In a world where screens dominate our children's attention, it's easy to overlook the timeless charm and immense benefits of classic board games. Board games offer a refreshing break from phones and electronics. As parents and guardians, we're constantly seeking ways to engage and educate children in a fun manner. Look no further than the world of board games, where learning and laughter mix seamlessly.
The Benefits of Playing Board Games
Board games aren't just about rolling dice and moving pieces; they're a gateway to a world of learning and development. When children engage in board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, they exercise their critical thinking skills, strategize, plan ahead, and make decisions—all while having a blast.
Moreover, board games bring friends and family together, fostering communication, cooperation, and healthy competition. As kids take turns, negotiate rules, and engage in friendly banter, they're building essential social skills that are fundamental in the real world. The laughter shared during gameplay creates bonds that last a lifetime.
Best Board Games for Kids from the Toy Kingdom
Without further ado, here are some of the best board games that promise hours of entertainment and learning for kids aged 4 to 12 in the Philippines. These recommendations, available at Toy Kingdom, have been handpicked to ensure a delightful balance of fun and educational value.
1. Hasbro Gaming Monopoly UK Version Classic Board Game
Recommended Age Range: 8 and up
Monopoly board game needs no introduction—it's a classic that has stood the test of time. Made for two to eight players, this game of buying, selling, and trading properties not only introduces children to the basics of economics but also encourages critical thinking, negotiation skills, and strategic planning. The UK Version adds a cultural twist, making it both educational and enjoyable.
How to play:
- Set up the game board and place the Community Chest and Chance cards facedown.
- Each player selects a token and places it on "Go."
- Roll the dice to move around the board. Buy properties you land on, collect rent from opponents, and aim to bankrupt them.
- Build houses and hotels to increase rent. Use strategy to acquire full-color sets for higher rent value.
- Land on "Go to Jail," "Chance," or "Community Chest" spaces for special actions.
- The last player remaining with money and properties wins.
2. Mattel Games Scrabble Deluxe Board Game
Recommended Age Range: 7 and up
Scrabble board game is more than just a word game; it's a vocabulary-building adventure. Children get to flex their language muscles as they create words and earn points. This deluxe version adds an elegant touch to the experience, making learning feel like a grand affair. Scrabble not only enhances language skills but also boosts concentration and cognitive agility.
How to play:
- Each player draws seven letter tiles from the bag.
- Place the game board in the center with a player designated as the scorekeeper.
- Players take turns forming words on the board using their tiles, connecting them to existing words.
- Calculate points based on letter values and bonus squares. Exchange or skip turns if needed.
- The player with the highest score after all tiles are used or no more legal plays remain wins.
3. Disney Sidekicks Board Game
Recommended Age Range: 8 and up
What could be more exciting than embarking on a magical adventure with beloved Disney characters? In Disney Sidekicks Board Game, kids play as one of the popular Disney Sidekicks trying to save the Heroes while navigating through the board and defeating the infamous Villains.
They learn to work together, strategize, and follow instructions—all with a touch of enchantment. Have a blast playing as Sidekicks including Timon & Pumbaa, Tinker Bell, Abu, Lumiere, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.
How to play:
- Board game set up: The castle goes in the center of the board. Beside the castle are lock tokens which are determined by the number of players. Bridges are then placed in indicated spaces on the board.
- Players pick a Sidekick to play. Each Sidekick has a corresponding Character Card, a miniature, a reference card, a Health Token, one Star token, a hero token, and a matching Villain Card.
- Place the Villain miniatures on the board opposite their Sidekick foe.
- Build a Danger Deck. Collect the cards for the Villains in play, then add two standard Danger Cards for every game and shuffle them all together.
- Players take turns in the game by drawing a Danger Card and completing the steps on the back of the card.
- The player who manages to save all of their associated Heroes and defeat at least one of the opposing Villains wins.
4. Gigamic Quoridor Game
Recommended Age Range: 8 and up
Quoridor is a game of pathways and obstacles, much like a thrilling board game of snake and ladder. Played by two to four players, each player will navigate a maze-like board to reach the opposite side. This game challenges kids' spatial reasoning, planning, and critical thinking skills.
As they plot their moves to outsmart opponents, they develop a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and strategic thinking in this abstract strategy game.
How to play:
- Set up the game board with pawns on the starting spaces.
- On your turn, you may move your pawn one space in any direction (not diagonally).
- Alternatively, place a fence to block your opponent's path. Fences cannot be jumped over.
- The goal is to reach the opposite side of the board first. Use fences to navigate and block your opponent.
- The first player to reach the opposite side wins
5. The Original Rummikub Brings People Together Board Games
Recommended Age Range: 8 and up
Rummikub is a number-based game that combines strategy and luck in a delightful package, much like a board game like chess. With a knack for numbers and a dash of tactical thinking, kids arrange and rearrange number tiles to form sets and runs.
This game not only reinforces mathematical concepts but also sharpens memory and problem-solving abilities. Explore Rummikub board game prices at Toy Kingdom to embark on a numerical adventure with your family.
How to play:
- Shuffle and place all tiles face down. Each player draws 14 tiles.
- Arrange tiles in sets of runs (consecutive numbers in the same color) or groups (same number in different colors).
- Players take turns placing tiles on the table, either starting a new set or adding to existing ones.
- The first player to empty their rack wins the round and scores points based on opponents' unplayed tiles.
- The player with the highest total score after multiple rounds wins.
6. Cardinal Games 10 Game Set Board Game
Recommended Age Range: 6 and up
This fantastic 10-game set offers a variety of experiences, perfect for families seeking diversity in their game nights. From classic games like Checkers and Chess that encourage strategic thinking, to backgammon and more, this set has it all.
It's an excellent investment for families looking for a comprehensive gaming experience. Need to know how to play chess? Check out our beginner’s guide to mastering chess.
The sound of dice rolling, the joy of victory, the lessons from defeat – all of these moments are waiting to be experienced through board games. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to enchanting adventures with Disney Sidekicks, these recommended games are a treasure trove of educational value and endless fun.
Explore the curated selection of board games online or at the nearest Toy Kingdom stores and embark on a journey filled with fun, learning, and laughter that the whole family can cherish.
