Quick and simple board games for kids

[Bonesofache]

My kids (8 and 10) enjoy playing games but none of us have the patience (or ability, it seems!) to get our heads around lengthy or complicated instructions. We enjoy Connect 4, Frustration, Dobble etc. Any recommendations for these type of simple and quick games?

When we've tried other board game recommendations such as Catan, we're immediately put off by trying to absorb the instructions and by the time we are ready to play the mood has gone.

I guess I am looking for something inbetween the very basic snakes and ladders and the more involved Ticket To Ride. I have just bought Cluedo and Game of Life so will give those a go. Thanks!

Oh wow, I didn't expect so many replies so quickly. Thank you! I will take a look at them all and watch some You Tube videos to get a better idea of how they are played. One of my children is significantly dyslexic too, which means games that rely on reading/writing/memory aren't fun for them, so I'll need to sift those out. Thanks again!

My lo started playing ticket to ride at just turned 6 and loves it.
I wonder if you'd be better taking the approach of you getting to grips with the rules before starting the game?

Labyrinth is good for very simple rules but not boring or repetitive to play.

Carcassonne, but to begin with play without farmers/ fields to make it simpler. Then add that in once you've played a few games.

We just discovered Outfoxed. Simple, fast, and really fun!

This thread had some good ideas

Fantastic family game for small children www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/4416441-fantastic-family-game-for-small-children

Tri-ominos, (Domino’s but 3 sided) go fish is a good card game.

I am not a board games person, but DH is. He plays the following with our children (6, 8 and 10):

• Outfoxed


• Labyrinth


• Exploding Kittens


• Castle Panic


• Cluedo


• Hogwarts Battle (though you need to have read the books, there are 7 different levels so it grows with you)

Just coming back with an update of sorts, as we've just returned from holiday where we had a good opportunity to try out some of the new games. Card games worked well as we had limited packing space. Uno, Old Maid and Go Fish went down well. I got Exploding Kittens but didn't get a chance to play it. We also liked Pass The Pigs.

Banana grams is a good one
Exploding kittens
Avocado throwing game

Tsuro is easy to play and great fun!