Board Games for 10 Year Olds: Top Picks for Fun and Strategy

When it comes to quality family time, board games reign supreme. And for parents of 10 year olds, finding the perfect board game can be a challenge. But fear not, because we have compiled a list of our top picks for board games that are sure to delight and engage 10 year olds. From strategy-based games like Santorini and Azul, to classics like Pay Day and Parcheesi, there’s something for every kind of player. And for those looking for a more unique gaming experience, Trekking The National Parks and King of Tokyo New Edition offer exciting gameplay with stunning visuals. Keep reading to learn more about each game and discover which one will become your new family favorite.

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice for board games for 10 year olds is the Azul Strategy Mosaic-Tile Placement Game . The combination of strategic gameplay and visually stunning aesthetics make for an exciting and engaging experience. With a randomized setup and drafting gameplay, it offers endless replayability. It’s suitable for 2-4 players and aged 8 and up. A 30-45 minute average playtime makes it perfect for family game night. A runner-up option would be the Parcheesi Royal Edition, which is a classic game of chase, race, and capture, but it may not offer the same level of strategic depth as Azul.

How We Are Rating These Products:

1) 🎲 GAMEPLAY MECHANICS: Evaluation of the game’s rules, mechanics, and how they are executed in gameplay.
2) 💡 STRATEGIC DEPTH: Evaluation of the level of strategy required to play the game and the depth of choices available to players.
3) 🎯 OBJECTIVES AND WINNING CONDITIONS: Evaluation of the game’s objectives and how they are achieved, as well as the winning conditions and how they impact play.
4) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 PLAYER INTERACTION: Evaluation of the level of social interaction and engagement between players during the game.
5) 🎨 ART AND THEME: Evaluation of the visual and thematic design of the game, including components, artwork, and overall aesthetic.

Board games for 10-year-olds are perfect for family game night or hanging out with friends. Consider the number of players each game requires, as well as their average playtime. Are the games competitive or cooperative? Also, think about the game’s mechanics and whether they require strategy, luck, or both. Some games involve building and constructing, while others focus on trading and collecting resources. Don’t forget to check out the game’s theme and artwork – do they appeal to your personal taste or interests? In addition, consider how easy it is to learn and whether it comes with clear instructions. These factors will help determine which game is the best fit for you and your family.

Additional Criteria:

• Number of Players – The number of players a board game is designed for
• Age Range – The age group for whom the game is suitable
• Average Playtime – The amount of time it takes to complete a game on average
• Game Mechanics – The underlying system or structure of the game, such as tile placement, strategy, or luck-based mechanics

Option #1. Parcheesi Royal Edition 

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Introducing the Royal Edition of the beloved board game, Parcheesi. Designed for 2-4 players aged 8 and up, the game contains the board, 8 dice, 4 individual dice cups, 16 plastic pawns, and instructions to help achieve a memorable experience.

It is worth noting that the plastic pawns, while keeping costs low, may not be sturdy during the game, causing blockades and capture. This could have been avoided if wooden pawns were used.

Apart from this, Parcheesi Royal Edition  is a fantastic game that can be enjoyed with family and friends alike. With its timeless aesthetic, it’s easy to teach children, though it is a bit complex, requiring time to learn all the rules.

This board game offers an engaging activity for kids and is perfect for family game nights. It can enhance strategic and logical thinking, as well as social skills. Overall, Parcheesi Royal Edition is a valuable addition to any board game collection.

Pros:

• The game encourages social interaction and family bonding.
• A great way to enhance strategic and logical thinking skills.
• The Royal Edition features a timeless aesthetic and is easy to teach.
• Perfect for family game nights.

Cons:

• Plastic pawns, while cost-effective, may not be as sturdy as wooden pawns.
• The game is a bit complex and requires time to learn all the rules.

Option #2. Pay Day Classic Edition Board Game 

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Introducing Pay Day Classic Edition Board Game , the board game of choice for families with kids 7 and above! Initially released in 1975, this particular board game encourages social interaction and allows for both kids and parents to be at equal levels. The game may take as little as 15 minutes to finish with a quick two-lap round, making it perfect for busy families. The objective of the game is to end up with the most money, with players able to make deals on property and gain money as they play along. However, there have been some customer feedback that the raised money values in the updated version could potentially confuse younger children who serve as the banker. Despite this, Pay Day Classic Edition still offers a family-friendly game that guarantees hours of fun!

Pros:

• Encourages social interaction among family members.
• Perfect for busy families with quick game rounds that last only 15 minutes.
• Allows for equal levels of play between kids and parents.
• Offers hours of family-friendly fun.

Cons:

• The raised money values in the updated version of the game could potentially be confusing for younger children who serve as the banker.

Option #3. Santorini Strategy Family Board Game 

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Santorini Strategy Family Board Game  is an essential addition to your family’s game night. This stunningly designed 3D game is ideal for 2-4 players aged 8+, and it is set on the mesmerizing and mythical Greek island of Santorini. The game captures the essence of Greek mythology, and it presents players with the challenge of constructing, obstructing, and scaling their way to the top of a three-story building with the use of builder pieces and the ability to move one space in any direction.

Santorini is a game that is both intellectually stimulating and exhilarating, offering players boundless strategic potential. Each player is dealt a God Card, which serves as a tool for strategic advancement and is perfect for developing critical and imaginative thinking skills. However, the game becomes progressively more challenging with the introduction of additional abilities via “god” cards.

Experience the game’s infinite replay value, which is perfect for both adults and children. The game board and building blocks are breathtaking, reminiscent of the beautiful and classic architecture of the Greek Islands, and the plastic pieces are long-lasting. The artwork boasts a youthful chibi style adding to the charm of the game.

The only downside may be that the game does not include a decorative water board and the changes in the cardstock from the original release. While younger children may find the game complex, it has the potential to be used as a strategy game to engage them, and it is enjoyed by adults as well. The Santorini board game is an excellent contribution to your gaming collection, and it comes with my highest recommendation!

Pros:

• Stunning 3D design inspired by Greek architecture
• God Cards add strategic potential and develop critical thinking skills
• Infinite replay value for both adults and children
• Long-lasting plastic pieces

Cons:

• No decorative water board included
• Changes in cardstock from original release
• May be too complex for younger children
• Becomes progressively more challenging with additional abilities via “god” cards.

Option #4. Azul Strategy Mosaic-Tile Placement Game 

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If you’re in search of a lively family game night experience with a bit of depth, look no further than the Azul Strategy Mosaic-Tile Placement Game ! Competing for the highest score, players of this tile-placement game must create beautiful tiled mosaics by claiming tiles and arranging them on their board to accumulate points. While the game is straightforward to learn, taking tiles that can’t be utilized results in penalties, and each tile you take affects the choices available to your opponents. Although the game is restricted to 4 players, Azul’s easy-to-teach and play design makes it a fantastic party game, particularly for those new to board gaming. With striking art, concise graphic design, and vibrant resin tile pieces, the game is both visually stunning and immersive. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gamer, you’ll appreciate this game that’s ideal for family gatherings and gaming enthusiasts alike!

Pros:

• Easy-to-learn gameplay that’s great for family game nights and parties.
• Visually stunning and immersive with striking art and vibrant resin tiles.
• Gameplay has depth and strategy that keeps it engaging for experienced gamers.
• Excellent quality components make for a satisfying tactile experience.

Cons:

• Limited to four players, which may not be ideal for larger gatherings.
• Penalties for taking tiles that can’t be utilized can be frustrating for new players.
• Limited replayability since the tiles’ placement remains the same every game.
• Some gamers may find the gameplay too simple and lacking in complexity.

Option #5. Calliope Tsuro The Game of The Path 

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The Calliope Tsuro Game of The Path is an impressive board game that’s great for families of 2-8 players aged 8 or above. Recognized for its excellence, it is enjoyable regardless of skill level and simple to pick up. As a light and amusing strategy game, it challenges players to complete paths to achieve victory with altering boards, guaranteeing a unique experience every time for both kids and adults. Although the game proves challenging, younger children may encounter difficulty as the game pieces are easy to move accidentally. However, the game’s replay value is outstanding since the maze continually grows with each round, and the strategy becomes more complex. It’s perfect for parties and game nights since the play time is only 15-20 minutes. In summary, visually stunning and delightful Calliope Tsuro The Game of The Path  is a game for families that provides a great time together.

Pros:

• Can be played by 2-8 players aged 8 or above
• Simple to pick up and enjoyable regardless of skill level
• Challenges players to complete paths with altering boards, guaranteeing a unique experience every time for both kids and adults
• Perfect for parties and game nights since the play time is only 15-20 minutes

Cons:

• Younger children may encounter difficulty as the game pieces are easy to move accidentally
• The game proves challenging, which may not be appealing to some players
• The game may become repetitive after multiple plays due to the limited board variations
• The game may not be as engaging for players who prefer more complex strategy games.

Option #6. Hacker Cybersecurity Coding Game 

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Families from all over the world rely on Think Fun for their intellectual and analytical games, and the Hacker Cybersecurity Coding Game  is no exception. Ideal for individuals aged 10 and above, this STEM product educates players about coding principles, reasoning, and planning while also delivering a playful, inconspicuous learning experience. In addition to the game board and challenge booklet, the game comes with a control panel and several other elements. However, the game is color-coordinated, so individuals who are colorblind might have trouble participating. While some clients find the game too daunting, they acknowledge its value in improving logical reasoning. As a result, it is an excellent present alternative for young people who are interested in programming and logical brainteasers.

Pros:

• Provides an inconspicuous learning experience
• Educates players about coding principles, reasoning, and planning
• Comes with a control panel and several other elements
• Improves logical reasoning

Cons:

• Color-coordinated game may be difficult for individuals who are colorblind
• Some clients find the game too daunting

Option #7. Century: Spice Road 

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Allow us to introduce Century: Spice Road , the captivating board game made for players 8 years and older. Part of the widely popular Century series and designed by the eminent Emerson Matsu chi, it boasts an effortless yet refined game mechanics fused with a sprinkle of deck building system, giving players a plethora of strategies to explore and decisions to make. Despite its ease in learning, deep strategic players will find Century: Spice Road captivating due to the various trading systems and routes portrayed in the era of the 15th to 17th centuries. Thanks to the beautiful artwork by Fernanda Suárez and ingenious gameplay, this game will not only get your attention, but make you want to come back for more. Be advised, the original setup can be intricate and sometimes there may be language barriers. Despite the possible challenges, Century: Spice Road is an exceptional game filled with infinite potential and strategy that is perfect for friends or family game night.

Pros:

• Easy to learn gameplay with refined mechanics.
• Provides various trading systems and routes for deep strategy.
• Beautiful artwork by Fernanda Suárez.
• Captivating gameplay that makes you want to come back for more.

Cons:

• Original setup can be intricate.
• Possible language barriers for some players.
• Requires a minimum age of 8 years old.
• May not be suitable for those who prefer more complex games.

Option #8. Think Fun Laser Maze Brain Game 

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Are you seeking to stimulate your child’s intellect? Perhaps the Think Fun Laser Maze Brain Game  is an ideal selection. This classic game has been sold in abundance, surpassing 50 million globally. The game has 60 challenges that gradually increase in complexity, ranging from novice to skilled. The set is inclusive of a genuine class 1 laser, mirrors and beam-splitters to flex and direct the laser beam for illuminating the targets. While the instructions are straightforward and easily learned, it does necessitate some premeditation and reasonable rationale. Nonetheless, at times, it may cause frustration due to unsteady connections and occasional piece dislodgment. Overall, the Think Fun Laser Maze Brain Game can provide a fun and entertaining STEM experience for children intrigued by intellectual games and mentally challenging activities.

Pros:

• Over 50 million units sold worldwide.
• Includes 60 challenges with increasing levels of complexity.
• Comes with a class 1 laser, mirrors, and beam-splitters.
• Aids in stimulating a child’s intellect.

Cons:

• May cause frustration due to unsteady connections and occasional piece dislodgment.
• Requires premeditation and reasonable rationale.
• May not be suitable for children who are not intrigued by intellectual games or mentally challenging activities.

Option #9. Splendor Family Board Game 

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Are you looking for a rapid and amusing tactical game for your upcoming family game night? The Splendor Family Board Game  may be just what you need! This game centers on constructing your very own jewelry enterprise, as well as rivaling other players for the acquisition of mines, modes of transportation, and even courting nobles. With an average playtime that clocks in at just 30 minutes and is ideal for children 10 years old and up, this game guarantees endless entertainment for everyone. Nonetheless, the game may have some drawbacks, just like any other game. Some players may express that the game lacks variety over time, although the cards and victory point tiles appear quite randomly. Furthermore, those with vision difficulties may have difficulty distinguishing between the blue and green chips. Despite these small obstacles, Splendor’s replay value and swift gameplay make it an excellent investment for any game library.

Pros:

• Suitable for family game nights
• Quick and easy gameplay, only 30 minutes on average
• Ideal for children 10 years old and up
• Involves constructing your own jewelry enterprise
• Competitive gameplay with the acquisition of mines, modes of transportation, and courting nobles

Cons:

• May lack variety over time
• Cards and victory point tiles appear quite randomly
• Blue and green chips may be difficult for those with vision difficulties to distinguish
• Limited replay value

Option #10. Trekking The National Parks Board Game 

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The National Parks Board Game, Trekking, provides a fun-filled night with loved ones. This incredibly popular game caters to individuals interested in outdoor activities, board games, and those looking for great gift ideas at all ages! The creators, a family enthused with national parks, offers an enjoyable and educational experience. The game strategies may not pose much of a challenge, though different approaches keep the game lively. The game board and pieces boast high-quality. Though, the game may be too intricate for younger children to understand. This game brings families together to discuss treasured parks and inspires them to manifest future explorations. This game is perfect for homeschoolers seeking knowledge on geography, park history, maps, and national parks. Without doubt, the Trekking The National Parks Board Game  is a definite must-have for those seeking fun board games with an appreciation for nature.

Option #11. King of Tokyo New Edition 

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Are you on the hunt for a lively and thrilling board game that’s perfect for kids aged 10 and up? Your search ends right here with the King of Tokyo New Edition  from IELLO! With Regis Torres’ fresh artwork and simplified rules and card text, this game offers a revamped and elevated gaming adventure. This fast-paced board game accommodates 2-6 players and lasts for 30 minutes, and lets you play as mutant monsters, rampaging robots, or abominable aliens. Although King of Tokyo has plenty of benefits, including its exhilarating gameplay and entertaining atmosphere, it’s worth noting that it might not be suitable for those who aren’t fond of competitive games. All in all, King of Tokyo is a sensational game that will make any family game night or board game session even more fun and engrossing.

Pros:

• Fresh artwork and simplified rules and card text offers a revamped and elevated game experience
• Fast-paced gameplay accommodates 2-6 players for 30 minutes of thrilling fun
• Allows players to portray mutant monsters, rampaging robots or abominable aliens, adding versatility to the gameplay
• Creates an entertaining atmosphere perfect for a family game night or board game session

Cons:

• Might not be suitable for those who aren’t fans of competitive games, as it is a lively and thrilling game that could create a competitive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Board games for 10-year-olds are a great way to get kids off their devices and interacting with friends and family. From classic games like Parcheesi and Pay Day to modern strategy games like Santorini and Azul, these games offer hours of fun and a chance to develop strategic thinking skills. When introducing your children to these games, it’s important to remember to keep it light and fun. Always encourage them to play fairly and be a good sport, and avoid monopolizing the game. Most importantly, just have fun! Thank you for taking the time to read about these amazing board games. Happy playing!

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