It’s almost March, and Spring Break is around the corner! ? We didn’t see it coming either. ? Not to worry! We’ve got some great board game suggestions to keep them busy during the school break! So, put the video games away, play outside, and when you come back in, give one of these games a try! They’re sure to keep the whole family engaged and entertained! ?
Carcassonne
Ages: 7+ / Player: 2–5 / Duration: 45–60 minutes
Carcassonne, the game that introduced the world to the term meeples, is the perfect introduction to the modern world of board games. With its simple rules, a game of Carcassonne is a little like a competitive puzzle. One of the first tile placement games and definitely the most successful, it is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the fun of board gaming. With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, this modern classic should be included on everyone’s Spring Break play list!
CATAN
Ages: 10+ / Players: 3–4 / Duration: 60–120 minutes
For many people, CATAN is synonymous with modern gaming. Featuring elements like resource collection, trading, involvement during other players’ turns, and no player elimination, CATAN has arguably been responsible for showing people the possibilities of what gaming could be. It’s a fun game to play and is a great way to introduce new players to the hobby. Definitely a great option for Spring Break!
Dixit
Ages: 8+ / Players: 3–8 / Duration: 30–45 minutes
Dixit is a classic, simple, lighthearted game of storytelling and guesswork. A beautiful game based on surreal-like art, imagination and communication, will engage the kids and will tap into their creative side, by encouraging them to think about how they share ideas. Dixit also features several expansions, as well as the recently released standalone game, Stella—Dixit Universe.
Cóatl
Ages: 10+ / Players: 1–4 / Duration: 30–45 minutes
Cóatl is a pattern building game, where players build Aztec snakes (Cóatl). These are created by connecting head, body, and tail pieces that satisfy the requirements of Prophecy cards. The choice of actions is simple, but players must find the best way to optimize their game turns. What’s more, the solo version has varying difficulty levels, allowing older kids to challenge themselves, while attempting to beat the game!
Unlock! Kid
Ages: 6+ / Players: 1–4 / Duration: 15–30 minutes
The escape room trend of has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment over the past few years. Following this trend, Unlock! by game publisher, Space Cowboys features a series of cooperative escape room-type games. To keep them challenged and entertained during Spring Break, we recommend Unlock! Kids, a game that will engage the same critical parts of their brains as an escape room. The game is comprised mainly of cards and unlike the “grownup” version does not require an app to play. Explore locations, spot objects, and combine them to solve puzzles together. What’s more, you can learn the rules without reading them. Simply play the tutorial and jump into the game! Your kids will thank you!
Spot it!
Ages: 6+ / Players: 2–8 / Duration: <15 minutes
Test your observational skills and hone your reflexes with the award-winning Spot it! Classic, a game of lightning-fast choices. With dozens of awards and possible versions, Spot it! has become a global phenomenon, that is sure to please the whole family, especially those kids who will be home during the break.
Splendor
Ages: 10+ / Players: 2–4 / Duration: 30–45 minutes
Splendor is an elegant and intuitive game in which players compete to build Renaissance Europe’s most lucrative and prestigious jewelry business. Collect jewels and vie for control of gem mines, trade routes and storefronts to attract the attention of various Nobles. Accumulate victory points as you race towards prestige and glory! With simple and easy-to-learn gameplay, Splendor is a great game for beginners and a perfect Spring Break activity for the whole family.
Rest assured that with these games, your kids won’t see the clock ticking … so much so that they’ll be clamoring for an extra week of vacation! Click here to find these games at a retail store near you!