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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Gift Guides

    10 Best Strategy Games for Kids

    Published: Feb 1, 2016 · Modified: Jul 25, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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    My husband is a very strategical and logical thinker. This is not a strong suit of mine. Luckily, my kids all inherited his love for puzzles and strategy. From a young age we have been playing strategy games with them. An easy one that can be played anywhere is "What is the Bagel Pico Fermi Math Game?"  Recently, my husband taught our seven year old twins to play poker. They love the strategy involved in the game. Since kids can learn so much from playing strategy games, we own quite a few of them. I have done a lot of research over the years and these are the 10 Best Strategy Games for Kids that I have found.

    10 Best Strategy Games for Kids - Kids learn so much playing strategy games. Find out which ones are best for your child and why they are so important.

    What kids can learn from playing strategy games

    • To develop their critical thinking skills
    • To detect patterns in game play
    • To plan out their moves based on what they think their opponent might do
    • To consider and weigh many outcomes as they think about their best possible move
    • To consider and adjust their approach when it doesn't work

    The best Strategy Games for Kids

    Mastermind

    Ages 8 and up

    This is fun code breaking game where one player creates a pattern and the other has to guess it using strategy and deduction. My seven year olds can play this game no problem and even my 6 year old enjoys it with some help. If you have a child who loves a puzzle or challenge, this is the game for them.

    kids playing master mind

    Quirkle

    Ages 6 and up

    The premise of the game is easy, match tiles and score points. But the strategy involved really keeps kids and adults thinking. My kids really get into trying to outwit each other. It might be a little too advanced for kids 5 and under, but my 7 year olds find it challenging and fun.

    quirkle

    Rummikub

    Ages 8 and up

    This game is similar to the card game Rummy in that you try to use all your tiles as you create sets and runs. Since the game board changes all the time based on everyone's turn, thinking and strategizing are necessary to be successful.

    strategy-game-rummikub

    Sequence for Kids

    Ages 4-7

    This game is great for younger kids to get their feet wet with strategy games. Since kids don't have to be able to read to play, it really is young kid friendly. We actually bought this game when we were at Target shopping for another toy and a mom came up to us and started raving about Sequence for Kids. I figure a game must be really good if it's got moms recommending it to complete strangers. Turns out that mom was right, my kids LOVE it.

    strategy-game-for-kids-sequence

    Blokus

    Ages 5 and up

    If you have ever played Tetris, then the game board Blokus will look familiar. Blokus not only helps kids think outside the box, but it improves spatial relations concepts as well.  I love that adults can play with kids and everyone can be challenged and have a good time.

    strategy-game-blokus

    Fish Stix

    Ages 5-12

    This game will encourage children to use math skills and strategy. It is great for younger children, but older kids will enjoy it as well as they plan ways to block other players. This game does require quite a bit of room to play, so clear out a large area.

    strategy-game-fish-stix

    Connect 4

    Ages 6 and up

    While the game tray has changed a little since you were a kid, the basic elements of Connect 4 remain the same. Try to get four in a row to win while preventing your opponent from getting four in a row. In addition to teaching kids strategy, this game gives kids practice with playing defensively or aggressively.

    strategy-games-for-kids-connect-four

    Simply Suspects

    Ages 8 and up

    Kids use deductive reasoning to figure out who committed crimes.

    The Secret Door

    Ages 5-7

    This game requires kids to work cooperatively and share strategies as they try and solve the mystery behind the secret door. If your kids are competitive like mine, then you'll love the idea of a game where kids work together, not against each other.

    strategy-game-secret-door

    Stratego

    Ages 8-15

    This is another game great for older kids. You might remember this game from when you were a  kid. Kids use strategy to capture the flag and win the military battle.

    strategy-game-stratego

    What are some your favorite strategy games for kids? Which did you play as a child?

    If you liked these strategy games for kids, you'll love:

    Best Board Games for Kids

    The Importance of Playing Games with Kids

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabbir Mahmud

      January 07, 2019 at 1:28 am

      Hi Vicky! Your kiddos love Mastermind, right? How about gamescaptain?

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Easter Activities and Recipes

    • Stained Glass Easter Cookie Recipe
    • How to Make Spotted Easter Eggs
    • M&M Easter Cookies
    • Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

    Spring Activities

    • How to Make a Mother's Day Card
    • DIY Seed Starter for Kids
    • Flower Craft Idea
    • How to Make a Paper Butterfly - Easy Craft for Kids

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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