· FitFab Momma · Activities · 5 min read
The Fit Fab Mom Holiday Guide Best Board Games for Big Kids & Families (Ages 6-10+)
This is that magic window, around age 6 to 9, where they're ready for real rules and actual strategy. My 6 and 9-year-olds *love* this group of games. They're also the perfect "bridge" games that are genuinely fun for the *whole family*—yes, even you!
Welcome to the “Big Kid” Table!
Last week, we covered all my favorite games for the 3-6 year old crowd—the ones that are perfect for teaching colors and taking turns.
But what happens when your kids are ready for more?
This is that magic window, around age 6 to 9, where they’re ready for real rules and actual strategy. My 6 and 9-year-olds love this group of games. They’re also the perfect “bridge” games that are genuinely fun for the whole family—yes, even you!
If you’re looking for a gift that will get everyone off their screens and laughing around the same table, this is the list.
The “I’m a Big Kid Now” List (Ages 6-9)
These games are the perfect step up from the “little kid” shelf. They have real rules and goals, but are simple enough that kids can grasp them (and win!) without frustration.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey 
This is the absolute best introduction to the “big” Ticket to Ride. The rules are simplified (you just need one card to claim a route), and the routes are shorter. My 6 and 9-year-olds love the feeling of completing their routes and winning, and it’s a fantastic introduction to basic U.S. geography and strategy.
Our Fave: Catan Jr. 
This does a fantastic job of capturing the “trade and build” fun of the original Catan, but simplifies it perfectly. You’re building pirate lairs instead of settlements and trading resources like “molasses” and “wood.” It’s a huge hit and teaches the basics of resource management in a really fun way.
Our Fave: The Cranium ‘Kid’ Series 
We are big fans of the Cranium brand, and these kid-focused games are fantastic. Cranium Cadoo is a get-up-and-move “sculpt, act, and draw” game that’s a blast. The Cranium Big Brain Detective Game is another favorite; it’s a cooperative mystery game that has you all working together to solve puzzles.
Find Big Brain Detective Game at bestbuy!
Our Fave: The ‘Brains’ Logic Puzzles
These are a bit different, and we love them! They’re great logic puzzles that can be played in a groupe or alone. Games like Brains: Family or Brains: Castles & Dragons come with a set of puzzle cards and wooden pieces. It’s a fantastic quiet-time activity that really builds spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
The “Whole Family” All-Stars (Ages 8-10+)
These are the games that live in the “sweet spot.” They are easy enough for older kids to master but have enough depth and strategy that adults will be just as engaged. These are our go-to’s for a full family game night.
Our Fave: Cranium (The Classic) 
An oldie but a goodie! This is the ultimate holiday party game, especially with a multi-generational crowd. You have to sculpt, act, draw, and answer trivia. It gets everyone laughing and allows different people to use their unique skills.
The Timeless Classics: Clue, Mancala & Othello 
You just can’t go wrong here. Clue is the original “whodunit” mystery and it’s still one of the most-requested games in our house. Mancala and Othello are both perfect, quick 2-player games that are all about strategy. A minute to learn, a lifetime to master! All three are must-haves for a good game closet.
Ticket to Ride (The Full Version) 
Once your kids have mastered First Journey, this is the next step and a game you will play for years. It’s a classic for a reason. The goal is the same—build train routes—but now the map is bigger, the routes are secret, and the strategy is deeper.
King of Tokyo
This is pure, dice-rolling fun. You play as giant monsters (think Godzilla) trying to take control of Tokyo. Kids love the chunky dice and the “king of the hill” battling. It’s fast, silly, and has just the right amount of “take that!”
The Ultimate Co-op Challenge: The EXIT Games 
If you have older kids (9+) and want a real team challenge, this is it. These are “escape rooms in a box.” You all work together to solve a series of riddles and puzzles. Heads up: These are a one-time-use game (you often have to write on or cut up the materials), but it makes for an epic family night.
Quacks of Quedlinburg 
This is a super-fun “push-your-luck” game where you pull ingredients from a bag to brew potions. The more you pull, the bigger your payout… but pull one too many, and your pot explodes! It’s got a great catch-up mechanic so no one ever feels too far behind. Get Quacks on Amazon
What are your family’s go-to games for older kids? I’m always looking for new ones!
And don’t forget to check out the last post in this series, coming soon: The “Best Stocking Stuffer” Guide—all our favorite card games and small-box fun!
