10 Best Strategy Games for Kids

One of the parenting tips I often share is to play strategy games with your kids. We've played strategy games with our kids since they were young. Since we have played many games over the years, I can confidently say these are the 10 Best Strategy Games for Kids.

Kids can learn so much from playing strategy games, and we have collected quite a few of them. An easy one that can be played anywhere is "What is the Bagel Pico Fermi Math Game?"

To learn more about why games are so valuable with kids, check out The Importance of Playing Games with Kids and the Best Board Games for Kids.

Jump to:

Fun Strategy Games
Strategy Games For Kids
Tips for Playing Strategy Games with Kids
What Kids Learn Playing Strategy Games
10 Best Strategy Games For Kids

Fun Strategy Games

Strategy games and puzzles are like workouts for the brain, helping kids think critically and solve problems. These games teach patience, planning, and teamwork, which are super important skills. The following games are not just fun, but they also help kids grow mentally.

Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle for Ages 7+ Brain Games for Kids and Adults, Travel Games Zartores Montessori Toys for 1 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls Toddlers, Wooden Sensory Toys for Ages 2-4 0-2, 1 2 Year Old Boy Girl Birthday Gifts, Educational Toddler Learning Puzzles Toys Airkid Stem Board Games Toys,Montessori Logic Puzzles Toys for Kids,Road Builder Educational Learning Brain Teasers Toys for Kids Ages 3-8 Year Old Coogam Wooden Tangram Puzzle, Color Shape Pattern Jigsaw Brain Teasers 3D Logic IQ Game Geometric Blocks Montessori STEM Educational Toys Gift for All Age Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!: 125+ Brain Puzzles for Kids, Hidden Pictures, Mazes, Sudoku, Word Searches, Logic Puzzles and More, Kids Activity Book for Super Solvers (Highlights Jumbo Books & Pads)Airkid STEM Board Games Kids Brain Teasers Toys,Road Builder Logic Puzzle Games,Montessori Educational Learning Toys Birthday Gifts for Age 4-8 Year Old

Strategy Games For Kids

Strategy games have been around for ages, and there's a reason they're still popular. They challenge kids to think ahead and make decisions. This isn't just fun; it's like training for real-life situations where thinking on your feet is key.

When children play these games, they're learning how to plan and strategize. Plus, these games solve a big problem for parents and teachers - keeping kids engaged. In our screen-dependent world, finding activities that grab kids' attention is hard.

Besides keeping kids engaged, strategy games help with problem-solving. They teach kids that every action has a consequence, which is a valuable lesson. Kids learn to weigh their options and choose the best path. This kind of thinking helps them in school and life.

Tips for Playing Strategy Games with Kids

Tip 1: If you are looking for a strategy game for kids, choose ones that match your child's age and skill level. If a game is too hard, it can be frustrating. But if it's too easy, it won't challenge them.

Tip 2: Play simple strategy games with your child. Kids love when their parents join in their activities. You can help them understand the rules and strategies, turning the game into a learning experience. Plus, it's a great bonding experience for the whole family.

Tip 3: Encourage kids to take their time. Teach them to consider each move carefully. This patience and focus will help them outside of the game too.

What Kids Learn Playing Strategy Games

To develop their critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills
To detect patterns in game play and use logical reasoning
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

Are strategy games suitable for all age groups?

There are kids strategy games designed for various age groups, from preschoolers to teenagers. Checking the game's recommended age range can be a helpful way to find the right match for your child.

Can strategy games help improve social skills?

They sure can! Many strategy games encourage cooperation, teamwork, and communication. Playing these games can help kids learn how to collaborate, negotiate, and handle competition in a friendly manner, all of which are essential social skills.

What are strategy games?

Strategy games emphasize skillful thinking and planning to win. Unlike games that rely on luck, these games need players to make thoughtful decisions and work with more complex strategies. Strategy games can be board games, card games, or screen-based.

10 Best Strategy Games For Kids

Good strategy games are not just about fun but also about building skills. Kids get to improve their critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork. These skills are helpful in everyday life.

Simple strategy games can be played alone or in groups, making them perfect for different settings. Whether you are a parent at home or a teacher in the classroom, these games will be a great addition.

Mastermind Codemaker Game

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 kids were able to play when they were seven. If you have a child who loves a puzzle or challenge, this is the game for them.

Buy here

Qwirkle Board Game

Ages 6 and Up

The premise of the game is easy, match tiles and score points. But the strategy involved 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.

Buy here

Rummikub - The Original Rummy Tile Game

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.

Buy here

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.

Buy here

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.

Buy here

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.

Buy here

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.

Buy here

Simply Suspects

Ages 8 and up

Kids use deductive reasoning to figure out who committed crimes.

Buy here

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.

Buy here

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.

Buy here