When my little one first started showing an interest in board games, I realised just how powerful they can be for learning. The right educational board games for kids not only spark giggles and family bonding, but also help strengthen important skills like problem solving, memory, maths, and even teamwork. According to the NHS child development guidance, play is essential for supporting social and cognitive growth during these early years.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together the best educational board games for 6-8 year olds that balance fun with real learning benefits. You’ll find my top quick picks in a handy comparison table, followed by detailed reviews and a buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice. Whether you’re after a quick family card game before bedtime, or a strategy based challenge for a rainy weekend, I’ve got you covered.
From classics like Sleeping Queens and Sushi Go! to newer gems such as Dragomino, these are games kids actually want to play again and again.
Comparison Table Top Picks
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Sleeping Queens | Quick 10-15 min play, boosts memory & maths | £12-£18 | A bedtime favourite that sneaks in learning without kids realising |
| Sushi Go! | Card drafting, pattern recognition | £10-£15 | Fast paced and perfect for family bonding |
| Ticket to Ride First Journey: Europe | Simplified strategy, map learning | £25-£35 | Introduces geography in a playful way |
| Dragomino | Award winning, domino style, easy for beginners | £18-£25 | Gentle introduction to strategy for younger players |
| The World Game (Geography Board Game) | Flags, capitals, continents | £25-£35 | Brilliant for curious kids who love maps |
| Sushi Go Party! | Larger version of Sushi Go!, more variety | £20-£25 | Great if you have multiple kids or family gatherings |
| Ticket to Ride Europe | More advanced than First Journey | £30-£40 | Ideal next step as kids grow in confidence |
| Hasbro Monopoly Junior Exclusive Edition | Simplified Monopoly for kids aged 5 and up. | £20–£30 | Ideal for family game nights. |
How I Picked These
Choosing the best educational board games for kids isn’t just about picking the ones with the brightest boxes. I looked at:
- Safety: Age appropriate pieces and clear instructions.
- Learning Value: Games that genuinely build maths, reading, or geography skills.
- Durability: Sturdy cards, boards, and parts that survive family game nights.
- Fun Factor: If it isn’t fun, kids won’t play it.
- Value for Money: Games that grow with your child, not ones they’ll outgrow too quickly.
As a parent, I also considered replayability. Kids in the 6-8 age range can quickly get bored, so games that stay fresh (or can scale in complexity) are a big plus.
Parent Tip: Always check if the game is something adults will enjoy too. It makes family time feel less like homework and more like bonding.
Best Educational Board Games Reviews
Sleeping Queens
Overview: A fast paced card game where players wake sleeping queens using clever number play.
Pros:
- Short playtime, perfect before bedtime
- Encourages memory, simple maths, and strategy
- Compact and travel friendly
Cons:
- Some luck involved
- Younger kids may need help at first
Best for: Quick family play, early maths skills.This one stood out because it’s simple enough for kids to pick up quickly, yet clever enough to keep adults engaged.
Sushi Go!
Overview: A popular card drafting game where kids collect sushi combinations for points.
Pros:
- Improves pattern recognition and decision making
- Very affordable
- Small and portable
Cons:
- Limited variety after many plays (unless you upgrade to Sushi Go Party!)
Best for: Family nights, improving memory and strategy.This one stood out because it teaches kids about planning ahead and balancing options, all in a short game.
Ticket to Ride First Journey: Europe
Overview: A simplified version of the classic game, designed for younger players.
Pros:
- Introduces geography through maps
- Builds strategic thinking
- High quality board and pieces
Cons:
- Slightly longer setup time
- May feel too easy for older kids after a while
Best for: Kids curious about maps, families who enjoy strategy games. This one stood out because my child became genuinely interested in European cities after playing.
Dragomino
Overview: A kid friendly spin on the famous Kingdomino, with dragon eggs and simple tile laying mechanics.
Pros:
- Award winning (Kinderspiel des Jahres)
- Easy to learn for beginners
- Lovely artwork
Cons:
- Not as challenging for older players
Best for: First time board gamers, younger siblings joining in.This one stood out because it makes strategy accessible without overwhelming children.
The World Game (Geography Board Game)
Overview: A geography focused trivia game covering countries, flags, and capitals.
Pros:
- Fantastic educational value
- Suitable for school age kids
- Replayable and competitive
Cons:
- Works best with kids who already show interest in geography
- Some cards may feel too advanced for 6 year olds
Best for: Knowledge seekers, kids who love maps and flags.This one stood out because it combines play with genuine learning that sticks.
Sushi Go Party!
Overview: The expanded version of Sushi Go! with more cards and game variety.
Pros:
- More depth and variety
- Great for larger families
- Still quick to play
Cons:
- Bigger box, less travel friendly
Best for: Families with multiple kids, group play.This one stood out because it grows with your child’s abilities and keeps the game fresh.
Ticket to Ride Europe
Overview: A full version of the iconic board game, with deeper strategy than First Journey.
Pros:
- Excellent for older children and parents
- Teaches geography and long term planning
- High replay value
Cons:
- More complex, may overwhelm some 6 year olds
- Higher price point
Best for: Families who love strategy and want a game to last for years.This one stood out because it’s a game the whole family can grow into.
Hasbro Monopoly Junior Exclusive Edition
A simplified version of the classic Monopoly game, designed for younger players.
Pros:
- Simplified rules for ages 5 and up
- Includes exclusive tokens and properties
- Engaging gameplay for young children
- Compact and portable design
Cons:
- Limited to 4 players
- No online or digital play options
- May be too simplistic for older children
Best for: Families with young children looking for an easy to learn board game.
Personal insight: A fun and engaging way to introduce young kids to board games, though it might not hold the attention of older children.
Buyer’s Guide What to Consider
When I was shopping for educational board games for kids, these were the things I wish I had known:
- Learning Balance: Choose games that teach without feeling like schoolwork.
- Ease of Play: Look for clear instructions and age appropriate rules.
- Replay Value: Kids love variety, so pick games with multiple strategies or expansions.
- Family Appeal: The more fun it is for you, the more often it will get played.
- Durability: Cards and boards should withstand sticky fingers and frequent use.
Pro Tip: Start with shorter games (15-20 minutes) to hold their attention, then introduce longer strategy games as they grow.
Safety & Extra Tips
The NHS Play Ideas Guide suggests that structured games help children develop patience and cooperation, which are key life skills at this age. Always supervise younger children to avoid small parts becoming a hazard, and encourage fair play to build social skills.
FAQs
Are educational board games really beneficial for kids?
Yes, they combine play with learning. They support maths, reading, problem solving, and social development.
What’s the best quick educational game for 6-8 year olds?
Sleeping Queens is perfect because it only takes 10-15 minutes and reinforces maths skills.
Which game is best for family nights?
Sushi Go! or Ticket to Ride First Journey are great because they’re simple but engaging for adults too.
Can 6 year olds handle strategy games?
Yes, with simplified rules. Games like Dragomino are ideal as a starting point.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for educational games that are fun, affordable, and parent approved, these board games tick every box. For a quick all rounder, Sleeping Queens is my go to pick, but if you want a longer lasting investment, Ticket to Ride First Journey: Europe is fantastic for introducing geography while still being lots of fun.
I know choosing the right game can feel overwhelming, but I hope this guide makes your decision easier and helps you create family game nights your kids will look forward to.
