
What could be better
Although the game starts off pretty relaxed, once the tiles fill up and patterns need to be made, the game can start to get pretty intense.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 30-45 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
7. Carcassonne
If you are looking for something similar to Azul but a bit more challenging, Carcassonne could be the right fit. It has a similar premise to Azul but with a French landscape and a couple more meeples.
Carcassonne has a similar tile placement mechanic but each tile is a city, grassland, or road that must be placed to connect the landscape. Taking the decision-making a step further, players can then decide whether to place a meeple on the title. There’s a variety of meeples such as farmers, knights, monks, and even some robbers.
What we liked
It’s an excellent gateway game for beginners plus there are loads of expansion packs to help you live out your pastoral medieval dreams.
What could be better
The endgame scoring can be a bit tricky for newbies and young players.
Number of Players: 2-5 people | Playing Time: 30-45 minutes | Age Range: 7 and up
8. Small World
Small World calls players to step into a magical medieval fantasy world that’s just too small for everyone to get along. With a diverse list of characters such as wizards, orcs, Amazons, giants, dwarves, and humans, just to name a few, a magical time will be had while trying to conquer the world!
What we liked
Small World is a 2 to 5-player game in which choosing the right powers and character races are integral in gaining and controlling territory. Fast-paced, colorful, and strategic, playing Small World is a fun time for children to immerse themselves in this whimsical world.
What could be better
Any area control game can suffer from a “bash the leader” situation in which everyone gangs up on the strongest player, which can sometimes be frustrating.
Number of Players: 2-5 people | Playing Time: 40-80 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
9. Tokaido
A game with some of the most beautiful minimalist graphics, Tokaido is all about the journey. This is a perfect game for those who aren’t as competitive and enjoy playing more so than winning. There’s still plenty of strategy involved in Tokaido, but players are rewarded for having the most luxurious trip, not for rushing to the finish line.
Tokaido takes players on a journey to cross the ‘East sea road’. Players follow down the track in a point-to-point movement. Along the way you collect beautiful items, visit wonderful places, and eat delicious meals.
What we liked
Tokaido offers a very calming experience for gamers and is an excellent way to relax with the family after you’ve picked up the Monopoly pieces off the floor.
What could be better
This game can get a bit repetitive with multiple plays, but it’s all about enjoying the journey!
Number of Players: 2-8 people | Playing Time: 45 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
10. Tikal
Want to feel like the real Indiana Jones, searching for lost temples and ancient treasures in Tikal’s Central American jungle? Tikal is an exploration game with adventure and, of course, lots and lots of treasure!
What we liked
It’s the first game of a trilogy, with really fun game pieces that take you far into the jungle to explore the ancient Mayan world. In this game, each player is the director of their expedition to uncover hidden riches. A fun easy-to-learn game that’s great for the elementary age group.
What could be better
The game plays a bit slow at first and some kids might lose interest.
11. Codenames: Pictures
From Indiana Jones to 007, become the ultimate spymaster and uncover clues. The popular Codenames board game now has a pictures edition, making it a little easier and perfect for children 10-years-old and up.
Codenames: Pictures is a picture card game that has all your favorite agents, double agents, innocent bystanders, and even assassins. The game follows two rival spies that give coded messages of operations and meetings. The teams must work to decode their messages and contact their agents first.
What we liked
Codenames works well for kids’ parties or groups as it’s got a fast gameplay time and a high number of players that can join in. Live out a secret agent life in this fun deduction card game.
What could be better
The pictures actually make this game a bit more restrictive than the original, which can make it more of a challenge.
Number of Players: 2-8 people | Playing Time: 15 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
12. Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a children’s board game staple. Filled with puzzles and mazes, it’s a great educational game for kids to practice their route-building skills while they find their way through the labyrinth. Players must move tiles and through the moving paths to find the treasures.
What we liked
The ever-shifting board in Labyrinth makes every game completely new and different. This game has incredible replayability, which is perfect to keep any 10-year-old occupied.
What could be better
Nothing. It’s a great game.
Having been around for decades, Labyrinth is definitely essential for your family’s board game collection.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 20 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
13. Kingdomino
Expand your kingdom and rule over the masses with a territory-building board game. Kingdomino is like playing dominoes but with a fantasy kingdom twist. Instead of the classic Domino pips, the Kingdomino tiles are made up are colorful regions that can be matched up just like traditional Dominos.
Players take on the roles of lords and look for ways to expand their kingdoms by matching landscape tiles to each other. Points are counted at the end of the game and the winner is crowned Kingdomino of the lands!
What we liked
This game is simple to set up and rules are quick and easy to explain making it a great game for elementary and middle schoolers to play by themselves or with the family. From 10-year-olds to adults Kingdomino is one of those fantastic games that will constantly hit the game table.
What could be better
Kingdomino really plays best with exactly 4 players. With fewer, you have to remove cards which tends to diminish the strategy.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 15 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
14. Tsuro: The Game of the Path
Have you always wanted to be a dragon? Are you envious of those show-off dragons in A Game of Thrones? Well, now’s your chance!
In Tsuro, all players are dragons fiercely flying over and creating paths. Ok, well, your stone piece is a dragon but you can imagine.
The aim of the game is quite simple. Players lay down a tile and must continue on the path set out for them. If you also happen to force your opponents to fly off the board or crash into another dragon, then all the better. The last player standing who hasn’t crashed or flown off into oblivion wins. Simple, sweet, and perfect family fun.
What we liked
Tsuro sells itself as a ‘family strategy’ board game. It lives up to the family part. The game is great for all ages and hits that sweet spot of fun and simplicity that is perfect for 10-year-olds. Adults can enjoy it as the board changes every time you play it while kids have fun and can keep up with the simple rules and quick playtime.
What could be better
Many of the choices in Tsuro seem more random than strategic. Otherwise, it’s a very pleasant, lightweight game.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 15-20 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
15. Imhotep: Builder of Egypt
Let’s head to Egypt for number 15 on this list!
Imhotep is an easy-to-learn worker placement game. Players work to build up a great Egyptian city, including pyramids, tombs, and temples.
Players simply need to add stone blocks by boat to the locations they want to build. Easy right?
Everyone also is using those same boats and your blocks meant for one part of the city could potentially end up somewhere different. Imhotep is one of those simple board games that everyone can jump into and get lost in.
What we liked
Imhotep is a perfect family-friendly game that’s fantastic for 10-year-olds all the way up to grandparents.
What could be better
The scoring at the end is a bit dry and makes it feel like a point salad game.
Number of Players: 2-4 people | Playing Time: 40 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
16. Photosynthesis
Players: 2-4
Playing Time: 30- 60mins
Ages: 8+
Didn’t think trees could be that competitive? Think again.
In Photosynthesis, you become one with nature and compete against other trees for sunlight. One of the greatest environmental board games, Photosynthesis can help teach children about nature, life cycles, and the importance of sunlight in photosynthesis. It’s even in the name!
What we liked
Another plus is the game is focused on being environmentally friendly and only uses recycled materials. A great learning moment can be had all while cultivating an ever-changing forest.
What could be better
Photosynthesis can get quite competitive, as the players’ trees are all competing for the best spots in the sun.
Number of Players: 2-5 people | Playing Time: 30-60 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
17. 7 Wonders
Players: 2- 7
Playing Time: 30mins
Ages: 10+
Build a civilization and lead it to everlasting glory.
In 7 Wonders, players work to develop their cities economically, scientifically, culturally, and militarily. As a great leader of the Ancient World, this game is a simple introduction to the necessary ingredients for civilizational prosperity.
What we liked
Kids of all ages will enjoy 7 Wonders as there’s little downtime. And because of the many cards and boards, it can feel new and exciting each time you play. For a great 2-player experience, you can also try out 7 Wonders: Duel.
What could be better
There is very little player interaction in 7 Wonders due to its card-drafting mechanic, which might put some players off.
Why not sharpen one’s leadership and military skills at 10 years old?
Number of Players: 2-7 people | Playing Time: 30 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
18. Ticket to Ride
The epitome of a gateway game, Ticket to Ride is an exciting route-building game in which players can dive into the world of train travel! Ticket to Ride is a vastly replayable game in which players draw cards, collect train cars, and try to create the most (and best) routes possible.
What we liked
It’s so easy to teach, easy to learn, and easy to play, it’s no wonder that Ticket to Ride has become a modern classic. And with so many expansions having been released, like Europe, Asia, The Heart Of Africa, or even Nederland, you can see even more of the world by train.
What could be better
Some games may drag on too long as players spend turns drawing cards to try to get the right ones.
Get your ticket stamped and enjoy the ride!
Number of Players: 2-5 people | Playing Time: 30-60 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
19. Mysterium
Murder, mystery, and psychic visions are all part of the set-up of this ghostly game. In Mysterium, players delve into psychic visions from a ghost to try to figure out who committed the terrible crime at Warwick Manor in the classic ‘whodunnit’ premise.
What we liked
One player is the ghost and tries to supernaturally lead investigators to the murderer. The rest of the players get ‘visions’ every night to figure out the who, where, and with what weapon. It’s a fun, cooperative investigation board game with high replayability.
What could be better
It can be very challenging for the ghost to give enough information from the cards to figure out what’s going on. The limited communication can be frustrating but that’s half the challenge!
So who committed the crime? Play to find out!
Number of Players: 2-7 people | Playing Time: 40 minutes | Age Range: 10 and up
20. Monopoly: Cheaters Edition
Ah yes, the classic, the product of capitalism, the game we love to hate, Monopoly. Surely no game has been flipped off the table more than Monopoly? Yet, playing it seems to be a right of passage we all must take. So why not make it fun?
Monopoly’s Cheaters Edition does just this. With Cheaters Edition, we no longer have to worry about ending friendships or splitting families. This edition ensures endless laughs, as cheating is all but encouraged. But don’t get caught, as the game includes actual plastic handcuffs! Cheat cards reward players and the player with the most money wins.
What we liked
Bending and breaking the rules is the name of the game. Cheaters Edition is a quirky spin on an old classic that incites naughtiness around the table. It’s hard not to have a good time with this one.
What could be better
Players may struggle with checking up on everyone else, making sure they don’t cheat.
Number of Players: 2-6 people | Playing Time: 60-180 minutes | Age Range: 8 and up
Wrap-Up
These are just a few of the many board games available for 10-year-olds. Board games allow kids to delve into different worlds, boosting confidence and developing important cognitive skills — not to mention bringing the family together to create some fun lasting memories.
So, whether you’re looking for a game to entertain your children or some fun for the whole family, these age-appropriate board games are sure to delight.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best board games for 10-year-olds! Have you or your kids tried any of the games on this list? We’d love to hear your thoughts on our picks or maybe even your favorite board game when you were growing up. Leave a comment below!
Kendra has always been a hardcore fantasy nerd. Growing up in the worlds of Tolkien, Sanderson, Jordan, and Abercrombie, DnD & board games just came naturally. She and her husband, Bryan, started GameCows.com in 2018 as a fun passion project that just took over their lives. An avid board gamer since childhood and chronic DnD chronicler for more than two decades, she loves to play, write, travel, and learn dead languages.