As your children get older, it becomes slightly more difficult to figure out which games to invest in. Will my child enjoy it? Is it a popular game? Will it develop my child’s skills?
So many questions pop into mind whilst we do our research and decide which games to gift our little ones. You want them to be played with, enjoyed and at the same time benefit.
This article has complied a list of popular games that will not only develop your 7 year old’s skills but also be fun to play with.
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The Floor Is Lava
This game is great for those wet raining days when the kids are stuck indoors and they need some exercise done for the day. It involves lots of jumping, leaping and balancing! Look out for the challenges on the question tile!
Scavenger Hunt
This game is great for all seasons, as it covers both outdoor and indoor items to search for. This particular version comes with walkie talkies to get the children really into it!
It’s particularly popular with children who enjoy spy games. Develop cognitive skills as well as your teamwork and observation skills.
Magnatiles
The original 3D magnetic tiles are ideal for developing your child’s imaginative playing skills. The endless possibilities there are to create and build.
This STEM game is known to develop children’s mathematical skills, spatial skills and science skills. It is also durable, like lego and can be played with across several age groups.
Lego
Lego is one of the most versatile toys for children out there. You can extract hours of endless fun from a single set of lego. It is unto the discretion of the child if they wish to follow the book to build or use their own imagination to build something themselves.
Building Blocks
Blocks are another example of a versatile toy for all ages. It develops fine motor skills as well as hand eye co ordination, whilst also promoting creativity.
Taco vs Burrito
This card game will develop your child’s strategic skills whilst also providing plenty of fun. It is quick to learn how to play and children can understand the rules pretty easily.
Each game runs for approximately 15 minutes and up to 4 players can play it. It may be necessary to point out here, whilst some parents may find the ingredients funny, others may find it inappropriate.
Labyrinth
This board game is extremely popular with children and adults, making it a great family game. Up to four players can get involved and each game will take around 20-30 minutes.
Being a maze game, it promotes strategic play as well as critical thinking skills. Even though it has a simple concept, it is a challenging game which teaches cause and effect.
Guess Who
This game develops your child’s logical thinking skills whilst keeping them busy. By asking questions, the players learn how to eliminate. 2 players can play at a time and each round of game takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Connect 4
This classic game is an all time favorite. 2 players play a round which lasts approximately 10 minutes. The rule are easy to learn therefore a fun option for young children. It also develops problem solving skills since players have to plan their next move.
Mastermind for Kids
This codebreaking board game is an easier version of its adult counterpart. As there are three levels of play, it suits all skill levels from the youngest players. Players use their problem solving skills to crack the codes and find the clues.
Catan Junior
This is the shortened version of the popular game, ideal for young children, taking up to 30 minutes. This game will develop your child’s strategic skills. It’s a perfect board game for family night games, as adults can get involved too.
Blokus
Another family strategy game, ideal for those wet winter weekends at home. There are 21 pieces on the board, and each piece must touch the other piece but only the corners.
It requires problem solving, thereby developing your child’s cognitive skills. It’s also easy to learn and play, saving time for parents. It promotes brain activity, thereby making it a great option for parents to choose from.
Guess in 10
This card game offers children the opportunity to learn whilst having fun. You have the option of 50 cards with different animals, and clue cards. You have to ask strategic questions to help your opponent guess the animal. It makes a great travel game as well as boosting memory.
Battleship for kids
Another travel friendly classic game that’s a favorite. It’s loved by both children and adults because of its realistic designs and details. This game provides excitement and suspense – allowing the children to develop planning skills that are used to destroy their opponent.
Hedbanz
This family guessing game is simple but fun to play. There are 69 picture cards that you can choose from, providing sample question cards to help young ones.
It is a fast paced game, therefore limiting the chances of your little ones getting board. Not only does this game improve communication skills, but also deductive reasoning. Parents have also suggested it is a great game to improve speech and is often used by speech therapists.
Sequence for kids
This game comes with two decks of playing cards, and a folding game board. It is one of the rare board games that allow up to 12 participants, making it an ideal family get together board game.
It is also ideal for developing STEM skills from an early age. It is also known for improving focus in children, which is particularly useful for children who may have ADHD.
Scrabble Junior
This game has two levels, making it easier for the younger players where all they have to do is match the letters to the words. This game will develop the players’ vocabularly skills, particuarly reading and spelling. It is also a game that grows with the child, as the complexity of the words can increase with age.
The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel
Your 7 year old can get their younger siblings involved with this one, as it is also suitable for preschoolers. This game develops social and emotional skills, as well as hand eye co ordination and one motor skills. It is easy set up and learn how to play.
Pete The Cat
This board game is inspired by a famous book series, so if your little one is a fan of them then this is the game to buy for them! Although it is suitable for pre schoolers, older children can get a lot of out of it too.
This game develops strategic thinking and problem solving skills, as players have to find a way to get the missing cupcakes back from the grumpy toad. It also develops good team working skills, and social skills.
Don’t Rock The Boat
This is a balancing game, which requires the players to apply deep concentration during the game. The pieces are required to be placed with delicacy and precision.
Whoever fails to balance the boat accurately, loses the game. It provides adequate level of challenge for the players whilst also being educational.
Dragon Adventure
Up to four players can play this board game. It promotes creativity and develops imaginative skills. It is also educational since it requires players to use mathematical skills.
The aim is to become the hero and convince the drain to relight the marshmallow fire. It is easy to learn and play al though may be difficult to follow for the more younger players.
Ticket to Ride First Journey
This game takes up to 30 minutes to complete and promotes strategic thinking. It is easy to learn and play. It is fun for the children as it involves geography, with names of detinations on the maps. If you feel the concept might be a little complicated for your little one, you may want to wait until they are 7 and older.
Five Second Rule Junior
This game contains silly nonsensical questions for younger children, the aim is to get as many correct in five seconds. The aim is to have fun and since it is a timed game, they’ll be lots of squeal and laughter!
Clue Junior
The junior version of this classic board game is a must have in your home for game night. However, if you feel your child is ready then you can purchase the normal adult version which is for ages 8 and above. This board game also promotes strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
Conclusion
In summary, discussed in this article were 24 different ways in which you can keep your little ones entertained at home. Every game mentioned develops a skill, whilst also entertaining the children. So don’t waste time and purchase some board games for your next family game night!
