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 Bagel Pico Fermi.  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alcatraz Prison Break Logic Game

Ages 10 and up

This game is great if you have older kids. It helps to teach logic and spatial reasoning skills. The goal is to find a safe path to escape prison without being caught. Puzzles range in difficulty so kids can start out with beginner cards while adults can do more complex puzzles. What makes this game different is the kids can play alone if they prefer.

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.

 

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:

The Best Math Games for Kids

The Importance of Playing Games with Kids