Best Board Games for Kids and Adults

The following are board games that I think would be fun for various age groups.  In each group, I list the games so that the best game (in my view) is at the top for that age group.  I would like to point out that all of the games below listed for kids are also very good games for adults except for Shoots and Ladders and Candy Land.

Ages 3 to 4

Busytown - I have not actually played this game, but it is so highly regarded on both Amazon and Boardgamegeek.com, that I had to put it at the top of my list.

Sorry Sliders - a fun and cheap dexterity game.

Candy Land & Shoots and Ladders - I put both of these games together because they are essentially the same thing.  You randomly move some number of spaces and something good or bad happens that you can't control.  While these games are not interesting for adults, I think they are good for young kids to help them count, and teach them colors.  Also, since they are 100% luck, they give your kids a legitimate way to win a game on their own.

Pitch Car - This is another dexterity game, and probably more fun than Sorry Sliders.  You get to build your track.  However, it is much more expensive.



Ages 5 to 6

King of Tokyo - Fun monster game with a lot of dice rolling.

Carcassonne - Tile placing game.  Works like a puzzle.  Most kids can understand easily, but don't play with farm rules for young kids (probably younger than 7).

Ticket to Ride - The train game.  Simple rules, but complex strategy.

Battle Cards - This is a card game that I invented.  You only need 2 decks of normal playing cards, although baseball cards work better.

Ages 7 and 8

Settlers of Catan - Great replay value.  Don't play with more than 4 players.

7 Wonders - More complicated.  A lot of fun.  Plays fast.  It can have up to 7 players and still play well.

Adults
If you are an adult and would like to get into board games, the following are the games I believe are the best for new players.

Ticket to Ride - The train game.  Simple rules, but complex strategy.  I love this game, but it can be cutthroat and intense.

Carcassonne - Tile placing game.  I recommend getting the Inns and Cathedrals expansion.  This is my wife's favorite game.  It is a combination of luck, skill, negotiation and betrayal.  Remember guys, whatever happens in the game, doesn't stay in the game.

Tichu - A moderately complex card game.  It is one of my favorite games of all time.  This is the most intense game I have ever played (Except for The Resistance perhaps).

Settlers of Catan - Great replay value.  Don't play with more than 4 players.

7 Wonders - More complicated.  A lot of fun.  Plays fast.  It can have up to 7 players and still play well.