Family-friendly games for all ages & abilities
Here's how to level up game night
As Canada’s Authority on Play, we’re thrilled to bring you a curated list of top family games to help kids practice following rules, understand good sportsmanship, develop strategic thinking skills, and of course, have lots of fun.
So how do we pick our top games? We couldn't be more proud to work with Curation Experts, like Tina Everitt, who ensures our stores carry a unique selection that not only bring kids joy, but help foster life skills too.
We can't reveal ALL our secrets in how we select our games, but here are three key areas we look for:
1. Does it build excitement?
2. Does it build social & cognitive skills?
3. Does it build a bond between players?
Here are our TOP TEN PICKS that have all three criteria at play.
Chutes and Ladders
Ladder up to great fun when you move up or chute down. This game is perfect for preschoolers since no reading is required.
Ages 3+
Hungry Hungry Hippos
The kids will have a ball while developing fine motor skills as they catch as many marbles as they can. No reading required.
Ages 4+
The Floor is Lava
Have we got a HOT idea to spark creativity and gross motor skills. Picture playing with imaginary lava! Giggling IS included with this hilarious family game.
Ages 5+
Sorry! Game
This fam fave is a fun game that relies on luck to chase, race, slide, and score to get all 4 pawns to be the first at home base. The winner will be not-so-sorry, after all.
Ages 6+
Jenga
Build on family bonding time & eye-hand coordination simultaneously as you build a block tower together and try not to topple it over!
How will you stack up?
Ages 6+
Throw Throw Burrito
This game is beyond fun for the tween and teen scene. Picture dodgeball and a card game all rolled into one. Literally.
Ages 7+
Clue
It's no mystery why Clue is a classic favourite. Solving cases and cracking codes will bring out detective skills in all problem-solvers at heart.
Ages 8+
MASTERMIND TOYS EXCLUSIVE
Upside Down Challenge Game
One pair of upside down goggles and 25 challenges sounds like absolute endless excitement to us.
Ages 8+
Catan
Trade. Build. Settle. It's no wonder why this game is an award-winner! Pre-teens and adults will love the strategy behind building cities & settlements.
Ages 10+
Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island does not forbid fun! Adventurers can't get enough of planning how to collect treasures and strategizing how to escape.
Ages 10+
Tina Everitt, Curation Expert at Mastermind Toys
We're proud to work with Curation Experts, like Tina, who ensure our stores carry games and books that help nurture key developmental skills for children of all ages and abilities while they have fun.
Written by Cathy Barbarossa, Senior Copywriter and Editor with contributions by Tina Everitt, Curation Expert at Mastermind Toys
OUR FAVOURITE PICKS FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT
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The autumn season is full of play possibilities!. Whether staying active outdoors or cozying up to a new book with a colour-changing mug of hot cocoa and just-baked cookies, fall fun is truly open-ended!
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