Games for adults that kids can play
Earlier in the week I mentioned that there are things that look like games, which tend to be for kids, that aren’t fun, even for kids, and especially not so for adults. Most parents buy these because they know that in theory boardgames are good for a child’s mind. They think “My child will develop important reasoning, math, risk assessment skills while having fun.” They’re right. If they have their kids play the right games.
One thing I learned a long time ago, having a million nieces, and nephews, is that people forget what it was like being a kid. As a result we sometimes forget to properly engage children. I know for myself if something was labeled as “for kids”, or even had the faintest hint of being intended for children I was not interested. (Excluding toys that featured cool robots. Even I couldn’t resist those.) I know not every child is the same as I was, but in general most kids jump at the chance to do what the adults are doing, and that can be frustrating at a game table. It’s great that they want to play Le Havre, but it’s not great trying to explain to them why they can’t.
I’ve got the solution for both sides of this. Games that will live up to the expectation of developing their reasoning, math, risk assessment, and not bore the pants off of the adults. Also, the young gamers will feel included, and have fun as they get ready to learn to play Power Grid. Some of you probably know these, but the hope is to add that extra hashtag in your mind #kidfriendy:
10. – Ican Gold
I mention this first because if you stop reading now at least you are aware of this option. Ican Gold is a great little push your luck game that you can teach a 4 year old. That said, it’s fun. I mean for a game you can play with any kid at any age you as an adult will enjoy the game yourself. I’d say the only downside on this one is as an adult you’ll play it once, feel that it is good enough for the evening, and a child may want to play it more before moving on. Honestly, that’s a good problem to have.
Reasoning: 2/5
Math: 3/5
Risk Assessment: 5/5
Fun: 4/5
09. – Dice Town
Dice Town is an even better game for adults, which means that you have to raise the age level a bit. I’ve played the game with a 5 year old, so I know it can be done, but I suspect the first time she played it took a bit longer. This is a good one to coach your child with a bit before you play it with friends. The best part is the game has a fun theme that kids can get behind, and adults won’t mind.
Reasoning: 3/5
Math: 3/5
Risk Assessment: 4/5
Fun: 4/5
08. – Tsuro
Tsuro is a great game if you have a lot of kids playing. It’s fast, friendly aggressive, and doesn’t last too long. You can play this with really young kids as well. It’s not as engaging for adults, but it’s way better than the games I mentioned in the previous article. Also the game is quite beautiful. There is a new version of the game, with similar core rules, and that is more interesting for adults, and is likely still very kid friendly.
Reasoning: 2/5
Math: 1/5
Risk Assessment: 3/5
Fun: 3/5
Confession. A 4 year old beat me in this game. Yeah, it was pretty bad. In my defense she had played it a lot, and it was my first game. Also, I underestimated a 4 year old. I mean come on, they are tiny! Anyway, I think that confession is enough to have any right minded parent interested in getting this game.
Reasoning: 3/5
Math: 1/5
Risk Assessment: 4/5
Fun: 3/5
06 – Can’t Stop
This is a great game. It’s everything I shouldn’t like in a game. It’s the opposite of everything I like in games. However, Can’t Stop is a great game. By looking at it you assume Ameritrash. By looking at it you assume no story or cool theme. By looking at it you assume same play every time. And you know what! You’re right, you’re obviously right. I made that setup way too obvious, sorry. Anyway, this game is a great math/risk management game that is super super simple to learn. It doesn’t have the appeal of a game with lasers, and robots, but it’s fun enough you won’t care.
Reasoning: 3/5
Math: 3/5
Risk Assessment: 5/5
Fun: 4/5
05 – Dungeon Roll
As far as themes go this game is one of the best on the list. I probably wouldn’t play it with anyone under 5 though. Again this game is great for adults, and cool enough for teens. It only plays up to 4, but it’s not super long, and has some reply because you can play a different character each time.
Reasoning: 3/5
Math: 2/5
Risk Assessment: 5/5
Fun: 5/5
04 – Escape: The Curse of the Temple
WARNING: You do not want to play this with a bunch of younger kids. It’s not that they can’t handle it, but they WILL get loud. You may want to teach them, and then stand back 5 feet. The great thing about this game is it’s super fun for everyone. The challenging part is it’s tricky to teach anyone. The reason is it’s a game that doesn’t have turns. Everyone is going at once, as fast as they can, and they are working together for a common goal. It’s great for teamwork, and good old fashioned chaotic fun. However, personalities do come out while playing this game, so keep an eye on them. My advice for playing escape is to play a super short introduction game, I do this with adults as well, where each person goes one turn at a time, till everyone has seen the core mechanics at least once. After that you can turn on the timer, and play for real.
Reasoning: 3/5
Math: 3/5
Risk Assessment: 4/5
Fun: 5/5
03 – For Sale
This is a great little auction game that has two halves of play. The first half impacts the second half, and you never know who is winning till the end. It’s super easy to teach, incredible for early math skills, and a lot of simple fun. When I play it with kids I always have them try to find the animals on the cards. The simplicity may make you nervous that adults won’t enjoy it, but that just isn’t the case. It’s a great little game.
Reasoning: 4/5
Math: 5/5
Risk Assessment: 3/5
Fun: 4/5
02 – Get Bit!
Two words for you. Shark that eats swimming robots. OK, not two words at all, but still very cool. That’s the game. It looks like a kids game, but the young ones may beat the adults more than you’d expect. Super easy to learn, and no lack of fun for anyone.
Reasoning: 2/5
Math: 1/5
Risk Assessment: 3/5
Fun: 4/5
Another great game where everyone plays on the same team. Flash Point is designed with families in mind. It has “family rules”, so young kids can play, and “advanced rules”, so adults can enjoy a challenge. I have played the advanced rules with a 4 year old, and she needed coaching, but that’s OK because the game does a great job showing you the action. She knew she wanted to put out fires, and she would point on the board and say “I want to put that one out.” and I would walk her through it. That was the advanced rules mind you. Of all of the games on this list I can’t recommend this one enough.
Reasoning: 5/5
Math: 1/5
Risk Assessment: 5/5
Fun: 5/5
I’ve counted down from 10, and I’ve found that there are so many more games I could have put on this list. For example, my own Monsters Made to Order plays great with children ages 12 and up. There just isn’t a shortage of great games adults and children can play together without having to buy the “classics” that sits on most department store shelves.
If you think of a good game to add to this list please let me know in the comments below.