We’ve all heard of Uno, Jenga, and Candy Land. These are timeless classics that have stood the test of time. But, believe it or not, companies are still out there making new games.
Store shelves are full of dozens of brightly colored boxes with fun tag lines. How do you know which modern board games will actually be fun and age-appropriate?
Here’s a list of four that my family has enjoyed.
Raccoon Rumpus
Recommended age: 3+
Players: 2-4
Play time: 5 min.
The object of this game is to dress your raccoon with five outfit cards. Players roll two jumbo dice with a color and an article of clothing. Then, they must find an outfit card that matches the roll. For example, if you come up with red and a pair of pants, you can pick any card with red pants (there are lots of options). However, if you roll an underwear, you have to put all the outfits back.
This game is great for practicing colors and taking turns. The recommended age is appropriate.
Happy Snappy Apples
Recommended age: 4+
Players: 2-4
Play time: 5 min.
A spring-loaded crossbar holds wooden apple pegs in place. Players try to pull an apple out without making the crossbar move. Each color is worth a different point value. When you’re done, tally up your points to find out who won.
This game teaches math, colors, dexterity, and physics. I personally love this game as an adult. Even though the recommended age is 4, a 3-year-old might be able to play it. You could also make it a solo game. While the board has a spring, it is not an imminent threat to fingers.
Yeti in My Spaghetti
Recommended age: 4+
Players: 2+
Play time: 5 min.
This game has a similar vibe to the classic Kerplunk, but it’s significantly easier to set up. You put wavy plastic spaghetti across the top of a bowl, then put the yeti on top. Each player must take out a noodle without letting the yeti fall in. The winner is the last one to successfully remove a noodle.
This game is another of my favorites. It might require too much dexterity for a 3-year-old, but it’s worth a try.
Zingo! Sight Words
Recommended age: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
Players: 2-6
Play time: Varies
It’s Bingo, but for reading. Slide the tile dispenser to release the sight word tiles. Each player grabs the pieces that match their card. The first to fill the board wins.
The appropriate age will vary based on your child. My son has grown into it now that he’s in kindergarten and is a big fan. The cards have two sides — one more competitive and one less — to cater to different skill levels.
The game has several other versions, including numbers, pre-reading, and word building.
BONUS: Uno Attack
Recommended age: 7+
Players: 2+
Play time: Varies
This one doesn’t fall in the new games category, but I wanted to give it a shout-out because it’s my very favorite. It’s Uno with a card shooter. Instead of drawing a card when you can’t play, you press the button and hold your breath while it shoots a random number of cards. You can also play attack cards to make another player press the button.
Uno is great for matching colors and numbers, and the shooting adds an extra element of excitement. The box says 7+, but we’ve been playing it since he was 4. Super competitive children might find it tough because sometimes you might end up with 8 new cards in one turn.
Where to buy modern board games
You can get these games on Amazon or Target, but many local game stores also carry them. Their employees can probably recommend a different one if you’re unsure. Consider shopping local!
