Best Board Games for 6-Year-Olds (35 Kid Favorites)

With 5 kids in our family, we’ve played a lot of board games over the years. While some games are suitable for the whole family, finding the best board games for 6-year-olds can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why I’ve scoured the Internet to put together this list of 35 games that would be enjoyable for a 6-year-old child.

Some kids prefer playing a card game or cooperative game while others enjoy more of a strategy game. I’ve also noticed that boys sometimes lean more towards certain types of fast-paced action games while girls may prefer character games or games that are cute or funny.

So whether you’re looking for a fun game for family game night with a 6-year-old or a great game for younger kids to play on their own or with older siblings, I hope this list of the best board games is helpful to you!

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Want to skip the list and just see my recommendations for great board games?

Here are my overall top picks along with best games for girls and boys:

Best Board Game Pick for 6-Year-Olds: Trouble

Best Board Game for 6-Year-Old Girl: Outfoxed

Best Board Game for 6-Year-Old Boy: Scotland Yard Junior

Best Action Game for 6-Year-Olds: Let’s Go Fishin’

Best Strategy Game for 6-Year-Olds: Qwirkle

Best Educational Game for 6-Year-Olds: Scrabble Junior

Best Fast Game for 6-Year-Olds: Don’t Break the Ice

Best Two-Player Game for 6-Year-Olds: Connect Four

Evaluating Best Board Games for 6-Year-Olds

Being 6 years old is such a fun age! A 6-year-old is still very child-like in many ways but is also quickly growing up and being more and more inquisitive about the world around them.

It can be so much fun watching a young child spending quality time playing a board game rather than being glued to the TV or a digital device playing video games.

Many kids in this age bracket have just started kindergarten and are honing important skills like reading and basic math.

Some board games are designed to simply be fun to play without teaching any specific skills. However, other games can actually be educational and a great way for the child to practice things like fine motor skills in an enjoyable way!

Playing board games can also teach valuable social skills. As children taken turns moving their game pieces around the game board, they learn to take turns, be patient, and follow rules. (And hopefully learn how to lose gracefully from time to time!)

According to Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., playing board games can provide intellectual benefits for younger children, including help with developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

So while most parents only view family board games as an enjoyable way to pass the time, young children can actually be learning problem-solving skills and strategic thinking that will benefit them on their journey through life!

Best Overall Board Games for 6-Year-Old Kids

With so many options to choose from, it can be a little confusing when selecting the perfect game that would be fun for a 6-year-old.

I’ve sorted through a huge list of games and picked out the ones that have the best reviews from parents and grandparents.

Here are the top 10 overall best games that would be perfect for young kids.

BEST OVERALL GAME

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1. Trouble

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 minutes

Trouble is my first choice for best overall board game for a 6-year-old child.

With this game, players press the pop-up bubble to roll the die. This determines whether they get to move their game piece around the board.

The goal is to be the first one to get each of your four pegs all the way around the board to the finish line.

It’s called “Trouble” because you can lose your place and have to start over if another player lands on your space!

Many reviewers mention that Trouble is a wonderful game for family members of all ages, and perfect for a family game night.

This is a fun, fast-moving game suitable for boys and girls. It’s no wonder this is one of the best-selling games of all time!

You can purchase Trouble here.

2. Connect Four

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2
Play Time: Fast (5-10 Minutes)

Connect Four is considered a classic game, with many parents having grown up playing this game when they were kids.

This game is a twist on the well-known game of Tic-Tac-Toe. Players drop colored pieces that look like checker discs into the slot at the top of the game grid, trying to be the first to get four discs in a row.

I have to admit that this game is almost as fun for adults as it is for kids. It’s particularly good for kids with short attention spans as it’s a fast-moving, quick game that can be finished in just a few minutes.

Connect Four game set up requires some very basic assembly but it’s not difficult at all.

Both boys and girls enjoy playing this game.

You can purchase Connect Four here.

3. Candy Land

Age Range: 3+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Candy Land is another classic board game that many of us grew up playing as kids.

One of the nice things about this game is that it doesn’t require any reading and can be enjoyed by the entire family, even very young kids.

Game play involves moving your gingerbread man piece around the playing field on your way to the castle.

With characters like the Duke of Swirl and Grandma Gooey, you know Candyland has to be one of the sweetest (pun intended) games around!

This is another great choice for both boys and girls. One reviewer even noted, “Still fun for me, their mom, at 31!”

You can purchase Candy Land here.

4. Sorry

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Sorry is a classic family game that always on the list of favorite board games of many little kids.

With this fun game, players draw cards and move their pawns around to be the first to reach the end of the board.

But if your pawn piece gets bumped then it’s “Sorry,” you’re back to the starting point!

This is such an enjoyable game for all ages that I even included it in my list of best board games for couples!

You can purchase Sorry here.

5. Guess Who?

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2
Play Time: 10-15 minutes

Guess Who? is a board game from Hasbro Gaming, one of the most well-known board game companies.

As the name suggests, this is a guessing game where players take turns trying to guess the other player’s mystery character.

This is a really fun game for kids and comes in a fold-up case that would make it a good choice for travel.

Reviewers mention that this game is easy to learn and a very good board game for younger players.

You can purchase Guess Who? here.

6. Operation

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 1 or more
Play Time: Varies

Operation is another classic electronic game that many adults played during their childhood years.

To play this game, kids play surgeon and use little tweezers to try and remove bones and other parts from the patient.

Players earn money through successful operations, and get a buzzing light if their instrument touches the wrong area.

This is a cute game that can help promote fine motor skills. It’s enjoyable by different age groups and can be played by just one player.

You can purchase Operation here.

7. Don’t Break the Ice

Age Range: 3+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: Fast (Less than 5 Minutes)

Don’t Break the Ice is a highly enjoyable game that features simple gameplay for younger kids.

Players use plastic ice picks to chip away at the ice with the goal of preventing the penguin from falling through the ice.

Many reviewers talk about how much fun their kids have playing this game, although it is over very quickly.

Young children may have some difficulty assembling the game themselves and may need assistance from an adult or older child.

You can purchase Don’t Break the Ice here.

8. Yeti in my Spaghetti

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 2+
Play Time: 10 minutes

The Yeti in my Spaghetti game is a fun twist on games that involve removing one item piece by piece with the goal of keeping another item from falling.

In this variation, players remove pieces of spaghetti and try to keep the yet (abominable snowman) from falling into the spaghetti bowl.

Yeti in my Spaghetti is a Game of the Year Award winner that will leave kids of different ages laughing and having a blast playing together.

It also can help develop hand-eye coordination as well as some spatial reasoning skills in figuring out which pieces of spaghetti to leave and which to remove.

You can purchase Yeti in my Spaghetti here.

9. Monopoly Junior

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30-60 minutes

Almost everyone is familiar with the classic Monopoly board game. While the original game is fine for older kids, younger kids would find it too complicated and difficult to play.

Monopoly Junior fits the bill for younger players as it is a greatly simplified form of the adult version.

This game has cute game pieces and a board that will appeal to younger players.

Like with the original Monopoly game, the goal is to gain the greatest amount of money while avoiding bankruptcy!

Due to the basic math skills involved, Monopoly Junior requires a slightly higher skill level than some other games, but is still a great option in board games for 6-year-olds.

You can purchase Monopoly Junior here.

10. Chutes and Ladders

Age Range: 3-7
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Chutes and Ladders is another classic board game for kids and may bring back happy memories for many adults.

It’s a fantastic game that’s fun for preschoolers but also suitable for kids up to age 7 . No reading is required.

As the name suggests, players move their pawn piece around the board, up ladders and down chutes. The goal is to be the first one to reach the top of the game board.

A few reviewers complain about the play time length of this game, but overall it has excellent ratings from parents.

You can purchase Chutes and Ladders here.

11. Charades for Kids

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 3+
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Most people are familiar with the classic game of charades where players act out a word to see if other players can guess what they are acting.

Charades for Kids brings this concept down to a child’s level where kids act out a picture on a card before the timer runs out.

Many users of this game report having a great time playing as a family. This would be perfect for kids who like to act, even if they haven’t learned to read.

You can purchase Charades for Kids here.

12. Bugs in the Kitchen

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15 minutes

Bugs in the Kitchen is a unique board game which was the winner of a Best Toys for Kids award.

The goal is to capture a battery-operated bug in your trap. You use kitchen utensils to try and guide the bug into the trap. The first player to gather 5 tokens is the game winner.

This game has many 5-star reviews, with many people commenting on the high quality and design of this clever game.

You can purchase Bugs in the Kitchen here.

Best Board Games for 6-Year-Old Girls

While any of the games I’ve included in the best overall board games for 6-year-old kids would be good for girls, here are my top picks for best board games specifically chosen for 6-year-old girls.

BEST GAME FOR GIRLS

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1. Outfoxed

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players; 2-4
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Outfoxed bills itself as a “cooperative whodunit game” where players work to guess who stole a prized pot pie.

This is a really cute game that helps kids to learn deductive reasoning in a fun, cooperative setting.

The Outfoxed game board, cards and dice are attractively done and would appeal to many young girls.

This is truly a wonderful choice in board games, and my top pick for a 6-year-old girl!

You can purchase Outfoxed here.

2. Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game

Age Range: 3+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 minutes

The Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game is based on the animated children’s television series featuring a lovable dog family.

Bluey is a 6-year-old female Blue Heeler who has a younger sister, Bingo, who is 4 years old.

Players work together in this game to gather up 12 toy tokens. The first player to cross the finish line wins.

Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game is advertised as suitable for ages 3 and up but would probably be better for those in the 5 to 6-year-old age range.

Girls will love the cute dog characters and the fun activities included in the game play.

You can purchase Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game here.

3. Hi Ho! Cherry-O

Age Range: 3-6
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15 minutes

Hi Ho! Cherry-O was one of our family’s most enjoyable games to play when my kids were little, and it’s still a great choice for young kids today!

My girls in particular seemed to enjoy this game.

One nice feature of this game is that it teaches basic math skills such as addition and subtraction. As kids pick tiny fruits and fill their baskets, they try to be the first to pick all their fruit without spilling!

This is a really fun game that’s perfect for 6-year-old girls.

You can purchase Hi Ho! Cherry-O here.

4. Game of Life Junior

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Game of Life Junior is a simplified version of the famous Game of Life board game.

Players travel around the board using cars of different colors, collecting stars when they visit sites or answer questions.

The first player to collect 10 stars is the winner.

As with a lot of games listed here, a small amount of adult assembly is required.

You can purchase Game of Life Junior here.

Best Board Games for 6-Year-Old Boys

As with the best games for girls category, any of the best board games for 6-year-olds would also be suitable for boys.

However, I’ve included several different games that would appeal to boys as a fun way to spend some play time.

BEST GAME FOR BOYS

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1. Scotland Yard Junior

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Scotland Yard Junior is a fun cooperative board game that would be enjoyable for many boys.

The game play centers on the City of London, with players trying to capture the master criminal.

One great feature of this game is that it’s never the same twice, unlike many other games. This makes it seems like a better value for the money.

You can purchase Scotland Yard Junior here.

2. Pop Up T-Rex

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: Fast (2-5 minutes)

Pop Up T-Rex is a cute game where kids take turns sliding colored bones in the crate containing the dinosaur.

No one knows which bone will cause the dinosaur to pop out and surprise the young players!

Several reviewers mentioned this is a good game to use with children in speech therapy.

Pop Up T-Rex is suitable for boys and girls but may be a better choice for boys who enjoy the dinosaur action.

You can purchase Pop Up T-Rex here.

3. Battleship

Age Range: 7+
Number of Players: 2
Play Time: 30 minutes

Battleship is another classic game that’s been around for many years and continues to be a favorite of many adults and kids.

Each of the two players places their ships and planes on a grid on their side of the game board out of view of their opponent.

Players then take turns guessing the location of the enemy ships, hoping to be first to sink all the opposing ships.

Although the Battleship box says it’s for ages 7+, many reviewers mention that their 6-year-old boy enjoys playing this game.

You can purchase Battleship here.

4. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2
Play Time: Fast (5 minutes)

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is a fast-paced game for two players. Each player operates a robot that fight against each other, trying to knock the other robot’s head off.

Boys in particular have a great time playing this game. A few reviewers reported the game seems a little flimsy, but overall kids seem to have a blast with this game.

Some adult assembly is required.

You can purchase Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots here.

Best Action Board Games for 6-Year-Olds

There are several really fun action games that would be perfect for a 6-year-old child. Here are my top recommendations.

BEST ACTION GAME

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1. Let’s Go Fishin’

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 1-4
Play Time: Fast (5 minutes)

Let’s Go Fishin’ is another entrant in the line of simple but active and fun games.

Although it’s simplicity may not appeal to older children, many 6-year-olds will find this an enjoyable way to spend some time.

This is a battery-operated game where players use fishing poles to catch as many fish as possible. If your child enjoys competitive games, this would be a good choice.

This game is also unique among in allowing for just one player. This would be a good choice for an only child or a child who enjoys playing alone.

You can purchase Let’s Go Fishin’ here.

2. Flushin’ Frenzy Overflow

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: Fast (5-10 minutes)

Flushin’ Frenzy Overflow probably takes the top award for most unusual board game!

The basic premise behind this game is that you have to unclog a toilet that’s clogged with, well… poop.

Players roll a die and then plunge the toilet the specified number of times. The toilet will randomly unclog and send rubber pieces of poop flying into the air. Players then gain points by grabbing the airborne pieces of poop.

Reviewers mention that this is a fun game with simple rules, although kids may not want to play it over and over once it loses it novelty.

But if you’re looking for a truly unique game that requires some level of hand-eye coordination, this may be the one!

You can purchase Flushin’ Frenzy Overlow here.

3. Hungry Hungry Hippos

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: Fast (5 minutes)

Hungry Hungry Hippos is another fast-action game that engages kids in a round of friendly competition

This is a battery-operated game where kids operate their hippo trying to grab as many marbles as possible.

As this game has the small pieces (balls) that are gobbled up by the hippos, it wouldn’t be the best choice for kids who put things in their mouths.

You can purchase Hungry Hungry Hippos here.

4. Mouse Trap

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 minutes

Mouse Trap is a classic board game that involves moving around the board finding and taking cheese from other players.

But making a wrong move can result in getting caught in the mouse trap!

Young kids really enjoy this game. It’s been endorsed by Mensa for Kids by promoting decision-making and learning cause-and-effect.

Adult assembly is required. Some parents reported that it takes quite a while to put all the game board pieces together, although the box now promises “easier set-up.”

You can purchase Mouse Trap here.

5. Shark Bite

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: Fast (5-10 minutes)

Shark Bite is another fun action game that would hold the attention of even restless 6-year-olds.

To play the game, sea creatures are placed into the shark’s mouth. Players then take turns rolling the die and trying to catch the creatures out of the shark without having his jaws close on them!

Shark Bite is a fast-moving game with an element of suspense that is enjoyed by younger kids.

You can purchase Shark Bite here.

Best Strategy Board Games for 6-Year-Olds

While strategy games are often thought as only suitable for older kids and adults, there are several really great games involving strategy that are perfect for a child in the 6-year-old age range.

BEST STRATEGY GAME

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1. Qwirkle

Age Range: 6+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Qwirkle is my top choice in the strategy game for 6-year-olds category.

Featuring colorful designs on wooden pieces, game play consists of matching tiles based on shape or color. Tiles are stored in the enclosed drawstring bag.

Kids can learn tactical and strategic thinking in planning ahead about where to place their tiles.

Qwirkle has won several awards, including Parents’ Choice Gold Award and Mensa Select Winner.

You can purchase Qwirkle here.

2. Sequence for Kids

Age Range: 3-6
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Sequence for Kids is a strategy board game with the unique feature of not requiring any reading.

Kids will enjoy the colorful game chips, cards and matching animal characters. There’s even a wild card to add an extra dimension to game play.

Sequence for Kids is not an overly complicated game and is an easy way to practice strategy in a fun environment.

You can purchase Sequence for Kids here.

3. Rubik’s Race

Age Range: 7+
Number of Players: 2
Play Time: Fast (5 minutes)

Rubik’s Race is one of the fastest strategy games, usually taking only about 5 minutes to play.

The game consists of colored tiles that each player maneuvers to try and match the tile pattern found on the tile scrambler.

Although the box indicates the age range of 7 and up, many reviewers said their 6-year-old was able to understand and enjoy Rubik’s Race.

You can purchase Rubik’s Race here.

4. Blokus Trigon

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 15-30 minutes

Blokus Trigon is another strategy game for kids where each player tries to place all of their colored game pieces on the game board without being blocked by other players.

Pieces must touch other pieces of the same color only at the corners, and the player with the lowest number of pieces at the end is the winner.

This is a fun and challenging game that would be fun for 6-year-olds.

You can purchase Blokus Trigon here.

5. Clue Junior

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-6
Play Time: 15-20 minutes

Clue Junior is the kids’ version of the famous Clue murder mystery board game.

Instead of murder, however, the junior version centers around a broken toy, trying to determine who broke it and at what time.

Clue Junior is a cute and non-threatening strategy game that’s perfect for kids who enjoy playing detective.

Some adult assembly is needed.

You can purchase Clue Junior here.

Educational Board Games for 6-Year-Olds

The final category of best board games for 6-year-olds is educational games.

These games are designed to not only be fun but also to have the common goal of teaching important skills such as reading and math.

BEST EDUCATIONAL GAME

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1. Scrabble Junior

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 minutes

Scrabble Junior is another kid-friendly version of a classic board game.

I have to say that the adult version of Scrabble is one of my all-time favorite games, so I’m thrilled to see this junior version available!

The kids’ version has a neat feature of a two-sided game board. One side has already-spelled words for younger kids while the flip side allows kids who have more reading ability to spell their own words.

Scrabble Junior is a really enjoyable educational game that’s highly recommended for 6 year olds.

You can purchase Scrabble Junior here.

2. Perfection

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 1+
Play Time: Very Fast (60 seconds)

Perfection is fast-moving game where kids have 60 seconds to place 25 geometric shapes into matching board holes.

The player who gets the most shapes placed before the timer goes off is the winner.

Perfection has received the Mensa for Kids endorsement as it teaches hand-eye coordination, focus, and shape recognition.

You can purchase Perfection here.

3. Zingo

Age Range: 4+
Number of Players: 2-6
Play Time: 15-20 minutes

Zingo is an educational Bingo-style game that fosters language and matching skills in young kids.

This game is suitable for prereaders as it contains both words and pictures that can be used for matching.

The player who is first to fill their card with matches is the winner.

Zingo has received the Parents’ Choice Recommendation. Several reviewers mention how the game pieces are very sturdy.

You can purchase Zingo here.

4. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel

Age Range: 3+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 10-15 minutes

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel has to be one of the very cutest educational games around!

Game play is very simple. Kids spin the spinner and then use the squirrel to place the matching acorn in the log.

This is a good game to teach fine motor skills and color matching.

While billed primarily as a preschool game, I think most 6-year-olds would also have fun playing The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel.

You can purchase The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel here.

5. Sum Swamp

Age Range: 5+
Number of Players: 2-4
Play Time: 10-15 minutes

Sum Swamp is a wonderful educational board game that’s perfect for 6-year-olds.

Kids will have a blast moving through the swamp while encountering swamp creatures and learning basic addition and subtraction skills.

Sum Swamp is an Oppenheim Best Toy award winner.

You can purchase Sum Swamp here.

Which of These Board Games for 6-Year-Olds are Best for Your Child?

Whether we’re parents, grandparents, or just want to share a fun game with our favorite 6-year-old, board games make a wonderful gift for birthdays or Christmas.

Many of us have fond memories of favorite games from our childhood and want to share the joy with our little ones.

Whether you’re looking for a game for a girl, a boy, or an educational or active board game that would be perfect for any child, I hope this collection is helpful to you in selecting a game or two for your child.