Parlor games for children: becoming big in play

There is an abundance of toys, computer games and games that result from the imagination of children alone. But also Board games delight children of all ages still very popular. After all, children not only learn many social skills in joint board and card games, but also consistent action, tactics and motor skills. But what are the most popular games and for which age groups are they suitable?

The meaning of parlor games

Board games are not only fun regardless of age and number of players and are a great pastime, but also proven strengthen the family cohesion. Regular games evenings strengthen communication and everyday life within the family. Apart from that, parlor games have many positive effects on early childhood development, such as promoting concentration, skill or strategic thinking.

Furthermore, children also learn in the context of common games:

lose that
the binding nature of rules
Patience and enduring concentration
anticipatory planning and logical thinking
the use of motor skills
better assessment of the teammates

Many parents seem to be aware of these benefits, as board or family games are more popular than ever. According to game publisher e.V., in 2017 the games industry grew by more than 4 percent. Also at this year’s Toy Fair in Nuremberg new products from around 300 publishers will be presented.

Current trends in board games

Above all, there are two trends that are becoming increasingly popular and changing the game landscape.

On the one hand, these are games with novel digital components, also called hybrid games. In this type of board games, technical components are combined, for example, by adding an app to the game board. Although the combination of conventional games with digital additions is not completely new, the level of such games has improved dramatically in recent years. An example of this is the Untold series from Space Cowboys, an escape game that works only with App.

Another trend is the already mentioned escape games. These are the board game variant of the big Live Room Games, which are now available in many cities. This kind of game is about solving different puzzles in a group. Although this certainly strengthens the family cohesion particularly strong, but differs from classic variants of parlor games.

The most popular board games for children sorted by age group

Below is a selection of the most popular board games for the whole family following analysis by idealo for 2018.

Top 3 board games in the age group 3-6 years

Cockroach from Ravensburger
This entertaining game is suitable for 2-4 players and only takes about 20 minutes. The aim of the game is to lure five cockroaches into a trap first with an included cutlery.
SOS monkey alarm from Mattel
This 2-4 player game takes about 15 minutes and aims to pull as many poles as possible out of a palm without monkeys falling to the ground.
Blokus Classic by Mattel
This 20-minute game can be played by 2-4 players. The goal is to lay stones of each color so that in the end all the stones were consumed.

Top 3 board games in the age group 7-12 years

Uno Extreme by Mattel
This game is suitable for up to 10 players, takes about 20 minutes and wins the one who was the first to get rid of all the cards.
Games Azul by Plan B
This game lasts about 30 minutes longer and is suitable for 2-4 people. The aim of the game is to lay as many tiles as possible to earn points.
Skip-Bo by Mattel
This game has an average playing time of 30 minutes and can be played by 2 to 6 people. The winner of this card game classic is who can be the first to place the cards in the order of 1-12.

Top 3 board games for teens from 13 years

Plain text from Hasbro
In this game with any playing time is about to explain the player with a clip in his mouth as many terms that he should understand. For the game you have to be at least four.
Escape Room by Noris
This game is suitable for families with up to three children and lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. The goal of this escape game is to enter correct codes into the decoder in the given time by solving puzzles.
Nobody is perfect by Ravensburger
The game can be played with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 people and lasts between 15 and 60 minutes. This game is about typing the correct answer to difficult questions as often as possible or persuading the players of the right answer by persuasive power.

Depending on the age and personality of the child different board games are particularly good or less suitable. In addition to the fun component and the strength of cohesion in the selection of new board games can be paid attention to what characteristics and skills of children can be further promoted.

Playground 1: twelve games in a great children’s app game collection

Playground 1: Twelve games in a great children’s app game collection – now also for Andro > XXL Kids Games Collection for iPad , iPhone + Android +…
Playground 2: children’s play with 6 logic

Playground 2: Kids App with 6 Logic Games Long awaited and just released in the German AppStore: Playground HD 2 – a new children’s games collection by…
Rush hour app, ipad iphone app board games for kids – family

Rush Hour – Board game app for kids Family Shake hands, who does not know the parlor game Rush Hour, in which one has to drive a car out of an annoying…
Celebrate children ‘s birthday: great tips, ideas – games

The party guide Celebrate children’s birthday: Great tips, ideas Games for an unforgettable party Your own birthday is a great day for children – after…