10 Best Strategy Games for Kids 2024

Looking for brain-boosting games for your kids? Here's a quick rundown of the top strategy games for children in 2024:

1. Blokus - Shape-fitting board game (ages 4+)
2. Qwirkle - Color and shape matching (ages 6+)
3. Connect Four - Classic line-making game (ages 6+)
4. Sequence for Kids - Picture-based strategy (ages 3+)
5. Robot Turtles - Basic coding game (ages 3-8)
6. Labyrinth - Moving maze game (ages 7+)
7. Chess for Kids - Basic chess learning (all ages)
8. Ticket to Ride First Journey - Train route building (ages 6+)
9. Outfoxed - Team problem-solving (ages 5+)
10. Minecraft: Education Edition - Building and planning (all ages)

These games help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and more. Let's compare their key features:

Game	Age	Players	Play Time	Key Skill
Blokus	4+	2-4	20-30 min	Spatial reasoning
Qwirkle	6+	2-4	45-60 min	Pattern recognition
Connect Four	6+	2	10 min	Strategic planning
Sequence for Kids	3+	2-4	15 min	Matching
Robot Turtles	3-8	2-5	15-30 min	Basic coding
Labyrinth	7+	2-4	20 min	Problem-solving
Chess for Kids	All	2	Varies	Advanced strategy
Ticket to Ride First Journey	6+	2-4	20-30 min	Route planning
Outfoxed	5+	2-4	20-30 min	Deductive reasoning
Minecraft: Education Edition	All	Varies	Varies	Creative problem-solving

Choose games based on your child's age and interests. Start simple and work up to more complex games as they improve their skills.

Related video from YouTube

1. Blokus: Shape-Fitting Board Game

Blokus is a strategy game that'll make your kids think spatially while having a blast. It's simple to learn but tricky to master - perfect for family game nights!

Here's the lowdown on Blokus:

• 2-4 players
• Ages 4 and up
• 20-30 minutes of play time
• Setup in under a minute

You play on a 20x20 grid with 21 Tetris-like pieces in your color. The goal? Get as many pieces on the board as you can while blocking your opponents.

How to Play:

1. Start in a corner
2. New pieces must touch corners of your old ones
3. Same-color pieces can't touch sides
4. Can't place? You pass
5. Game over when no one can place anymore

But Blokus isn't just fun - it's a brain workout too:

Skill	Blokus Benefit
Spatial Reasoning	Visualizing piece placement
Strategic Thinking	Planning moves and blocks
Problem Solving	Finding creative placements
Math Skills	Counting and scoring

Want to level up your Blokus game? Try these:

• Use math terms like "rotate" and "sideways" while playing
• Turn it into a solo puzzle after the game
• Start with big pieces to keep options open
• Watch your opponents' moves to block them

Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, a child development expert, says:

"Strategy games like Blokus help the frontal lobe of the brain develop, which is crucial for executive functioning skills."

At about $31.71, Blokus is a solid investment. It's a game that grows with your kid's skills, making it great for both family fun and learning.

2. Qwirkle: Color and Shape Matching

Qwirkle is a tile game that's all about colors and shapes. It's simple enough for kids but tricky enough to keep adults on their toes.

Here's the lowdown:

• 2-4 players
• Ages 6 and up
• Takes about 45-60 minutes
• Super easy to learn, but there's plenty of strategy

The game has 108 wooden tiles with different shapes and colors. Your job? Make lines of matching colors or shapes to score points. If you manage to place all six of one color or shape in a line, that's a "Qwirkle" - and it's worth big points.

Playing Qwirkle:

1. Draw tiles and take turns placing them
2. Match colors or shapes in straight lines
3. Score points for each tile in your line
4. Get extra points for a Qwirkle (6 in a row)

Qwirkle isn't just fun - it's sneaky-smart. Kids pick up all sorts of skills while playing:

Skill	How Qwirkle Helps
Spotting Patterns	Finding color and shape matches
Thinking Ahead	Planning moves for max points
Spatial Skills	Figuring out where tiles could go
Math Practice	Adding up scores

Want to make the most of your Qwirkle games?

• Ask kids, "What's your next move?" to get them thinking
• Use it to practice colors and shapes with little ones
• Short on time? Play to a set score instead of using all tiles

Experts and families love Qwirkle. The designer, Susan McKinley Ross, made a game that grows with kids. As they get better, they can try out tougher strategies.

"Qwirkle is a puzzle game that's easy to learn but offers a ton of strategy." - Mindware

At $25-$50, Qwirkle is a solid buy. It's tough enough to last and fun enough that you'll want to play it over and over.

If you're after a game that teaches while it entertains, Qwirkle fits the bill. It sneaks in STEM skills without feeling like homework. Kids will be having too much fun to notice they're learning!

3. Connect Four: Classic Line-Making Game

Connect Four has been challenging players since the 1970s. It's easy for kids to learn, but tricky enough to keep adults hooked.

Here's why Connect Four is a must-have for 2024:

• For ages 6 and up (some younger kids can play too)
• 2 players
• Games last about 10 minutes
• Costs $10-$15 for the classic version

The goal? Be first to line up four of your colored discs. Sounds simple, right? But there's more strategy than you might think!

How to Play:

1. Pick your color (red or yellow)
2. Take turns dropping discs
3. Try to make a line of four while blocking your opponent
4. Win by connecting four discs in any direction

Connect Four isn't just fun - it's a brain workout. Check out these skills it builds:

Skill	Connect Four Benefit
Strategy	Planning future moves
Spatial Reasoning	Visualizing connections
Problem Solving	Finding ways to block
Pattern Recognition	Spotting potential wins

Want to up your game? Try these tricks:

• Own the middle column
• Look for sneaky "double threat" moves
• Keep an eye on your opponent's plan
• Don't set up your opponent for an easy win

Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, child development expert, says:

"Connect Four helps develop the frontal lobe, crucial for planning, decision making, and problem solving."

At about $12, Connect Four is a bargain. It's tough, quick to set up, and endlessly fun. Perfect for a quick game before bed or during short breaks.

Connect Four teaches more than just winning. It's about thinking ahead, predicting what might happen, and changing your plan on the fly. These are skills kids can use in real life, too.

So whether you're teaching a new player or rediscovering it yourself, Connect Four is still a top strategy game for kids in 2024. There's a reason it's stuck around so long!

4. Sequence for Kids: Picture-Based Strategy

Sequence for Kids is a fun card and board game that's perfect for family game nights in 2024. It's easy to learn and great for young players.

Here's the scoop:

• 2-4 players
• Ages 3 and up
• About 15 minutes to play
• Super easy to learn
• Costs around $20

It's a simpler version of the grown-up Sequence game, designed just for kids. It's been popular since 2001.

How to Play:

You get 3 cards, play one, and put your chip on the matching picture on the board. Try to make a row of 4 chips - that's a Sequence! There are special cards for extra fun moves too.

The board has cute animal pictures. Kids love matching their cards to the board while thinking about their next move.

This game is sneaky-smart. It helps kids learn:

Skill	How
Matching	Finding pictures on the board
Counting	Getting 4 in a row
Strategy	Planning moves
Spatial Awareness	Spotting sequences

Want to make the game even better? Try these:

• Ask your child, "Is this a sequence?" to help them understand
• Use the unicorn card wisely - it's like a wild card
• Watch out for the dragon card - it can remove an opponent's chip

"Sequence for Kids keeps the fun of the original game but makes it easier for young players."

It's simple enough for 3-year-olds but still fun for older kids and adults. And it's quick to play, which is great for short attention spans.

If you want a game that's easy to learn, fun to play, and secretly teaches kids stuff, Sequence for Kids is a great pick for 2024. It grows with your child, offering new challenges as they get better at the game.

5. Robot Turtles: Basic Coding Game

Robot Turtles is a board game that teaches kids coding basics without a computer. It's aimed at 3-8 year-olds and focuses on logic and problem-solving.

Quick facts:

• 2-5 players (including an adult)
• Ages 3-8
• 15-30 minutes playtime
• About $18 on Amazon

Dan Shapiro, a dad wanting to teach his kids coding, created the game. It was a Kickstarter hit, raising over $600,000.

How to Play:

Kids are "Turtle Masters" who use cards to move their turtle. An adult acts as the "Turtle Mover", following the kids' instructions. The goal? Get your turtle to the gem on the board.

Robot Turtles teaches coding concepts in a hands-on way:

Coding Concept	In-Game Application
Sequencing	Using cards to move the turtle
Debugging	Fixing mistakes when the turtle misses the gem
Functions	Combining cards for a single move (advanced play)

Dan Shapiro explains why coding matters:

"The future is going to be written by programmers and read by everyone else. I want to give my kids the gift of being able to express themselves through programming and the power that comes from being able to write software."

The game grows with kids. Start simple, then add challenges as they improve. Bill Ritchie, CEO of ThinkFun (now producing the game), says:

"Robot Turtles is a great example of what coding means for a preschooler. It is about sequencing instruction by instruction, and then being able to recognize the consequences. It's a mental framework that is appropriate for a preschooler."

Tips for maximum fun:

• Make silly noises when moving turtles
• Let kids "debug" their own mistakes
• Use the online maze builder for new challenges

Robot Turtles isn't just about coding. It teaches problem-solving, planning, and pattern recognition - skills useful in school and life.

Looking for a fun, educational game that grows with your child? Robot Turtles might be your 2024 pick. It's coding disguised as play!

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6. Labyrinth: Moving Maze Game

Labyrinth is a strategy game that keeps kids on their toes as they navigate a maze that's always changing. German psychologist Max J. Kobbert came up with this clever idea back in 1986, and it's still a hit with families today.

Here's the scoop on Labyrinth:

• 2-4 players
• Ages 7 and up (younger kids might need some help)
• Takes about 20 minutes to play
• Costs around $24.99

How to Play:

Players get treasure cards, then take turns sliding in an extra maze tile to shake things up. You'll move your piece along new paths, trying to grab treasures that match your cards. First one to get all their treasures and make it back to the start wins.

But Labyrinth isn't just about having fun - it's secretly exercising your brain too:

Brain Boost	What You're Doing
Problem-solving	Figuring out moves as the board changes
Spatial skills	Picturing new paths in your head
Strategy	Choosing between blocking others or going for your goal
Memory	Keeping track of where treasures are hiding

Want to make Labyrinth even more fun? Try these tricks:

• Let younger kids see all their treasure cards at once
• End the game after finding all treasures for quicker rounds
• Make silly noises when you change the maze

The best part about Labyrinth? The board is never the same twice. As one fan put it:

"Labyrinth brings together great ideas, fun gameplay, and cool artwork to create an awesome family game."

At its heart, Labyrinth teaches kids to roll with the punches when things change. It's not just about finding the right path - sometimes you have to make your own.

Parents, if you want to give your kid's brain a workout, Labyrinth is a great pick. It helps with:

• Careful hand movements
• Planning moves in tricky situations
• Matching what you see with what you do

Plus, solving the maze feels great and builds confidence. Every treasure found is a little win that teaches kids to keep trying.

In a world full of screens, Labyrinth gives families a chance to play together, face-to-face. It's a way to make memories and exercise those brain muscles at the same time.

7. Chess for Kids: Basic Chess Learning

Kids can learn chess too! It's not just for adults. In 2024, there are fun ways for children to pick up this classic strategy game. Let's see how chess can be both fun and educational for kids.

ChessKid is making chess kid-friendly. This app lets children play chess online and offline, take on funny chess bots, and solve puzzles. It's safe, has no ads, and over 2,000 schools use it.

What's cool about ChessKid for young chess players?

• 10 funny chess bots to practice against
• Over 350,000 puzzles to solve (3 free ones daily)
• Videos that teach rules and strategy in a kid-friendly way
• Safe environment where parents can control accounts

The app is free, but there's a Gold membership if you want unlimited puzzles and videos.

"ChessKid is the best app for kids who want to get better at chess." - ChessKid Team

But why should kids learn chess? It's not just a game. Chess helps kids:

• Solve problems
• Think ahead
• Be patient and focus
• Learn good sportsmanship

FM James Canty III says: "My dad and I played for hours. I lost every game for two years straight! When I finally beat my dad, everything changed for me."

Want to make chess fun for kids?

1. Start simple - teach how pieces move and capture
2. Use colorful chess sets made for kids
3. Play quick games to keep it exciting
4. Cheer for small wins

Learning chess takes time. Keep it fun and don't rush. As kids get better, they'll learn skills that help in school and life.

In 2024, chess is still a top strategy game for kids. With apps like ChessKid, it's easier than ever for children to learn and enjoy this timeless game.

8. Ticket to Ride First Journey: Train Route Building

Ticket to Ride First Journey brings the fun of cross-country train travel to kids. It's a simpler version of the classic game, perfect for young players aged 6 and up.

Here's why it's a great pick for 2024:

• For ages 6+
• 2-4 players
• 20-30 minute playtime
• Costs about $30

The game is super easy to learn:

1. Connect cities with colorful train routes
2. Complete destination tickets
3. Finish 6 tickets first to win!

What's cool about First Journey? It's all about having fun, not complicated scoring. Kids can build train networks without worrying about points.

First Journey	Original Ticket to Ride
Smaller board	Bigger, more complex board
Win by completing 6 tickets	Point-based scoring
Draw train cards from deck	Choose from face-up cards
Hold 2 destination tickets	Multiple tickets in hand

The game is designed for kids:

• Big trains that are easy to hold
• Fun artwork with landmarks
• Simple, one-page rules

Parents and teachers love how it sneaks in learning:

• Kids learn about cities and where they are
• Planning routes helps with strategy
• Choosing between cards and trains builds decision-making skills

"First Journey is perfect - simple enough for kids to get, pretty enough to keep them interested, and fun enough that parents aren't bored to tears."

Tips for a great game:

• Talk about the cities and landmarks
• Help kids plan their routes
• Try playing in teams

First Journey has more luck than the grown-up version, but kids still get to make choices. It's a great way to introduce strategy games and get them ready for tougher games later.

Want some family time that also helps kids think? Ticket to Ride First Journey is your ticket to fun in 2024.

9. Outfoxed: Team Problem-Solving

Outfoxed is a cooperative board game that gets kids working together to crack a mystery. It's perfect for young sleuths aged 5 and up who love teamwork.

Here's the scoop on Outfoxed:

• 2-4 players
• Ages 5+
• 20-30 minute playtime
• Costs about $18

In this game, you're on a mission to catch the fox who swiped Mrs. Plumpert's prized pot pie. It's a race to gather clues and rule out suspects before the crafty thief gets away!

How It Works:

You'll move around the board collecting clues, use a special scanner to cross off suspects, and team up to finger the culprit before they escape to their foxhole.

Outfoxed teaches kids some pretty cool skills:

• Teamwork: You've got to talk and plan together
• Deductive Reasoning: Using clues to narrow down who did it
• Probability: Deciding when to hunt for clues vs. reveal suspects
• Memory: Keeping all that info straight in your head

What makes Outfoxed special? It mixes cooperation and deduction, making it great for families who want to boost problem-solving skills without the competition.

"We've always been a fan of both cooperative games and deduction games, so it was little surprise that we fell for Outfoxed!" - Gamewright Team

Want to amp up the fun?

• Make it easier or harder by tweaking how far the fox moves when dice rolls fail
• Get everyone talking about their ideas
• Use the game to chat about real-life teamwork

David Belenky, a writer who knows his games, says: "Outfoxed is an enjoyable and skill-building whodunit that should keep kids on the edges of their seats."

Outfoxed isn't just a game - it's a way to sharpen thinking skills and get kids working together. No wonder it's such a hit with families and teachers in 2024!

10. Minecraft: Education Edition: Building and Planning

Minecraft: Education Edition turns the popular sandbox game into a learning powerhouse. It's not just about building blocks - it's about building skills.

Here's what makes it special:

• 250+ lessons across subjects
• Boosts creativity and problem-solving
• Works on Windows 10, macOS, and iPad
• Used in 7,000+ classrooms worldwide

The impact? Teachers are seeing real results:

Skill	Teachers Reporting Improvement
Problem-solving	98%
Numeracy and computational thinking	71%

But it's not all dry numbers. Minecraft: Education Edition lets kids:

• Build a moon base
• Dive into marine biology
• Tour Washington, D.C. landmarks
• Climb Mt. Olympus for Greek mythology

Karen Carnes, a Special Education Teacher, puts it this way:

"My students practice task management, problem solving, and relationship skills. Seeing them excited about learning is priceless."

The game's flexibility opens up tons of possibilities:

1. Time Travel (Sort Of)

Kids can rebuild ancient Rome or recreate the Great Fire of 1666. It's like stepping into a history book.

2. Safe Science

Want to explore space or dive deep into the ocean? No problem. Virtual labs make it happen without leaving the classroom.

3. Coding for Beginners

The game sneaks in basic coding concepts. It's like learning a new language without realizing it.

Tips for teachers:

• Use pre-made worlds as starting points
• Team up with students to build custom environments
• Tackle tough topics through play

Minecraft: Education Edition isn't just a game. It's a strategy for building the skills kids need for tomorrow, today.

Tips for Getting Started

Want to kickstart your child's strategic thinking? Here's how to pick the right game and make it count:

Choose Age-Appropriate Games

Pick games that match your kid's age and skills. Here's a quick guide:

Age	Games	Skills
2-4	My First Orchard, Go Away Monster	Basic concepts, turns
5-7	Connect Four, Sequence for Kids	Patterns, strategy
8-10	Ticket to Ride First Journey, Blokus	Planning, spatial thinking
11+	Catan Junior, Chess for Kids	Complex strategy, problem-solving

But remember: every kid's different. Be ready to switch it up based on what they like and can handle.

Start Simple, Then Level Up

Begin with easy games to build basic skills. Connect Four? Great for teaching strategy to little ones. Once they've got it, move up to something like Catan Junior.

Make It Fun

Pick games your kid will love. Trains fan? Try Ticket to Ride First Journey. Future architect? Minecraft: Education Edition might be perfect. Fun themes make strategy learning a blast.

LaDonna Dennis, who started Mom Blog Society, says:

"Strategic thinking isn't just about war games. It's the foundation for learning and solving problems on your own."

Teach Rules Like a Pro

Before you start a new game:

1. Know the rules inside out
2. Set up the game first
3. Explain the goal
4. Use game pieces to show how it works
5. Keep it short and sweet

Rodney Smith from Watch It Played on YouTube has this tip:

"A cool theme can make all the difference. If kids think the game looks awesome, they'll put up with trickier rules."

Create a Positive Game Zone

• Be patient when explaining
• Welcome questions
• Make game time special
• Play when kids are fresh, stop when they're tired

Sneak in Some Learning

Use games to teach other stuff:

• Talk about history in Ticket to Ride
• Practice math while scoring in Blokus
• Learn geography with map-based games

Step It Up Slowly

As your kid gets better at strategy games:

1. Slowly make games harder
2. Try different types of games
3. Play team games to teach working together

FAQs

What are the best board games to play with family?

Looking for the perfect board game for family night? Here's a quick rundown of top picks for 2024 that'll suit different ages and tastes:

Game	Best For	Price	Key Feature
Labyrinth	Simple starter	$34 at Walmart	Moving maze game
Onitama	Two players	$38 at Amazon	Chess-like strategy
Catan	Trade and build	$44 at Amazon (on sale from $60)	Resource management
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea	Cooperative play	$15 at Amazon	Card-based teamwork

Labyrinth is great for kids - it's all about navigating a shifting maze. Easy to learn, but still fun for adults.

Catan? That's where things get interesting. It's perfect for older kids and adults who want to dive into resource management and wheeling and dealing.

But here's a cool option: The Crew: Mission Deep Sea. It's all about teamwork. You and your family work together to complete missions. It's a fantastic way to build those communication skills.

Now, here's the thing: the best game for your family depends on who's playing. As Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, a child development expert, puts it:

"Choose games that match your child's developmental stage. This ensures they're challenged but not frustrated, keeping the experience fun and educational."

My advice? Start simple. As your family gets better at gaming, you can move on to the more complex stuff. It's a great way to keep everyone engaged and learning.