Level Up Kid’s Social Skills: 10 Board Games Loved by Experts and Kids That Can Help

By Megan Santiago

Child psychologists and pediatricians have recognized that today’s lack of play contributes to children’s overall lack of well-being. An increased focus on academic activities, overly structured family, school, and extracurricular schedules have led to less playtime for kids.

If you’re sold on the idea but are unsure what to play next, here’s a list of 10 beloved board games that experts recommend, kids love and are favorites in our house.

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game is for 2-4 players | Ages 3-6 | Social Skills: Waiting Your Turn, Perseverance, Sportsmanship For five years, it’s been the best-selling preschool game for a reason.

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Candyland

Candyland is for 2-4 players | Ages 3+ | Social Skills: Waiting Your Turn, Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Following Instructions For over 70 years, this adored, easy-to-understand game set within a kids’ dreamland of candy has been a go-to for families.

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Zingo

Zingo is for 2-6 players | Ages 4+ | Social Skills: Sportsmanship, Following Instructions, Attention Skills It’s Bingo with a Zing! Fifty million families have purchased this kid’s favorite, award-winning Toy of the Year.

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Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Eye Found It

Busytown, Eye Found It is for 1-6 players | Ages 4+ | Social Skills: Collaboration, Teamwork, Following Instructions If you want to introduce your young child to the fun of board games but they are still getting used to losing, this game is for you.

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Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is for 2-5 players | Ages 6+ | Social Skills: Sportsmanship, Following Instructions This award-winning board game is so popular that they released a Juniors version so younger kids can get in on the fun (and improve their social skills too).

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