One of the first factors, and possibly the only one most people consider, is the age of any children that will be playing. Children can be split into roughly four groups. Choosing a game for any one of these groups is relatively simple. It’s much more challenging to choose a good game if you have children in more than one group.

Ages 0 to 4

The first group contains children from the ages of 0 to 4. This group of kids really won’t be able to play any semblance of a real game. However, they probably will be very interested in playing with game components. Many components are brightly colored and have interesting textures. So one way to get this group involved is to simply let them play with a few carefully selected pieces. Of course be very careful to give them only larger pieces that can’t be swallowed or digested. By involving kids of this age, you make it fun for everyone.

Suggested board games for families with kids ages 0 to 4:

• The Ladybug Game
• Candyland
• Chutes and Ladders
• Memory
• Go Fish

Ages 4 to 8

The second group contains children from the ages of 4 to 8. Kids this age can actually play simple games. Games that involve simple counting, colors, shapes, and memory can be grasped and enjoyed. Often you can take a game that would be beyond the comprehension of kids in this group and simplify the rules so they understand. It’s not uncommon for kids this age to just enjoy collecting, moving pieces, and matching up cards or other components rather than focusing on winning. Of course, kids really like to win too, but they seem to enjoy the process of the game equally.

Suggested board games for families with kids ages 4 to 8:

• Gulo Gulo
• Chicken Cha Cha
• Balloon Race
• Rattle Snake
• Cloud 9
• Games with geometric pieces. Kids often like building with them or making fun shapes.

Ages 8 to 12

The third group contains children from the ages of 8 to 12. Kids this age can grasp the full concept of most games. In fact, if you look on the boxes of most mainstream games not made for kids, the low age is usually 8 or 10. It’s rare to find a game with a low age recommended age above 10. Just about any game will work for this age group so you’ll mainly want to consider other factors.

Suggested board games for families with kids ages 8 to 12:

• Heroscape (mostly good for boys)
• Lost Cities
• Bohnanza
• Blokus
• Apples to Apples
• Monopoly
• Chateau Roquefort

Ages 12 and up

The last group contains children (or rather young adults) from the ages of 12 and up. The kids are capable of developing strategies and grasping higher level concepts. Don’t be afraid to push this group towards more challenging games. Having said that, teenagers can often get bored, so sometimes games that are lively and interactive are the best choice. Turn-based games can often be too slow so you might want to choose a game that keeps them involved non-stop.

Suggested board games for families with kids ages 12 and up:

• Memoir ‘44
• Dominion
• Race for the Galaxy
• Ticket to Ride
• Bang
• Puerto Rico
• Wits and Wagers
• Settlers of Catan
• Fits