Top 10 Educational Board Games for Kids Aged 6 to 9

When Learning Feels Like Play

If you're a parent of a 6- to 9-year-old, chances are you've had at least one tear-filled evening trying to push through a worksheet or spelling list. At this age, kids crave freedom and connection, not drills. The good news? Learning doesn't have to feel like school. With the right board games, your child can strengthen core skills like reading, math, and problem-solving—all while genuinely having fun with you.

Why Educational Games Work

When children play, their brains light up in fascinating ways. Play fosters executive function, focus, social-emotional awareness, and higher-level thinking—all without the pressure of traditional schoolwork. Educational board games tap into a child's curiosity and competitive spirit while creating shared joyful experiences. Importantly, they're also a wonderful break from screens and overscheduling.

For families navigating the challenges of learning differences or school anxieties, games allow for progress without pressure. If your child struggles with losing, you're not alone. We've written about how to create a calm and playful home atmosphere when your child loses and why losing can actually help them grow.

Top 10 Educational Board Games for 6–9 Year Olds

Here are ten beloved games we recommend not just for their fun factor, but for their ability to reinforce key learning skills while building confidence and connection.

1. Outfoxed!

This cooperative mystery-solving game brings deduction, memory, and collaboration front and center. Children act like detectives, gathering clues and using logic to figure out who the fox thief is. Ideal for kids who might need support with attention or who prefer working as a team rather than competing.

2. Sum Swamp

Math facts don't have to be a struggle. This adventure-themed game sneaks in addition and subtraction practice in a playful and low-pressure environment. Perfect for kids who benefit from repetition and movement—plus, it's simple enough for younger siblings to join in.

3. Zingo!

A fast-paced game that builds reading and vocabulary skills through picture-word matching. If your child is just beginning to read or needs confidence-building reinforcement, Zingo! delivers just the right mix of excitement and learning.

4. Dragonwood

This chance-based adventure game uses dice and critical thinking to let kids create strategic plays. While battling mythical beasts, players build patterns and sequences—teaching them probability and long-term planning.

5. Robot Turtles

Designed to teach kids the basics of coding without a screen, Robot Turtles uses directional commands and logic pathways. It builds essential computational thinking in a hands-on, hilarious way—even for kids who say, “I hate math.”

6. Race to the Treasure!

Another wonderful cooperative option, Race to the Treasure! builds grid navigation and decision-making. Kids work together to build paths and collect keys before the ogre beats them to the treasure. This is great for children still learning flexibility and how to manage frustration when plans don't pan out.

7. Story Cubes

Promote narrative thinking, imagination, and literacy with this deceptively simple dice game. Roll a few cubes, and whatever pictures land face-up must be incorporated into a story. It’s portable, open-ended, and can even be used during dinner to jumpstart storytelling habits at home.

8. Math Dice Jr.

If mental math is a hurdle for your child, Math Dice Jr. can make practicing number bonds more engaging. Rolling the dice into a target number helps kids visualize equations rather than relying on rote memorization—which is especially helpful for visual learners.

9. Guess Who?

Though not designed as an educational game, Guess Who? sharpens classification, deduction, and language skills. Kids learn to ask more precise questions and pay close attention to details, all in a game that rarely gets old.

10. BrainBox: The World

This memory-based trivia game encourages observation and recall, two pillars of academic success. Categories like geography, science, and art make it age-appropriate yet still intellectually enriching.

Using Games to Build Confidence, Not Just Skills

It’s worth remembering: The goal isn’t just academics. These games foster patience, turn-taking, resilience, and emotional regulation. Sometimes, play reveals bigger emotional needs, like a deep sensitivity to losing or a desire to feel competent. Using board games thoughtfully can support your child’s emotional growth as much as their mental one.

For young kids working through perfectionism or frustration, start with cooperative games—you're all on the same team. Over time, you can introduce games with a small competitive edge (like Zingo! or Race to the Treasure!) and model gracious winning and losing.

When You Need a Quieter Option

Sometimes, your child is simply wiped out. Not in the mood to read, play, or even talk. If that's the case, a well-told audio story can be a gentle way to wind down while still feeding the imagination. The iOS or Android version of LISN Kids offers a curated collection of original audiobooks and episodic audio dramas for children aged 3–12, helping bring calm and wonder into your child's day. Whether during independent play or right before bed, it's a lovely option to mix learning with rest.

Final Thoughts

Every family is different, and every child will respond to different types of games. But if you're feeling stuck in homework battles or want to introduce more meaningful connection at home, board games offer a powerful, joyful alternative to traditional learning. You don't need to be a teacher. You just need to be willing to show up, play, and laugh a little more together.

And if you're still exploring options for your younger child, you may enjoy our guide to best board games for 3-year-olds or find easy, laughter-filled picks in fun family games for 5-year-olds.